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.

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

Philadelphia reduced school-based arrests by 91% since 2013—researchers explain the effects of keeping kids out of the legal system

COMMENTARY | Launched in 2014, the city's diversion program looks to prevent youths from being referred to the criminal justice system. In the first five years, it decreased school-based arrests by 84%, and researchers say it saves taxpayers millions of dollars.