Finance
California’s budget troubles are unique—at least for now
The Golden State could face a $68 billion deficit through mid-2025. But other states appear to remain fiscally strong, with many still spending surpluses. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Management
Who gets to decide when you die? States consider medical aid in dying
More than a dozen states introduced bills to legalize the practice in 2023, which observers say can improve end-of-life systems and processes for families and health care providers.
Emerging Tech
Generative AI could save governments nearly $1.8T annually
A report says that U.S. governments could see more than $500 billion in productivity gains. Those with a “fast technology adoption curve” stand to benefit the most.
Sponsor Content
LACMTA transit leadership improve rider experiences
Transportation leaders from across the United States are leveraging customer relationship management (CRM) solutions to improve experiences on public transit.
Infrastructure
Austin will now allow more homes to be built on single-family lots
City officials hope that allowing up to three units per lot will increase supply and slow the explosive increase in housing costs. The measure was approved by Austin City Council in a 9-2 vote late Thursday night.
Management
Maine death certificates don’t track housing status, but other states are starting to
Data on individual's housing status at their time of death can help policymakers better understand and respond to the risks and driving factors of the homelessness crisis.
Finance
WIC applications are up in many states
But a new study reveals that despite increasing demand, states are already struggling to reach all the women, children and infants eligible for the program.
Management
No wrong doors: Making benefits easier to access
When applying for benefits is too hard, families don’t get the support they need. Learning how users actually work through submitting an online application underscores how important user-centered design is to a program’s success.
Finance
High taxes aren’t causing rich New Yorkers to flee, study says
The report points to data showing top earners from the Empire State decamp less often than lower-income residents, and when they do leave they move to high-tax states.
Management
With youth overdose death rates soaring, state offers free opioid reversal medication to schools
The initiative comes amid a spike in the number of teens who have died from drug overdoses in the last five years.
Workforce
Public-sector workers report taking fewer and fewer vacation days
Not being able to unplug from work leads to burnout and poor performance, one expert reminds us.
Featured eBooks
Digital Government
Food for thought: Data tool maps food, climate and racial equity risks
A new data tool breaks down existing data and policy silos so state and local governments can identify and reduce those interconnected risks.
Sponsor Content
Equitable Broadband Access: 3 Ways States are Bridging the Divide
Learn the three strategies for securing public-private partnerships and insights into how technology can benefit public sector employees and citizens.
Infrastructure
California wins big as Biden administration doubles down on high-speed rail
The Golden State will benefit from $6 billion in new grants to provide connections in the Central Valley and between the Los Angeles suburbs and Las Vegas. An East Coast route is getting big money too.
Finance
What a major income tax case before the Supreme Court means for states
During oral arguments this week, the court signaled it was wary of issuing an opinion that could upend the tax code.
Management
Biden wants states to ensure Obamacare plans cover enough doctors and hospitals
A proposal from the federal government would standardize open enrollment periods across all states, require states to assess the accessibility of their insurer networks and expand adult dental coverage under the Affordable Care Act.
Emerging Tech
Michigan to transition the state’s fleet to zero emission vehicles by 2040
The conversion to ZEVs can help reduce gas and vehicle maintenance costs, reduce pollution and improve public health, some say.
Workforce
Data literacy: the drive to educate the public sector workforce
As data-based decision-making becomes ever more important, data academies begin to blossom in local government.
Cybersecurity
Two recent cyberattacks on water systems highlight vulnerability of critical infrastructure
Pro-Iran hackers allegedly hit a system near Pittsburgh, causing it to replace its Israeli-made equipment as a precaution. Meanwhile, another group hit a system in North Texas and caused operational issues.
Digital Government
Cloud a ‘game-changer’ for health insurance marketplace
When California’s health insurance marketplace migrated to the cloud, it cut costs, improved consumer experience and gained the ability to scale to demand.
Management