Workforce
Amid a youth mental health crisis, teachers get schooled
Educators, who are on the front lines of the issue, are increasingly being trained in how to recognize signs of mental distress in their students.
Infrastructure
In unique approach, one county utilizes a P3 to build public schools
Instead of it taking six years to build six schools, it took three. The first-of-its-kind project saved Prince George’s County, Maryland, millions of dollars—and includes 30 years of maintenance.
Management
Juries often struggle to understand forensic science. A short training video could help.
COMMENTARY | One out of every five wrongful convictions cataloged through September 2023 involved improper forensic evidence. Studies indicate that just a little training could help jurors avoid sending innocent people to prison.
Sponsor Content
Data Is the Key to Thwarting Ransomware
State, local and education networks face rising phishing and ransomware attacks, in which criminals steal a trove of personal identifiable data.
Finance
FEMA is being sued for making flood insurance too expensive—and too cheap
The price isn't right, according to two lawsuits against the federal agency. The suits, one of which was brought by Louisiana and Republican state AGs, claim that high insurance rates could put residents at risk of economic ruin, but low rates do little to stop developments on at-risk land.
Finance
Cannabis banking bill closer to a vote in the U.S. Senate
The bill would address a problem that has led to half of the nation’s cannabis dispensaries being robbed or burglarized.
Infrastructure
Biden administration warns of risks to air and rail safety if government shuts down
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also said that a shutdown and proposed GOP cuts could affect efforts to fight the fentanyl epidemic, as well as disaster relief operations.
Digital Government
One city’s ‘data conversations’ help confront pressing challenges
Faced with water shortages, Henderson, Nevada, has turned to a data-driven approach to solve it. It’s now rolling out its approach to other departments citywide.
Finance
With the farm bill set to expire, Congress is still months away from a new version
A looming government shutdown has slowed the process even more. Among the key areas of disagreement is the SNAP program, a huge spending portion of the bill that helps low-income families buy food.
Workforce
Fossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transition
COMMENTARY | In a greener future, what becomes of current fossil fuel workers? Despite possessing skills applicable to green industries, their geographical locations will limit their opportunities.
Finance
Can pensions help address growing wealth inequality?
A new report finds that pensions have significant impacts on household wealth, increasing net worth across race, gender and educational attainment.
Featured eBooks
Management
Rethinking engagement to support a rapidly growing older adult population
COMMENTARY | Having a reliable, evidence-based planning process can significantly impact how state governments address the immediate needs of their aging residents while planning for the future.
Sponsor Content
2023 Public Records Complexity Benchmark Report
Read the complexity report to learn what successful public record request management looks like in 2023.
Emerging Tech
Augmented, not artificial, intelligence should be government leaders’ priority
AI should be seen as a “co-pilot, not an autopilot,” said local officials at an event this week, adding that it could be crucial amidst a government workforce shortage.
Infrastructure
For rural communities, broadband expansion is no single thing
Small communities trying to take advantage of massive federal funding now available for broadband expansion deal with multiple hurdles. Resistance from major providers is just one of them.
Management
NYC health department publishes first guidelines for supervised injection sites
The guidance further formalizes the sites, which are federally illegal.
Management
New White House office will work with communities to curb gun violence
The office will look to build off of last year’s landmark gun legislation and has been applauded by national local government associations who have called gun violence an “incredibly serious issue in America.”
Finance
Why a government shutdown is complex for state and local governments
It will impact welfare, food stamps, housing and infrastructure, among other things. But planning for a shutdown is difficult for a myriad of reasons.
Management
Why some power companies support climate laws, but others don’t
Electric utilities have considerable political juice in state capitols, which a study found they can use to promote or stymie greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
Infrastructure
Traditional downtowns are dead or dying in many US cities—what’s next for these zones?
COMMENTARY | Developers have overbuilt office and commercial space in US cities for decades. Now, in the wake of pandemic shutdowns, many downtowns face hard choices about the future.
Infrastructure