Cover Story

The Paradox of Progress Underscores Atlanta Mayor’s Race

BY Alan Greenblatt

Things are looking up right now in the city. Well, at least part of it. That inequality will impact the city’s upcoming election and be the biggest issue facing its next leader.

SPECIAL 30TH ANNIVERSARY COVERAGE

What’s Changed (and What Hasn’t) Since Governing Started 30 Years Ago

We first published in 1987, a year when states and cities seemed poised for innovation. BY Alan Ehrenhalt

3 Events That Shaped Modern Federalism

Over a generation, there’s been a sea change in the way cities, states and the feds deal with each other. BY Donald F. Kettl

The ‘New Urbanism’ Movement Might Be Dead

City revival has ceased to be a radical idea, and that’s a good thing. BY William Fulton

5 Government Trends to Watch

As Governing celebrates its 30th anniversary, here's a few predictions for the next three decades. BY Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Government Technology's Complicated History

The public sector has been notoriously slow to embrace technology. Is that finally changing? BY Tod Newcombe

Tax Battle Lines Shift in Cities and Suburbs

Local income taxes were once blamed for causing businesses to flee to the suburbs. Not anymore. BY Justin Marlowe

FEATURES

The Fight to Fix America's Broken Bail System

Jails are filled with low-risk offenders awaiting court dates. There's bipartisan support to change that, so why is it still hard to get anything done? BY John Buntin

Taxpayers Have Their Own Bill of Rights in Colorado. But Who Benefits?

The unique anti-tax tool has defined spending in the state, and it may spread to more states. BY Liz Farmer

At Work, the 'Irregulars' Are Starting to Get Protection

Irregular hours and unpredictable schedules have redefined work for many low-income Americans. States and cities are just beginning to regulate them. BY J.B. Wogan

OBSERVER

The Man Behind Texans’ Unique Defense Plan Against Tax Increases

Art Martinez de Vara created the first "defensive city." Today, there are a string of them. BY Alan Greenblatt

Barbershop Fiasco Inspires Call for Cutting ‘Silly’ Regulations

Most states have outdated laws. In New Hampshire, a rule about which businesses can use red, white and blue paint has spurred a backlash against such red tape. BY Alan Greenblatt

Indictment? What Indictment? Criminal Case Has Little Impact on Texas AG

Ken Paxton is the state’s latest official to seemingly survive a political scandal. BY Alan Greenblatt

Consolidation Makes Sense, Yet Few Cities Have the Urge to Merge

It's an issue that's playing out right now in St. Louis County. BY Alan Greenblatt

POLITICS + POLICY

Why Neighborhood Nicknames Matter

They can have a big impact on economic fortunes and social cohesion, which explains the controversy that often surrounds them. BY Alan Ehrenhalt

Why Can’t Seattle Find a Mayor It Likes?

Ed Murray’s resignation represents a trend: Unlike most big cities, mayors there tend to last one term -- or less. BY Alan Greenblatt

Are Doctors Finally Ready for Data?

The medical field has been reluctant to adopt technology. There are reasons to believe that’s changing. BY Mattie Quinn

This Millennial Is Helping a Major City Go Green

At 24, Atlanta’s new sustainability director has already spent a lifetime in the field. He attributes that to cartoons and his famous family. BY Elizabeth Daigneau

Before Replacing Jobs With Machines, Ask These Questions

For one, what’s the objective -- to improve service, save money or both? BY Alex Marshall

BY Alan Greenblatt

SPECIAL 30TH ANNIVERSARY COVERAGE

FEATURES

OBSERVER

POLITICS + POLICY

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