Cover Story
The Pact Changing How Governments Respond to Disaster
BY Daniel C. Vock
In moments of disaster, local and federal resources are rarely enough. But another answer is emerging.
FEATURES
Infrastructure & Environment
The Public Startup Charting Bold New Waters
Water utilities are struggling to lower their operation costs and simultaneously meet stricter environmental rules. Blue Drop, the brainchild of DC Water’s former leader, wants to help.
BY Liz Farmer
Urban
'The Oakland I'm From'
Like a lot of other places, the California city is struggling to grow without leaving longtime residents behind.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Finance
In Government Procurement, Buying Local Is Popular. But Is It Beneficial?
Much like President Trump, many U.S. cities make an effort to use the goods and services of companies in their own city limits. It has some troubling side effects.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
Management & Labor
Can Apprenticeships Train the Workforce of the Future? States Hope So.
America has a skills gap. Governments across the U.S. are turning to European-style apprenticeship programs as a possible solution.
BY J.B. Wogan
Management & Labor
Some States Want to Save Net Neutrality, But Can They?
On Monday, Montana became the first to reinstate some of the rules the FCC repealed. The question of whether states have the right to do that, however, will likely end up in court.
BY Natalie Delgadillo
OBSERVER
Finance
As Prop. 13 Turns 40, Californians Rethink Its Future
Four decades after the law spurred an anti-tax movement across the country, rival efforts to weaken or strengthen it have emerged.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Public Safety & Justice
What Counts as a Felony? For Stealing, States Are Raising the Bar.
Some are increasing the amount of stolen goods that make theft a felony. But it can be a hard sell politically.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Urban
Why Rents Are Actually Lowering in Some Big Cities
But renters may not want to celebrate just yet.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Politics & Elections
‘Stories Are Going to Be Lost’: Mourning the Decline of Alt-Weeklies
More than a dozen alternative weeklies have shut down in the past 20 years, increasing the likelihood that local scandals will go unnoticed.
BY Alan Greenblatt
POLITICS + POLICY
Commentary
States' High-Stakes Game of Chicken
States are hoping to bring their case over animal welfare and interstate commerce to the Supreme Court.
BY Alan Ehrenhalt
Commentary
Hope for Car-Haters
Cities are beginning to rethink their relationship with automobiles.
BY Peter Harkness
Politics & Elections
Will 2018 Be the Year of Independents?
Several experienced or well-funded independent candidates are running for governor. In some cases, leaving the Democratic or Republican party to do it.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Health & Human Services
Teen Suicide Rates Are Rising
The stats are most troubling in Utah and among boys, whose suicide rate had been on the decline for almost two decades.
BY Mattie Quinn
Infrastructure & Environment
Could Electric Cars Threaten the Grid?
A new study soothes worries of massive power outages but points to the need for future planning to consider EVs.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
Commentary
A Tip for Infrastructure Builders: Fix It First
Before we invest in new infrastructure, we need to maintain and update what we have.
BY Aaron M. Renn
Urban Notebook
Does Demolition Equal Progress?
Clearing out blight has its benefits, but it can also erase crucial assets.
BY Scott Beyer
PROBLEM SOLVER
Management & Labor
Think Income Inequality Is Bad? Retirement Inequality May Be Worse.
The savings gap is a looming crisis, and states aren’t sure how to help.
BY Mike Maciag
Commentary
America’s 1,800 Licensing Boards and Their Countless Problems
Too many state licensing boards are not fulfilling their objectives, yet, more are popping up.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
Commentary
The Least Understood Job in Politics
Everyone thinks they know what a mayor does, but the role of a city leader varies greatly from one place to the next.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Commentary
Localities Want to Make Retiree Bills More Affordable. Why Won’t States Let Them?
The cost of post-retirement benefits is threatening governments’ ability to provide vital services.
BY Frank Shafroth
Infrastructure & Environment
Behind the Lens: Why People in This Alaskan Town Watch Ice Melt – Literally
When the ice breaks, someone wins a cash prize.
BY David Kidd
