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
Management & Labor
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
Washington Watch
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
Urban Notebook
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
Smart Management
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
Tech Talk
Government Technology's Complicated History
The public sector has been notoriously slow to embrace technology. Is that finally changing?
BY Tod Newcombe
Public Money
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
Public Safety & Justice
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
Finance
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
Management & Labor
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
Finance
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
Politics & Elections
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Most states have outdated laws.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
Politics & Elections
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
Management & Labor
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
Assessments
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
Politics & Elections
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
Health & Human Services
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
Infrastructure & Environment
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
Transportation & Infrastructure
Before Replacing Jobs With Machines, Ask These Questions
For one, what’s the objective -- to improve service, save money or both?
BY Alex Marshall
PROBLEM SOLVER
Public Safety & Justice
The Alarming Consequences of Police Working Overtime
Research shows long hours and off-duty work can negatively impact officers’ performance and even worsen their racial biases. But most departments don’t place any limits on officers' hours.
BY Mike Maciag
On Leadership
How Technology Can Help Police Departments Address Racial Bias and Be More Effective
Institutionalized racism can result in misdirected resources that do little to solve serious crimes.
BY Mark Funkhouser
Urban
Reno's Sign of the Times
When you drive through the city, you can’t miss its slogan. That wasn’t always the case.
BY David Kidd
