Public works projects should only be built when they have a clear purpose, but the United States hasn't always followed this philosophy.

As the cost of public safety continues to rise, some cities are thinking the once unthinkable: merging police and fire agencies into one.

The stimulus played a large role in propping up schools and other public-sector payrolls as agencies sought to stave off job cuts during the Great Recession. Where these jobs stand today, though, varies greatly.

It's not black and white, but understanding the pros and cons increases your chances of coming to the right answer for a particular project.

A new book has it right: We need to change the way we budget.