Governing: State and local government news and analysis
Two artists see the potential to bring theatrical disciplines to public meetings to better define the public’s role and make its participation more meaningful.
Transit agencies in California and New York, as well as other areas, are adopting fare payment technologies that allow fare capping, setting a limit on what riders will pay regardless of the trips they make.
Over 20 million Americans live in manufactured housing — more than in public housing and federally subsidized rental housing combined. Yet many planners and researchers view this kind of low-cost housing as a problem.
Some rates have more than doubled, and many insurers require new security protections.
Though a large share of the country’s clean electricity comes from nuclear power plants, states have made plans to retire them. But as they set steeper emission targets, many are reconsidering the role of nuclear energy.
When partisans include independents in their networks, they’re less likely to live in alternative media realities and more likely to moderate their views, a new study suggests. There’s a role for elected officials and the media in bringing independents into the conversation.
It’s increasingly difficult to move about – both in the physical world and online – without being tracked. Often, companies or government agencies can even track personal data without a warrant.
Blockchain technology is starting to revamp corporate governance. There are those who believe it could revamp local government as well.
Evidence shows that investors can often outbid other buyers, keeping starter homes out of the hands of would-be owners, especially Black and Hispanic families. The issue is especially prevalent in Sun Belt states.
The Good Roads Movement of the late 19th century began as a grass-roots crusade to improve roads for bicyclists. By the 20th century, it had turned into a national effort embraced by the automobile industry, railroad tycoons and presidents.
Small businesses and those owned by women and people of color don’t receive a fair share of government contracting. With infrastructure money flowing, now is the time for public agencies to take a pledge to improve procurement practices.
Despite a growing divide between the Democratic and Republican parties, both sides of the aisle can agree on the need for reliable voting technology and protections from bad actors heading into the next election.
Counties regularly take the Social Security benefits of foster youth who are disabled or whose parents have died. Advocates say it amounts to children paying for their own foster care.
Too many students from disadvantaged backgrounds spend a lot on postsecondary education without seeing an economic return. A new initiative is enlisting states to work toward equitable outcomes.
As the country rapidly approaches its 250th birthday, it is not too early to define how it will be marked. Our resident humanities scholar wants to return to the Jefferson idea of rewriting the constitution — one that is for and by all Americans.
From electrified pavement that can charge vehicles and delivery robots that collect data to flying taxis, transportation experts sound off on what we can expect highways and byways to look like in 2050.
Ten Florida men with felony convictions have been charged with voter fraud because prosecutors say they registered and voted illegally. Critics say the punishments are unfair.
At least 16 states have opted out of receiving millions in pandemic food aid while more than 18 million Americans didn’t always have enough to eat last month.
We shouldn’t give in to the idea that it’s too large and complex to be solved. The policies most responsible for homelessness were enacted by public officials, and it’s within their authority to fix them.
Eric Greitens splits the Republican party, Trump notches another win and Texas Democrats are betting on Beto.
It has grown dramatically in the last decade, with the biggest increases in cybersecurity and user support. Salaries have grown too, but are still behind what the private sector pays its IT workers.
Construction is underway on Origin Park, built on 600 acres of post-industrial wasteland along the banks of the Ohio River.
They disproportionately impact low-income residents. “Segmenting” them — setting prices based on ability to pay — can improve lives while actually increasing local-government revenues.
A comprehensive look at abortion laws across the nation after the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, and how bans and accessibility may change in the coming weeks as trigger laws take effect.
It’s just as important when revenues are robust as it is in tough fiscal times to base spending decisions on what works. Here’s how to get started.
One county in Kentucky is typical. Formerly run exclusively by Democrats, it gave three-quarters of its vote to Donald Trump due to cultural and economic concerns.
State and local finance teams need game plans for two divergent outcomes of the Federal Reserve’s efforts to wring inflation out of the economy: a soft-landing slowdown or a more severe downturn.
In the end, we don’t know what kind of treatment might change the behavior of disturbed young people who believe society is out to get them.
State abortion bans clash with FDA approval of the pills, which have been deemed safe and effective since 2000 and were used by more than 3.7 million patients across the nation in 2018.
Our mass shootings confuse and dismay international observers. A journalist and scholar explains why Europeans cannot understand our inability to control gun violence and how that makes them uncomfortable with America today.
