Emerging Tech
How one state is using technology to curb high pedestrian fatality rates
Texas has the second highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country. It is looking beyond just physical infrastructure to curb traffic deaths in the state.
Infrastructure
White House looks to safeguard groundwater supplies as aquifers decline nationwide
Nationwide, overconsumption is depleting aquifers that supply communities with fresh water. In some areas, fertilizers used in farming or chemicals used in industry or mining are contaminating the underground reservoirs.
Management
Montana looks to become latest state to boost nonprofit hospital oversight
Montana’s proposal to increase oversight is part of a national trend by states to ensure nonprofit hospitals act as charitable organizations as they claim tax-exempt status.
Sponsor Content
Results for America’s Evaluation Policy Guide
Big Goals? Short on Time? No Problem – Find the Nation's Top Evaluation Policies Here.
Management
Older adults want to age in place. Current policies don’t make it easy.
More opportunities for social events and accessible health services are a top priority for older adults, a new survey finds.
Finance
Governments, get your refundable tax credits here
COMMENTARY | The Inflation Reduction Act includes green tax credits that state and local agencies can use on clean energy vehicles, infrastructure and renewable energy projects.
Finance
Unemployment insurance fraud during the pandemic cost states $135B—and counting
Fraudsters are still finding ways to collect on claims. But there are two crucial ways to get the problem under control, experts say.
Infrastructure
New York idles on green transportation plan
As the state has backpedaled on congestion pricing, it has made no progress on nearly half of its other transit-related climate goals.
Management
Efforts to release prisoners from long sentences draw new interest
As America’s prison population both ages and increases, the “second look” movement has gained interest as a way to reduce overcrowding and potentially save money. But some say the laws could retraumatize crime victims and further burden a strained court system.
Management
The fittest cities in America: See how yours compares
City officials have an important role to play in ensuring the well-being of their communities. Here’s how they can address resident health through policy and resources.
Management
Rules for out-of-town governors could cause headaches for potential VP pick
Half of the states strip governors of their executive powers when they leave the state, which can create confusion in emergencies and open the door for political mischief.
Featured eBooks
Finance
After several years of rapid growth, state budgets are downsizing
For most states, 2025 represents a return to more typical economic conditions after an atypical period for their budgets.
Sponsor Content
Unleashing the power of data analytics: Winning the war on fraud in state benefit programs
An industry expert from Splunk discusses the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the fraud landscape and how the company is bolstering program integrity across state and local sectors.
Infrastructure
Texas is once more flirting with expanding passenger rail
The state’s booming population, congestion problems and billions of federal dollars on the table have officials eyeing ways to boost passenger rail.
Infrastructure
People are still being swallowed by storm drains. One U.S. agency is pushing for safety measures.
A new federal rule requires that local officials in flood-prone areas consider safety features for drain openings. In 2021, ProPublica reported that uncovered storm drains were responsible for at least three dozen deaths over six years.
Digital Government
Nearly $1B available for local digital inclusion projects
The goal of the new federal grant program is to fund local efforts that provide underserved communities with the tools and skills needed to access high-speed internet service.
Digital Government
Know a rising star? Nominate them.
Route Fifty and Nextgov/FCW are looking to spotlight early-career leaders across the government technology space. Nominations are due by August 14.
Digital Government
New $255M federal grant will help state, local public health agencies modernize data systems
The program looks to improve data sharing infrastructure and processes for public health agencies to better detect and manage health threats.
Management
The results of the biggest study on guaranteed income programs are finally in
For three years, 1,000 people received $1,000 per month—no strings attached. They took better jobs. Some went back to school. Others started opening businesses.
Management
A federal utility assistance program favors cold-weather states, giving less money to hot places
A federal program helps people in poverty cover the costs of heat and cooling. But advocates say it disadvantages states like Texas and Arizona, even though extreme heat is a key cause of weather-related deaths.
Management
New anti-immigration laws' real focus is the U.S. Supreme Court, report says
A liberal group warns that laws in Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas that criminalize illegal entry into the country could give the conservative high court a chance to overturn a 2012 decision limiting state and local power over immigration.
