Workforce
State and local governments face a tight labor market and a competitive disadvantage with the private sector. But salaries aren’t the only issue, with cities, counties and states all grappling with training, retention, remote work and increased union activity.
A majority of departments rely on volunteer help but the number of people willing to devote time has dropped substantially over the past decade.
Work requirements through welfare have helped recipients find meaningful jobs. America has a vast workforce network at the ready to provide job placement services.
Minnesota is one of a dozen states establishing programs that use recent college graduates to provide support to students in schools.
Decatur, Ill., has been losing factory jobs for years. A training program at a local community college promises renewal and provides training for students from disenfranchised communities.
By working closely with industry, clean energy training programs are enjoying 100 percent placement rates.
Many rural districts have adopted shorter weeks, which has been a boon in recruiting teachers. But studies suggest students are missing out.
Overloaded with cases, public defenders often cannot give enough time to each client, and defendants may face long waits to get an attorney.
The transit agency, which serves 350,000 riders daily, reached an agreement with union leaders. The contract still needs formal approval.
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.
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.
Corrections work shouldn’t be a stressed-out, dead-end job. There are promising ideas for turning it into a mission-driven profession.
With four-year institutions closing in rural areas, bachelor's degrees from community colleges can help close the gap.
Pre-employment transition services can be a powerful resource to prepare high school students with disabilities for future careers.
Engineers want salaries to mirror those in New York. The transit agency warns of potential federal funding cuts.
Workforce development programs should address dual challenges: Supporting the economic mobility of workers while simultaneously meeting the skills needs of in-demand industries.
Traditional pensions and 401(k)-style government plans have undergone major changes in portfolio structure since 2000, mostly for the better. But recent market gyrations remind us that there are always opportunities for improvement.
Programs in Colorado and Illinois home in on finding and supporting health-care practitioners willing to work — and hopefully remain — in underserved rural areas.
The change is most dramatic in Silicon Valley, which is seeing more highly educated immigrants arrive from India and China.
The construction industry is short by nearly a half-million workers. More states could emulate Wisconsin's growing apprentice program.
Congress and some red states are pushing for work requirements but most recipients already work. Medicaid and other state programs typically don’t offer job assistance or training.
Shortages are so bad in some counties that defendants have had to be released because they can’t be tried in a timely manner.
The city is 20 percent short of its full contingent of officers. That's causing problems for everything from 911 response to addressing cold cases.
The state is losing its youthful energy, with more than 4 million people leaving for other states since the start of the century.
With the state facing a shortfall, the move is expected to save $20 million.
Law enforcement has come out of a period of severe criticism with more support than ever. Departments still face many challenges though, most notably hiring enough officers.
For the first time in 15 years, the city and union reached a deal without a strike or strike vote. The agreement will increase spending by $1.5 billion, mostly for raises.
Departments have to receive permission to replace workers. The city is facing a $20 million shortfall driven by overtime costs for public safety.
It’s not only about the research funding that has made America a world leader in innovation. Community and technical colleges are crucial to meeting our workforce needs.
Most students in Delano, Calif., are low-income and many are English learners. A slew of support programs has raised test scores and sent them on paths to scholarships and top universities.
It’s not just about the services government employees provide to residents of their states and communities. There are long-term costs for taxpayers and the economy.
Criminal justice experts say understaffing and trauma can contribute to prison violence. Mental health support and a sense of community may help.
