Finance
Congress and Watchdogs Scrutinize Stolen Covid Aid
Federal officials are still going after fraudsters who siphoned billions from emergency Covid-era programs, while also trying to prevent similar malfeasance in the future. State-managed unemployment programs are one area getting heavy attention.
Tech & Data
Urban Heat Map Reveals Priority Spots for Cooling Efforts
Citizen scientists in Milwaukee collected air temperature and humidity data to help state officials focus where heat prevention efforts are most needed.
Infrastructure
City Planners Are Questioning the Point of Parking Garages
COMMENTARY | As many cities grapple with the housing crisis, some places are rewriting regulations and finding creative ways to repurpose these hulking masses of concrete that suck up valuable real estate.
Sponsor Content
State CIOs Report Greater Workforce Challenges, Evolving Responsibilities Post-Pandemic
The rapidly changing work environment is demanding more of the CIO while complicating efforts to staff a highly skilled workforce.
Finance
An Often-Overlooked Reason for Public Sector Job Vacancies
Agencies have struggled to recruit and retain workers, but it’s not uncommon for them to hold jobs open in order to shift salary dollars around in their budgets to cover other costs.
Health & Human Services
End Nears for Covid Public Health Emergency
But expansions of key safety net programs that involve states are no longer tied to the directive and are already set to wind down.
Infrastructure
Nine ‘Mega’ Projects Score Grants Totaling Over $1 Billion
Nearly $300 million of the federal funding will go to a high-profile rail tunnel project linking New York City and New Jersey.
Management
Report: 14% of Young Adults Want to Work for Government
They preferred businesses of any size to government or nonprofit work.
Public Safety
Texas Governor Hires 'Border Czar' to Accelerate Wall Construction
Mike Banks, a recently retired Border Patrol agent, will work with the Texas National Guard and state troopers to find ways to deter people from crossing the border illegally.
Management
A New Bill in Washington State Seeks to Reduce Unneeded Packaging
Laws requiring companies to cover the costs of recycling services are gaining momentum in the U.S. Washington is one of the latest states to consider a strategy that is popular in Europe.
Finance
How the Debt Ceiling Debate Puts State and Local Dollars at Risk
With a battle over federal spending brewing between Republicans and Democrats in Washington, counties and low-income housing advocates are warning of potentially damaging cuts.
Infrastructure
White House Launches New Push to Help States Remove Lead Pipes That Carry Drinking Water
Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin will be part of the Lead Service Replacement Accelerators program.
Sponsor Content
Case Study: Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services
Discover how The Work Number helped Los Angeles County provide rapid relief amid a heightened need during COVID-19.
Public Safety
Pain of Police Killings Traumatizes Black People and Communities Across US
COMMENTARY | Evidence shows that many Black Americans experience police killings of other Black people as traumatic events, and that this trauma diminishes the ability of Black communities to thrive.
Infrastructure
Over $1 Billion Now Available to Convert Bus Fleets to Cleaner Fuels
Purchases of electric and hydrogen-powered buses are among the projects eligible for a new round of federal grants.
Management
The Industries Most Affected by America’s Labor Shortage
COMMENTARY | Lawmakers and government officials need to seek out solutions now and build their workforce development strategies around them.
Infrastructure
Another City Expands Fare-Free Transit
The Seattle program will provide no-cost bus passes for public housing residents.
Finance
State & Local Roundup: Wealth Tax Proposals on the Rise
While some states debate the so-called millionaires taxes, others are weighting cuts to levies on income and property. Plus: News you can use from across the country.
Infrastructure
New Boil Water Notices Are Being Issued Every Other Day in Jackson
Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves lifted the citywide boil water advisory on Sept. 15, 2022. Since then, 70 new boil water notices, or more than one every other day, have been issued.
Public Safety
Michigan to Automatically Expunge Some Criminal Records Under ‘Clean Slate’ Program
State officials will automatically allow for certain convictions to be expunged in an effort to remove hurdles to jobs and housing.
Finance