Governing: State and local government news and analysis
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Despite the postmaster general’s assurances, the mail agency’s operational statistics aren’t encouraging for the coming elections.
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.
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.
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.
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?
Too many contracts go to larger, more-established companies. But it’s younger, smaller businesses that often are better at leveraging new technologies and efficiencies. We need to avoid “vendor lock-in.”
By one estimate, only 10 percent of homeless citizens end up casting votes. There are many steps states can take to lower barriers to participation.
Longshoremen are striking for better wages, but they also say they're fighting to protect jobs against automation. U.S. ports tend to be less automated than some large ports in other countries.
Rob Lloyd has been widely recognized for his work upgrading IT systems in one tech capital, San Jose. He’s starting to do the same in Seattle.
Dozens of jurisdictions are seeking damages from fossil fuel companies. Jeffrey B. Simon, an attorney representing Multnohmah County, Ore., talks about the ways science and precedent will influence the success of their cases.
Future in Context
As the nation nears its 250th anniversary, a longtime broadcast journalist and historian calls for addressing economic inequities, corporate monopolies and restoring effective governance to grow stronger.
West Virginia had no private school choice options at all before Patricia Rucker made vouchers universal. Nearly a dozen states have followed suit.
G.T. Bynum has attracted the largest employers ever to land in Tulsa while dramatically expanding its parks. He’s also helped the city confront its racist past.
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley convinced the legislature to allow localities to raise taxes. That helped his county address longstanding pension debt.
The Republican has rewritten the tax code, streamlined agencies and upended the state’s approach on issues ranging from abortion to education.
The field of public health has been notoriously behind the times when it comes to data. Dr. Philip Huang has changed that in Dallas County, while helping other communities to modernize.
As president, Trump signed a sweeping criminal justice reform measure. During the campaign this year, he's returned to his roots as a tough-on-crime politician.
