Digital Government
For effective community research, get the right people at the table
When people with lived experience participate in a research project’s design, data collection and analysis, they can increase engagement, build trust and lay the groundwork for system-level change.
Digital Government
New Florida law bans kids under 14 from social media
It is the latest in a series of efforts by states to regulate social media in a way that protects minors and stands up to legal challenges. But opponents say Florida’s law still runs afoul of the First Amendment.
Workforce
Is the deal with the NBA Milwaukee Bucks a model for city development projects?
The community benefits agreement that the Bucks owners signed for $250 million in state aid to build the Fiserv Forum included provisions allowing arena workers to freely unionize. It has turned their low-wage, insecure work into sustainable jobs, according to a new report.
Sponsor Content
State and local agencies evaluate their AI future
The recent surge of interest and investment in AI tools has presented fascinating new opportunities in the government landscape.
Management
One city's long and historic lawsuit against the gun industry appears to have met its end
After surviving 25 years of appeals, Gary, Indiana's efforts to hold firearm manufacturers responsible for illegal gun sales is likely over after the governor signed a bill aimed at extinguishing the suit.
Infrastructure
Rebuilding the collapsed Baltimore bridge will be a ‘FAR bigger challenge’
While recent bridge replacements have been completed in a matter of weeks, this incident will be tougher to recover from and have wider impacts.
Cybersecurity
Survey: Few states have ‘established’ privacy program
As states race to protect Americans’ data, the number of chief privacy officers has increased in state government. Still, a majority reported in a recent survey that they are building their programs.
Management
Freedom Monument Sculpture Park in Montgomery to honor victims of slavery
The park features sculptures and wall with 122,000 surnames of the 4.7 million people formerly enslaved recorded in the 1870 Census.
Management
With addiction bill passed, now Oregon faces biggest challenge
Counties have to build new treatment facilities to deflect people away from the criminal justice system but they only have a few months before possession is recriminalized.
Finance
States love March Madness. That’s a problem for many.
As more states have legalized sports betting, they’ve also seen a dramatic uptick in gambling addiction.
Workforce
It’s time for local policymakers to cement the Biden administration’s workforce gains
COMMENTARY | By adopting strong job quality standards for government spending, state and local policymakers can improve residents’ quality of life and support a strong, stable workforce for generations to come.
Workforce
County supports its aging residents by focusing on family caregivers
To ensure its older adults receive quality care, Fairfax County, Virginia, steps up services for their families.
Sponsor Content
Tips for Dealing with Excessive Public Records Requesters and the Media
Veterans records manager, Cindi Mansell, shares tips and tricks for fulfilling records requests from the media and excessive requesters
Infrastructure
Florida is about to erase climate change from most of its laws
The state is spending big on adapting to sea level rise, but Republicans don't want to name the cause.
Infrastructure
Excessively high rents are a major burden for immigrants in US cities
COMMENTARY | Immigrants face especially heavy rent burdens, making it hard for them to afford education and job training, health care and other necessities that help them participate as productive residents.
Finance
Congress finally approves spending budget, nearly six months late
The vote in the House and Senate averts a shutdown and brings funding certainty. But several programs significant to state and local governments will see cuts.
Management
How New Jersey’s new affordable housing law aims to ease the housing crisis
The new law lets municipalities know exactly how much affordable housing they have to build. It’s an approach that states are increasingly trying in an effort to pressure local governments to increase affordable options.
Finance
Grants and growth: The infrastructure funding surge demands masterful management
COMMENTARY | To leverage federal funds to strengthen their economies and invest in the future, state and local governments need strong, centralized grant management support.
Cybersecurity
States warned of ‘recent and ongoing’ cyber threats to critical infrastructure
The EPA and White House acknowledged water systems and other utilities “often lack the resources” to adopt rigorous cybersecurity measures. They want to partner to bolster the current efforts of state and local governments.
Management
Legislative inaction and dissatisfaction with one-party control lead to more ballot initiatives, with 60% of them in 6 states
COMMENTARY | Citizen-led ballot measures have been used in various states to expand Medicaid, preserve abortion rights and raise minimum wages, but over the past five years, lawmakers have increasingly made it harder to get these initiatives and referendums on the ballot.
Finance