Cover Story
2013 Public Officials of the Year
BY News Staff
These nine officials have demonstrated the true power of public service.
FEATURES
Infrastructure & Environment
Is the Big Buildup of Chicago’s Infrastructure Bank Justified?
Chicago’s infrastructure bank has been hailed as an innovative new financing model that could revolutionize the way cities build new projects and manage risk. If only it could get off the ground.
BY Ryan Holeywell
Politics & Elections
But What Did Cory Booker Actually Accomplish in Newark?
He promised to rescue his troubled city as mayor. Did he deliver?
BY J.B. Wogan
Management & Labor
The Public Employee 'Silver Tsunami' Looms for Governments
The long-anticipated wave of government worker retirements was delayed by the recession. But now, some agencies report signs it's starting to begin.
BY Mike Maciag
POLITICS + POLICY
Management & Labor
Was the Shutdown Bad Advertising for Working in Government?
Are the bad vibes at the federal level encouraging more interest at the lower levels – or is it bad advertising all around for the public sector?
BY Liz Farmer
Urban
In Blight Fight, Philadelphia May Be Biggest City to Create a Land Bank
Land bank programs have become a popular way for cities to acquire abandoned property and do something productive with it.
BY Ryan Holeywell
Politics & Elections
Boston Mayor Blogs His Way Out of Office
Outgoing Mayor Tom Menino, who was in office for 20 years, has launched what may be the first-ever transition blog to help his successor succeed.
BY Tod Newcombe
Finance
California’s Youngest City May Be the Nation’s Shortest-Lived
Jurupa Valley is at risk of insolvency. But unlike many cities, its fiscal problems really aren't its fault.
BY
Politics & Elections
Houston Voters Reject Rehabilitation of Astrodome
The decision likely means the structure -- once home to the Oilers and Astros and touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World -- will be demolished.
BY Ryan Holeywell
Assessments
Tax Amnesty: A Short-Term Solution with Long-Term Problems
Nearly every state has at some point offered forgiveness to tax evaders. While it raises revenue quickly, it sends the wrong message to taxpayers.
BY
Dispatch
This Is the Future of Radio.
The FCC wants to modernize AM radio, which has lost listeners in recent years. Can it work?
BY Louis Jacobson
Washington Watch
Angry About Partisan Gridlock in Washington? Blame the States.
By using redistricting to protect incumbents and reduce the number of truly competitive legislative races, many states have set the stage for all the nasty battles playing out in Congress.
BY
FedWatch
Bill to Require Annual Pension Reports Gaining Traction in Congress
There’s a proposal in Congress that opponents say would create headaches for public pension managers and could make it harder to finance infrastructure development.
BY Liz Farmer
Health & Human Services
Health Care Comes to Public Libraries
In a growing number of libraries, patrons can check out a book and get a check-up in one visit.
BY David Levine
Infrastructure & Environment
Are Recycling Bins Creating More Trash?
The cost of picking up people’s recycling bins is high, but the portion of people who actually recycle is low. That’s why Houston wants to get rid of recycling bins.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
Transportation & Infrastructure
Does Inequality Promote Skyscrapers?
It's not an accident that China and New York City, which have perhaps the greatest distance between their rich and poor, also lead the world in skyscraper construction.
BY Alex Marshall
Urban Notebook
El Paso Teaches New Urbanism to Architects, Engineers
Hoping to reinvent the sprawling city, El Paso officials decided to teach the development community the importance of new urbanism. Now, other cities are following in its footsteps.
BY Tod Newcombe
PROBLEM SOLVER
By the Numbers
Student Interest in Public-Sector Careers Grows
Despite the bleak employment outlook and negative rhetoric, recent surveys suggest enrollment for public administration programs and interest in government careers has increased.
BY Mike Maciag
Smart Management
The Open Government Illusion
Open government is often more rhetoric than reality.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
Management & Labor
'Operator Perry Loves You!'
Governments really are in a competition. A lot is at stake.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Tech Talk
Time Ticking for States to Opt In or Out of FirstNet
The federal government wants to create a single network for emergency communications, and it’s up to states to decide whether they want to join.
BY
Public Money
How to Make ‘Pay As You Go’ Work for Large Capital Projects
Maricopa County, Ariz., has found a way to make paygo pay off.
BY Justin Marlowe
Infrastructure & Environment
December 2013 Last Look: the 100-Year-Old Lincoln Highway
The nation’s first truly transcontinental road, the Lincoln Highway once made its way through 14 states but has gradually slipped into obscurity.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
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