Governing: State and local government news and analysis
A ballot measure would replace an existing tax with a larger one, raising more than $1 billion annually to fund a wider variety of services. It faces an uncertain future at the ballot box.
Given tax-exempt financing and other advantages, continued municipal ownership would seem the way to go. But other pressing public needs can make cashing out these valuable assets seem attractive. A new wave of privatization efforts will give localities a lot to think about.
There are more ways to vote for mayor of Portland this November than there are people in the state of Oregon. Nearly 100 people are running for City Council.
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.
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.
Struggling midwestern cities may have a future in military manufacturing.
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.
States have been awash with cash in recent years. Those that didn’t make spending increases permanent are now in better shape.
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.
Parks gained popular and political support during the pandemic. That hasn’t translated into increased funding, especially for smaller neighborhood parks.
Term-limited as governor of Delaware, Democrat John Carney decided to cap his career with a stint as mayor of Wilmington.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
