Infrastructure
Governors propose spending billions on overdue infrastructure projects
In State of the State addresses this week, several governors said they would prioritize ambitious and much needed infrastructure projects. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Finance
How state and local agencies are working together to quell the opioid crisis
Leaders at every level of government underlined the importance of collaboration to effectively leverage funding to address the nationwide opioid epidemic during a recent National Association of Counties event.
Management
Gen Z and millennials have an unlikely love affair with their local libraries
Though they’re sometimes characterized as attention-addled homebodies, younger people see a real value in libraries − one that goes beyond books.
Sponsor Content
GovExec TV: Five Questions with Thomas MacLellan
Sit down with Palo Alto Networks's Thomas MacLellan, Director of government affairs and strategy for SLED, to discuss the “whole-of-state” approach and how state and local governments are advancing in the cybersecurity realm.
Management
Federal rule forces oil states to cut planet-warming methane emissions
Some states say the new regulation is too heavy a lift.
Infrastructure
City officials plead for more say in how AVs are deployed
Autonomous vehicle companies often cut out city transportation agencies with state laws that preempt local regulations. City leaders say that “handcuffs” them as they try to manage traffic and curb space.
Management
States increasingly join the land use reform rodeo
For a long time housing-related land use issues have been primarily dealt with at the local level, but that’s changing as a case in Montana shows.
Finance
WIC program on pace to fall $1B short, says agriculture secretary
Unless Congress budgets more, the program will run out of money in mid-August, forcing states to waitlist those seeking help.
Finance
Washington’s cap on carbon is raising billions for climate action. Can it survive the backlash?
A repeal initiative blaming the state's climate law for higher gas prices could wind up on the ballot in November.
Workforce
Workforce shortages plague rural hospitals, legislation to address it stalls
Experts worry that without legislation incentivizing entry into various medical professions, rural healthcare systems will increasingly suffer from personnel shortages.
Infrastructure
Biden administration announces $623 million in EV charging grants for state and local agencies
The grants, which come as part of the 2021 infrastructure law, are intended to ensure chargers are built in underserved or remote communities.
Featured eBooks
Finance
How governments are tackling medical debt
Medical debt can stymie communities’ economic mobility as unpaid hospital bills chip away at public dollars. That’s why local governments are looking to forgive residents’ medical debt, which experts say can be especially helpful for rural areas.
Sponsor Content
5 ways to enhance government service delivery with user-centric design
Experts across industry gathered to explore how the government can modernize its services, improve its relationship with constituents, and empower its workforce through technology and innovation.
Emerging Tech
New York governor pledges to ‘shape the trajectory’ of AI development
Kathy Hochul announced in her State of the State address an AI consortium and research center, and issued a new policy for responsible AI governance.
Management
Are ski mask bans a crime-fighting solution? Some cities say yes.
Philadelphia is the latest city to prohibit ski masks in some public areas, but there is little research supporting the strategy.
Digital Government
The Keystone State partners with OpenAI for first-in-nation AI pilot
Led by Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, staff in the Office of Administration will use the AI tools to create and edit copy, update policy language, draft job descriptions and help employees write code.
Management
Mayors push for Congress to address the migrant crisis
But could the partisan debate over the border derail funding to cities and efforts to avert a government shutdown?
Cybersecurity
More details emerge on FCC’s cyber program for schools, libraries
Applicants for the $200 million pilot could be required to detail recent attacks and their current cybersecurity posture. The agency is also seeking guidance on how to measure success.
Digital Government
Unwinding the public health emergency: Medicaid agencies should slow down to speed up
COMMENTARY | States that take the time to strategically adjust their staffing, processes and technology could ultimately speed up the Medicaid redetermination process.
Management
Voters don’t always have final say—state legislatures and governors are increasingly undermining ballot measures that win
COMMENTARY | Election year 2024 will see citizen initiatives on the ballot across the country, some focused on abortion rights. But there’s a growing trend of lawmakers altering initiatives after they have passed.
Infrastructure