Governing: State and local government news and analysis
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.
Outdated, expensive systems fail to deliver for government or the public. Procurement technology needs to be simpler, clearer and faster for everyone.
The National League of Cities was founded 100 years ago. Its CEO reflects on its history and continuing mission.
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.
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.
People spend years waiting for federal housing vouchers. That’s because of policy choices made decades ago.
Wayne County, Mich., nearly filed for bankruptcy in 2014. It just posted its tenth budget surplus in a row.
Proposition 33 would allow cities to limit rent increases. Some economists doubt that’s a good idea.
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.
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.
They’ve mostly benefited real-estate developers. Here’s how to redeploy these tax incentives to grow new businesses and boost employment while leveraging state and local expertise and attracting a broader investor base.
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.
The rate of turnover among chief election officials has increased continuously since 2020. That doesn’t mean the workforce now in place lacks experience, according to a recent report.
Despite the postmaster general’s assurances, the mail agency’s operational statistics aren’t encouraging for the coming elections.
The bipartisanship that Cecil Andrus, Dan Evans and Tom McCall practiced decades ago sets them apart from many of today’s political leaders. It helped that they had shared values — and that they liked each other.
Voters will weigh in on at least 18 ballot measures raising taxes to pay for transportation improvements. Transportation infrastructure is becoming more expensive to build.
Future in Context
A look at Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley’s innovative approach to tackling homelessness, budget challenges and systemic inequality. Crowley is among those recognized as this year's Public Officials of the Year.
The virus that could mutate into the next human pandemic has been found in herds in at least 14 states. Without sufficient testing, we need to be careful about moving cows from one location to another.
Struggling with addiction, PTSD and other service-related traumas, far too many of them run afoul of the law. States could do more to help those at risk.
Several chamber leaders lost their seats in primaries this year, a sign of the difficulty they've had dealing with their own parties at the Capitol. Also, in a surprise, it looks like San Francisco Mayor London Breed will win another term.
Historic rainfall that devastated the Southeast was generated by conditions that still exist. What lessons can local governments in other parts of the country take from Helene?
