Route Fifty

Economic Development in Virginia’s Coalfields Region Is a ‘Little Like Fishing’

“The economic situation didn’t happen overnight and it’s not going to be cured overnight,” according to Carl Snodgrass, an economic development official in Wise County.

Management

OMB’s Budget Guidance Draws Mixed Reaction From Employee Groups

Organizations welcome the end of the hiring freeze, but remain skeptical of efforts to reorganize government.

Nextgov

CIA Director Pledges to Ramp Up Digital Defenses Against WikiLeaks, Insider Threats

Mike Pompeo characterized WikiLeaks and others as anti-democratic celebrity seekers in his first public remarks as director.

Management

Trump Administration Installs Loyalist to Repair Deficient VA Facility

Secretary reiterates call for firing reform, promises to treat employees fairly.

Pay & Benefits

Will Social Security Last?

Assessing the long-term prospects for the program, and how it fits into your retirement plan.

Nextgov

How Digital Media Got the Message Out About #NoBillNoBreak

The digital media manager for Rep. Scott Peters, D-Calif., said it was imperative to communicate with constituents in California’s 52:nd congressional district, even when C-SPAN’s on-floor cameras turned off.

Management

Why Most Government Reform Plans Die

Change is badly needed but OMB’s initial guidance has been silent on strategies to gain employee cooperation.

Nextgov

Was the HealthCare.gov Fiasco ‘The Best Thing that Happened to Digital Government?'

William Eggers, government consultant and author of “Delivering on Digital,” has a different view than most on the plagued rollout of the website.

Defense

It’s Too Early to See a 'Trump Effect' on NATO Spending

The president's rhetoric may have allies talking about their growing defense spending, but it won’t affect most budget proposals for months.

Oversight

From Wall Street Lawyer to Wall Street Watchdog

In a recent memoir, a former SEC employee reflects on the agency’s shortcomings.

Management

Pentagon Headed to Court Against Small Business Advocate

Judge sets December trial for unfulfilled FOIA request on mystery contracting program.

Nextgov

Mismanagement Could Scuttle Trump Cyber, IT Modernization Plans

Trump’s prepping big plans to modernize and secure government technology, but he’ll need government’s buy in to get it done.

Oversight

Play of the Day: Easter at the White House

The White House Easter Egg Roll is a few days away. Is the Trump administration ready?

Tech

Is There Room for Broadband in the Trump Infrastructure Agenda?

President Trump has touted infrastructure investment as a way to boost the U.S. economy. At the moment, he's missing a key opportunity – expanding broadband internet service.

Management

Spending On Government Communications Is Ripe for Abuse

For both internal control and accountability purposes, you've got to clearly identify what you're trying to do.

Route Fifty

Budget Chief Describes How He Urged Trump to Ax Agency Offering Assistance to Appalachia

“I was able to convince him, ‘Mr. President, this is not an efficient use of the taxpayer dollars,’” Mick Mulvaney said of the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Management

OMB Director: Shutdown Consequences Have Been ‘Blown Out of Proportion’

White House says it wants to avoid a budget showdown but insists that its priorities be funded.