Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Future in Context
After guiding the Texas county through the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Philip Huang, its health director, pushed for collaboration and long-term strategies to prepare for future crises. Data modernization proved to be crucial.
Utah state Senate President Pro Tempore Wayne Harper was selected to lead the National Conference of State Legislatures. The bipartisan organization is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Struggling midwestern cities may have a future in military manufacturing.
The majority of U.S. agricultural exports rely on the Mississippi River to reach the international market.
Working from home has dramatically changed over the past 10 years, as technology developments and the pandemic have radically changed the workplace landscape. The number of remote workers is now nearly triple what it was in 2014.
Republican Sen. Mike Braun remains favored but has not been able to build a substantial lead in Indiana. Voters in Oakland, Calif., meanwhile, might recall the mayor and the district attorney in one fell swoop.
Whether it’s backyard housing or in-law suites, attitudes are changing on accessory dwelling units as a cheaper, quicker route to housing affordability and availability.
Despite some local officials’ claims that they will not certify election results, there are ample safeguards to ensure that ballots are tabulated accurately and election results are certified in a timely manner.
States have been awash with cash in recent years. Those that didn’t make spending increases permanent are now in better shape.
Parks gained popular and political support during the pandemic. That hasn’t translated into increased funding, especially for smaller neighborhood parks.
New analysis shows the breadth of Nebraska campaign giving by Pete Ricketts and his parents, which spiked when he ran for governor and spiked again to support Jim Pillen, who soon appointed Ricketts to the U.S. Senate.
Term-limited as governor of Delaware, Democrat John Carney decided to cap his career with a stint as mayor of Wilmington.
Voters and voting offices in Western N.C. face unprecedented challenges in finding their bearings, and each other.
The National League of Cities was founded 100 years ago. Its CEO reflects on its history and continuing mission.
Outdated, expensive systems fail to deliver for government or the public. Procurement technology needs to be simpler, clearer and faster for everyone.
Law enforcement officials aren’t supposed to appear in campaign ads showing a badge or wearing a uniform. But lots of them are doing it.
Generally not that much when it comes to the economy or utility bills or how bureaucracy functions. But there are some important things they can influence.
We continue to underfund them, their student bodies are becoming more diverse, and their values are under political assault. We need to preserve the cultural significance of these important institutions.
In a new book, an architect and zoning scholar shows how zoning can create vibrant economies and "delightful experiences" for urban dwellers.
People spend years waiting for federal housing vouchers. That’s because of policy choices made decades ago.
Future in Context
From revitalizing the economy to confronting his city’s racial past, Tulsa, Okla., Mayor G.T. Bynum leaves office having created a focus on unity and progress. He is the fourth member of his family to serve as mayor.
Wayne County, Mich., nearly filed for bankruptcy in 2014. It just posted its tenth budget surplus in a row.
Dallas’ data analytics operation works hard to partner with agencies across city government, cultivating relationships and breaking down barriers. It’s a path other cities should follow.
Decades ago, enterprising newcomers had the run of legislative chambers. Control of campaign funds has changed that dynamic.
Proposition 33 would allow cities to limit rent increases. Some economists doubt that’s a good idea.
As cities step up their enforcement efforts in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling, they should consider both the financial costs and the public safety ramifications of treating homelessness as a crime.
Cook County, Ill., has launched an innovative dashboard mapping certain deaths by cause — gun violence, opioids and extreme weather — to reveal hidden patterns and direct resources where they're most needed.
Voting reform advocates say ranked-choice voting will give voters more voice in their elections. But clerks of small counties worry that any advantages will be undermined by more cost and confusion.
Voters in eight states will decide whether to bar municipalities from allowing noncitizens to vote. Few noncitizens cast illegal votes, leading critics to claim the issue is being hyped for political reasons.
Too many jobs that have nothing to do with driving require it. It’s an unnecessary employment barrier, and other states should follow the lead of two that have moved to prohibit it.
