Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Maryland has seen its credit rating drop for the first time in decades. It's the latest in a string of challenges for the state's Democratic governor.
Most of the people who show up are there to say no to any kind of denser development. Is it worth trying to get broader public participation?
There are lessons for other states in Colorado, where policymakers are struggling to walk back legislation that would do more harm than good.
The Montana Legislature passed housing policies that have eluded other jurisdictions, including increasing height limits, reducing parking requirements and permitting single-stair apartment buildings.
By protecting union labor, it prevents transit agencies from making their workforces more efficient. Privatizing and automating operations would save a lot of money and allow for better service.
The Yorba Linda, Calif., water district has the country’s largest PFAS treatment facility of its kind. The drinking water it delivers to customers is free of these unwanted “forever chemicals.”
Police departments use these techniques to help determine where they should concentrate their resources. Artificial intelligence is raising new questions of privacy and transparency.
While primarily a military reserve force, the National Guard also responds to a wide variety of state-level missions — some familiar kinds of missions, some more unusual.
During the pandemic, California released about 15,000 prisoners early. About a third ended up back in prison by the start of this year.
Christopher Bond, a former Missouri governor and senator, rallied schoolchildren to save an important collection of drawings. Bond died on Tuesday at 86.
With the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act set to expire in the coming year, the National League of Cities is asking local leaders to tell Congress its priorities for the next transportation bill.
It’s no accident that Utah once again leads the nation in job and GDP growth. Free-market reforms in other states are boosting their competitiveness as well.
Borrowing to finance infrastructure is now more expensive. Meanwhile, congressional tax writers are toying with the municipal bond tax exemption, scaring both investors and issuers. State and local debt managers have a lot to think about — and worry about.
New York City’s congestion pricing program was feared dead last year, and is still subject to threats from the Trump administration. But it’s delivering results, with less traffic and more revenue for the transit system.
They help a lot of individuals and their communities. The proposed cuts would just shift the burden to emergency rooms, shelters and already overwhelmed local systems.
It’s one of three dozen states that will elect governors next year, and its demographics mirror what the country will look like soon. It’s an opportunity for politicians who aren’t stuck in the past.
Residents of a Louisiana city finally figured out a way to get rid of entrenched incumbents. At the state level, high turnover among party chairs is happening naturally.
The South accounts for nearly half the nation's new HIV diagnoses. Prevention programs are trying to stem the tide, and in Dallas County, they're working — but now they're facing funding cuts.
Corrections work shouldn’t be a stressed-out, dead-end job. There are promising ideas for turning it into a mission-driven profession.
The new administration has aggressively pulled back from consumer protection and corporate regulation, leaving it up to the states to protect Americans from abusive business practices.
Pre-employment transition services can be a powerful resource to prepare high school students with disabilities for future careers.
All states are in compliance with federal REAL ID regulations as the implementation date looms this week, 20 years after Congress passed the mandate. But uptake among residents varies.
The California city has evolved over and over but not always for the better. A new mayor promises to be a uniter, but that's going to require some adjustments on her part.
Matt Privratsky was appointed to serve as an interim city council member in St. Paul after the previous member resigned. He’ll cast some consequential votes.
Workforce development programs should address dual challenges: Supporting the economic mobility of workers while simultaneously meeting the skills needs of in-demand industries.
States are anxiously awaiting potential cuts from Congress. In the meantime, their costs are already rising even as enrollment has decreased.
Counties have relationships with essentially every federal agency. They have to prepare for the biggest policy changes seen in decades.
Education savings account programs are encountering some legislative and judicial setbacks. Policymakers should work to keep these programs from being chipped away.
A growing number of state leaders want the federal government to forbid the use of food stamps to buy sodas and candy. It’s not a new idea, but the current administration has signaled its support.
Only five states have seen eighth grade reading scores go up since the pandemic. A look at two Tennessee districts show how they’ve achieved improvement.
