Infrastructure
With a Big Surge in Transportation Funding, a State Decides Its Spending Priorities
Michigan expects its annual cut of federal highway dollars to rise by a third in the coming years. Here’s how the state is thinking about putting the extra cash to use.
Infrastructure
Bill Would Offer Grants to Boost Use of Drones to Inspect Infrastructure
One of the U.S. senators backing the legislation says it would "help local governments invest in drones and skilled workers to ensure America’s existing infrastructure remains safe.”
Management
Key Parts of US Laws are Hard for the Public to Find and Read
Oblique or missing references to standards and codes specified by law make it difficult for judges, lawyers and the general public to comply with regulations.
Sponsor Content
More Than Half of States Provide Patients Full and Direct Access to Nurse Practitioners
Here’s why your state should be among those with Full Practice Authority.
Management
How 3 States Are Trying to Help Their Farmers Deal With Drought
Swaths of the country have baked this summer under hot and dry conditions, making it tougher to keep crops growing and livestock healthy. In some cases, state governments are stepping up work with their agriculture sectors in response.
Tech & Data
Mobile Threats Prompt Operational Changes for Governments
More than 80% of public sector respondents to a recent survey said they have been forced to re-evaluate workplace practices as attacks on mobile devices grow.
Health & Human Services
The Plan to Turn Blighted Houses into a New Source of Green Power for the Grid
A California nonprofit is retrofitting homes to make a "virtual power plant" — and fighting gentrification at the same time.
Health & Human Services
A Uranium Ghost Town in the Making
Time and again, mining company Homestake and government agencies promised to clean up waste from decades of uranium processing. It didn’t happen. Now they’re trying a new tactic: buying out homeowners to avoid finishing the job.
Infrastructure
Feds Offer Greater Flexibility to Use ARPA Money for Housing
Counties welcomed the updated American Rescue Plan Act guidance. With rents and home prices high, the Biden administration is urging states and localities to put some of their federal pandemic aid towards housing programs.
Infrastructure
The Nation’s Most Ambitious Train Station Renovation Projects
New York City is looking at a major rail station makeover. But around the country, other noteworthy projects were completed in recent years or are now in the works.
Management
Could Apprenticeships Fix the Teacher Shortage?
COMMENTARY | Several states are pioneering "earn and learn" models as a potential long-term solution to address persistent educator shortages.
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Finance
Senate Approves Democrats' Sweeping Climate and Health Bill
The legislation would unlock billions in new grants for states and local governments. But some lament its lack of help on housing and other issues. It will next go to the House.
Sponsor Content
How Empathetic Service at Scale Can Rebuild Trust in Government
The Executive Order on Transforming the Federal Customer Experience underscores the importance of technology.
Health & Human Services
Texas Governor Escalates Feud with NYC Mayor by Sending Buses of Migrants to City
The move follows New York City Mayor Eric Adams' refusal to accept Gov. Greg Abbott’s invitation to visit the Texas border towns where migrants are crossing into the U.S.
Health & Human Services
Cities Can Apply for Free Monitoring of Sewage for Signs of Monkeypox
The National League of Cities is accepting applications for the new program and will select 50 localities to participate. The initiative will build on efforts to track Covid-19 in wastewater.
Management
A Legislative Staff Unionization Wave is Hitting Blue State Capitols
Statehouse employees in at least four states are pushing to organize and Oregon staffers formed a union last year.
Infrastructure
Senate Package Has $3B for Communities Cut Apart by Highways
The “neighborhood access and equity grants” would supplement earlier funding in the infrastructure law and could go towards a range of projects. About a third of the money is earmarked for lower-income areas.
Tech & Data
Civic Engagement in One City Takes Off With a Digital Survey and Respect for Feedback
An easily accessible cloud-based questionnaire and analytics tool helped Corona, California, get more than five times more responses from residents than previous efforts.
Infrastructure
Senate Approves Rollback of Biden’s Infrastructure Permitting Rules
Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin joined Republicans in voting for the plan, which has the backing of business and labor groups. It still faces a vote in the House and a likely veto. Even so, supporters see hope for permitting changes on the horizon.
Management
Republican Election Deniers Rack Up State Level Primary Wins
Former President Trump's clout in state elections was on display this week. In Arizona, his picks for governor and five seats in the legislature won their primaries. In Michigan, five of 10 Trump-endorsed legislative candidates on the ballot prevailed.
Health & Human Services