Governing: State and local government news and analysis
AI’s rapidly advancing offspring will benefit portfolio managers as ever-more-intelligent systems drive better investment results. But that’s just the start.
State and local officials are working to mitigate the impact of cuts to the federal workforce spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency, offering career services and other resources.
Allegations that presidents, governors and mayors are acting like dictators have been part of American government ever since the nation was founded.
Threats and harassment have become common, prompting an Oregon proposal to criminalize such behavior. Although limited to threats of imminent violence, critics say it would still stifle free speech.
Anti-vaccine sentiment was rising even before the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re seeing the ugly results play out in Texas, with dozens of children suffering from measles and one dying.
A YIMBY group documents how the policies have had “limited or no impact.” But accessory dwelling units have been a success story: In one year alone, more than 28,000 of them got permits.
The Legislature and lieutenant governor threaten to cut $400 million if colleges and universities do not end diversity initiatives.
Sioux Falls is building a website to help connect residents with income-restricted housing. It hopes the tool will get people into housing faster and lower the vacancy rate among subsidized units.
Between 2017 and 2022, the number of Black-owned businesses rose 56.9 percent, accounting for more than half of the overall growth in companies.
Gov. Gavin Newsom and other state Democrats who frequently invoked the idea of providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrations during Trump’s first term have softened if not changed their tune.
Jeff Landry has secured $42 million to reopen a youth prison in the Baton Rouge area, part of his push to expand juvenile incarceration facilities.
Since 2021, the number of states offering universal eligibility for vouchers has grown from zero to 14.
Over the last decade, Wisconsin's largest county has made dramatic progress in reducing its homeless population.
With strong reserves, states have made billions through interest and other investments. This recent windfall is at risk as interest rates and other investment returns become shakier.
Idaho lawmakers have introduced legislation requiring counties to get voter approval for wind farms. If they’re rejected, counties must charge an excise tax that could exceed $2.5 million per turbine.
A proposal to set a per-enrollee limit on federal money for the program is gaining traction. But states know how to game Medicaid rules and federal oversight is woefully inadequate.
President Trump signed an executive order to increase federal support for school choice programs, causing debate about the impact on public schools and student outcomes.
State bills aim to impose limits on transactions and fees, require consumer warnings and tackle the rise in cryptocurrency scams.
A legal loophole in the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program is allowing developers to remove rent restrictions from affordable housing, leading to rising rents and worsening the housing crisis.
The consequences of sanctuary policies extend far beyond the ideological debate surrounding immigration enforcement. These policies enable criminal networks to make communities more dangerous.
As Iowa's math scores decline, the state should use public funds to provide private tutoring for families in need and give students extra support without switching schools.
Reported plans to cut staff in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, along with proposed budget cuts and the Trump administration’s funding freeze, have worried administrators of state and local housing programs.
The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is seeking a private vendor to provide meals for nearly 20,000 prisoners, citing rising food costs and inefficiencies. But critics warn privatization may worsen food quality.
Despite sanctuary policies aimed at limiting local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, ICE continues to make arrests, highlighting the limits of these policies in protecting immigrants from deportation.
If there's going to be a “Black mecca” for this rapidly growing sport, there's a good chance it will be Atlanta. But cities everywhere can benefit from this one small way to bring us together.
A memo from the Office of Management and Budget freezing federal grants to states was canceled. But funds are still being kept back, and budget officers are looking for answers.
The school district is one of a growing number across the country to pump money into creating a building tailor-made for pre-kindergarteners.
A spate of new bills in California and other states would protect consumers from electricity rate hikes that subsidize data centers.
Many states, particularly Republican-led ones, are feeling pressure to align their legislative priorities with the presidential administration. But states are facing new financial constraints after years of revenue growth.
The Supreme Court has made public corruption cases more difficult. The Justice Department's actions in New York suggests they may turn into political weapons.
