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.
Infrastructure
Biden to invest $8B toward vision for nationwide expansion of passenger rail
The long-awaited grants for construction and planning show that the administration is unfazed by attacks in Washington over the popularity of passenger rail, with nearly every state receiving money.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Featured eBooks
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.
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.
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.
Infrastructure
New life for old coal: Mine lands and power plants are hot renewable development spots
Converting old coal plants to renewable energy storage sites can set states up for job creation and increased tax revenue, one observer says.
Infrastructure
Could the feds withhold broadband funding to some states?
Several states appear unwilling to change laws on their books that are at odds with a requirement in the 2021 infrastructure law.
Digital Government