
Cover Story
Nevada Shines Light Onto America's Future
BY Alan Greenblatt
Rocked by heavy immigration and demographic change, Nevada must retool its government to cope with the new reality. It’s a sign of things to come in the rest of the country.
FEATURES
Archive
The Changing Relationship Between Ex-Criminals and Their Parole Officers
Rather than acting as former offenders' enemies, parole and probation officers are now working to be their mentors. Can it reduce recidivism?
BY J.B. Wogan
Archive
Parting Wisdom From 5 Outgoing Mayors
Most of them have been in office for decades. Here's what they've learned about government.
BY Zach Patton
Archive
Roads Are Getting a Redesign
The ‘complete streets’ movement is reshaping urban boulevards, small-town main streets and even rural highways. But there are still plenty of bumps in the road.
BY Daniel C. Vock
Archive
As Retirees Outnumber Employees, Pensions Seek Saviors
Desperate for more money, public pension systems have been making high-risk investments hoping for a higher profit. But they may ultimately cost taxpayers more.
BY Liz Farmer
OBSERVER
Archive
Do Mayors Still Care About Income Inequality?
It was a major issue in recent mayoral races. This year, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee is one of the few candidates talking about it.
BY J.B. Wogan
Archive
Will Urban Innovation Teams Outlast Political Change?
They have become a staple in several cities. Whether they stay around is up to new mayors in charge.
BY Paul W. Taylor
Archive
Climate Change Fight Gets Cash From the Right
One conservative billionaire wants to convince his fellow Republicans to believe in climate change. Can his money make a difference?
BY Alan Greenblatt
Archive
Hawaii Raises Smoking Age to 21
Hawaii recently became the first state to raise the legal age for buying cigarettes to 21.
BY Alan Greenblatt
POLITICS + POLICY
Why It's Important to Know Lawmakers' Day Jobs
Whether states are governed by a coalition of farmers and teachers or an alliance of corporate executives and insurance brokers matters.
BY Alan Ehrenhalt
Archive
When It Comes to Wildfires, Collaboration Causes Confusion
The strategy that's improved the management of fires has, paradoxically, made it harder to know who’s really in charge of putting them out.
BY Donald F. Kettl
Archive
How the Never-Ending Battle of Redistricting Will Impact 2016
Florida and Virginia (and possibly two other states) have to redraw their unconstitutional voting maps for the 2016 election. Similar legal challenges are only likely to increase in coming years.
BY Alan Greenblatt
Archive
Recipe for a Successful Wellness Program
Studies are mixed on the effectiveness of incentivizing employees to get healthier. But one county is chalking up some big savings.
BY Penelope Lemov
Archive
How a Town of Renters Got So Many People to Go Solar
Dozens of U.S. communities have launched similar programs, but Blacksburg, Va.'s is different.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
Archive
Of Eyesores and Assets
The way a mid-sized city in Spain built a signature park holds many lessons.
BY Alex Marshall
Archive
To Help Poor Neighborhoods, Urban Planners Have to Do More Than Urban Planning
They can't just improve the physical environment if they want to revitalize poverty-stricken areas.
BY William Fulton
PROBLEM SOLVER
Archive
The Longer Americans Live Somewhere, the Less They Like It
The reasons for citizens' dissatisfaction vary from place to place -- but age isn't one of them.
BY Mike Maciag
Archive
Do Animal Shelters Serve People or Pups?
Most have evolved toward a no-kill policy but lack the money or resources to keep every animal alive and well.
BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene
On Leadership
The Real Purpose of Government
At its heart, it’s about saving capitalism from itself.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Archive
States Seek Upgrades for Decades-Old Medical Technology
Most have avoided upgrading the systems that run our biggest health-care program themselves. But some are looking to outsource.
BY Tod Newcombe
Archive
CFOs Are Movin' On Up
In local government, chief financial officers are starting to find a clearer path to the top spot.
BY Justin Marlowe
Archive
The Town That Keeps Getting Abandoned
The once bustling hamlet of Johnsonville, Conn., now a ghost town, is up for sale -- again.
BY Elizabeth Daigneau
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