A Transparent Look at How Governments Are Spending the $350B in ARPA Funds
On Aug. 31, states and large localities had to provide reports on how they are allocating their federal funds. They also have to post them on transparency websites, which can help them learn from one another and coordinate spending plans.
State Tax Limits Can Hamper Local Fiscal Stability
States should consider adjusting policies that tightly restrict budget flexibility for cities and counties, according to a report from The Pew Charitable Trusts.
This Week in Federal Funding
In the Aug. 24 edition, we hear from California State Auditor Elaine Howle. Plus, the outlook for transit agencies, ARPA funding for unemployment benefits, updates from Atlantic City and Missouri.
People Liked Malls
COMMENTARY | Amazon appears to have discovered that the fastest, freest shipping is picking stuff up in person.
This Week in Federal Funding
In the Aug. 17 edition, we talk with Shamiah Kerney, director of Baltimore's new Office of Recovery Programs. Also, updates from St. Louis, Hoboken, N.J., and Memphis.
Pandemic Relief Aid Highlights Gaps Reaching Underserved Americans
Lessons learned so far could inform how states and localities design new programs funded with an influx of federal dollars.
What Works? Evidence and Evaluation Key as States and Localities Spend Aid
The federal government is urging states and localities to study the results of their American Rescue Plan Act spending and to adopt programs with proven track records.
Best Cities for Remote Workers
A Utah city leads a list of best places for people who don't want to commute. All the top cities offer an abundance of urban amenities, scenic surroundings and affordable housing.
Challenges Ahead for $3.5T Budget Bill After Senate Approval
Disagreements over the cost of the budget bill among Senate Democrats could slow progress on a separate infrastructure package headed to the House.
Governments Doling Out Bonuses for Public Employees, 'Gratitude Grants' for Grocery Workers
For public sector and service workers, covid fatigue took its toll. Now states and localities are saying thank you using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Senate Democrats Release $3.5T Budget Framework with Affordable Housing, Climate Funding
Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has set a Sept. 15 deadline for committees to draft legislative text for the proposal, which will fund domestic initiatives.
Governments Sinking Millions Into Training Unemployed Residents for High-paying Jobs
States are identifying industries with the most critical needs and matching job hunters with career coaches, free college tuition, computers, internet access, apprenticeships and more.
Indigenous Tribes Taking the Lead on Legal Weed
While the state dawdles on pot regulations, Native Americans in New York will likely begin sales before the end of the year.
This Week in Federal Funding
In the Aug. 4 edition we look at opportunities for county-city collaboration and at local governments pursuing guaranteed income and other cash payment programs using aid dollars.
How Local Governments Can Help Minority-Owned Businesses Gain Access to Public Contracts
Procurement of goods and services by localities totals $2.5 trillion annually, but people of color struggle to gain access to lucrative public contracts, according to the National League of Cities.
This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 27 edition we talk with urbanist Bruce Katz about ways local governments can strategize to take full advantage of new federal dollars and why he made a comparison between pandemic aid and the Amazon HQ2 competition.
The Accounting Burden for Spending Federal Stimulus Funds
Localities and states have a variety of challenges coming out of the pandemic. But one concern is widespread: how to stay on top of the financial reporting requirements of the American Rescue Plan Act.
City Centers Bouncing Back, Lifting Property Taxes and Other Revenues
But downtowns won't hit pre-pandemic levels for a few years as employees continue to work remotely and shop and dine out less.
The States That Have Cut Income Taxes So Far This Year
Lawmakers have lowered taxes for residents and businesses alike.
Legislators and Governors Battle Over Who Spends the Rescue Act Money
Power struggles between the executive and legislative branches are nothing new, but they are particularly vigorous with $350 billion in federal dollars at stake.
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