Cover Story
In Trump’s America, GOP States Proceed Cautiously Optimistic
BY Alan Greenblatt
With the most power over U.S. government that any party has had in decades, Republicans have hit the jackpot. The new administration will embolden states’ rights, but it could also create problems for them.
FEATURES
Politics & Elections
13 Issues for States to Watch in 2017
These are the biggest policies and problems legislatures will confront this year.
BY News Staff
Public Safety & Justice
Fighting Sex Trafficking Is Harder Than It Seems
More than half the states have passed laws to protect victims, but the laws aren’t always enforced and often produce new challenges.
BY Liz Farmer
Politics & Elections
Meet the Goodmans: Las Vegas’ Flamboyant Political Family
They’re into more than showmanship. They’re struggling to turn the gambling mecca into a thriving 21st century urban place.
BY John Buntin
Health & Human Services
Should Religious Leaders Help Close Mental Health Care's Gap?
Particularly in rural areas, governments are increasingly turning to them to ease the shortage of providers, blurring the line between religion and medicine.
BY Mattie Quinn
OBSERVER
Finance
Is a New Battle Brewing Over Soda Taxes?
As more cities start taxing sugary beverages, the industry may turn to new allies to block them.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
America’s One and Only City Council Run by Libertarians
In a Minnesota suburb, libertarians are making a lot of changes people might expect. But not everyone is happy.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Finance
Bad Budget News? Some States Just Bury It.
Observers say Kansas is trying to “end bad economic news by not reporting it.” It’s not the only state being accused of hindering transparency.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
New York Voters Reject Chance to Rewrite State Constitution
Once every 20 years, the state’s citizens get the opportunity to overhaul government. Voters rejected the idea again on Tuesday.
BY Alan Greenblatt
POLITICS + POLICY
Assessments
What Does State Legislatures' Past Say About Their Future?
A look back at their evolution may offer some idea of what lies ahead.
BY Alan Ehrenhalt
Washington Watch
Conjectures From the Swamp
D.C. may be an object of Republican disdain, but it’s now at the center of governmental change.
BY Peter Harkness
Politics & Elections
The Democrats’ Geography Problem
An overwhelming share of their voters live in metropolitan areas. Will their appeal ever expand beyond?
BY Alan Greenblatt
Health & Human Services
The Walking Cure: How Oklahoma City Lost 1 Million Pounds
Pedestrian-friendly cities are healthier cities, which is why many are making it easier for residents to ditch their cars.
BY Mattie Quinn
Infrastructure & Environment
Will States Stop Cities From Combating Climate Change?
With Republicans in full control in half the states, climate change skeptics have more power to target environmental programs.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
Transportation & Infrastructure
Globalization's Winner-Take-All Economy
The Chicagos and Cincinnatis of the world are more vulnerable than they realize.
BY Aaron M. Renn
Urban Notebook
When Local Control Backfires
The housing shortages that plague most urban areas are a prime example of the complications that can arise when states take a back seat.
BY Scott Beyer
PROBLEM SOLVER
Elections
Millennials Let Their Grandparents Decide Local Elections
Young people rarely vote in presidential races -- and even less often in mayoral contests. See which cities have the biggest generation gap in turnout.
BY Mike Maciag
Smart Management
Did We Say That? Public-Sector Predictions That Never Came True
Progress is slow. Our overly enthusiastic forecasts prove that.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
On Leadership
The Problem With Evidence-Based Government
There's a big challenge that advocates need to recognize.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Tech Talk
Can School Buses Close the Digital Gap?
Districts are experimenting with ways to get every student access to high-speed Internet. Right now, millions don't.
BY Tod Newcombe
Public Money
Breaking Down the Financial Impact of Self-Driving Cars
They would be mostly -- but not all -- good for state and local revenues.
BY Frank Shafroth
Infrastructure & Environment
Arcosanti: The Original (and Unfinished) Smart House?
In 1970, an architect began building a self-sustaining town of the future. Now it stands as a lab for environmentally conscious urban planners.
BY David Kidd
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