State and Local Government Elections: Ballot Initiatives We’re Tracking
Beyond races for the White House and Congress, voters across the nation are considering a wide variety of state and local proposals and initiatives. Here’s our rundown of what’s important to watch ...
Impacts of ‘Teacher Free Agency’ in Wisconsin’s Schools; Oklahoma Quake Causes Minor Damage
Also in our Weekend State and Local News Digest: Voting Rights Act ruling reverberates in southern states; big spending on Calif. prescription drug initiative; and Sacramento’s really bright lights.
A Municipal Model for Place-Based Impact Investing
Dallas foundations have close to $2 billion to spend on social change.
Navigator Award Finalists: Sherry Schoonover and Team, City of Topeka, Kan.
Making its easier to track capital improvement projects—and the funding that’s been budgeted and spent on them.
Despite Slow Growth, Tax Revenue Has Recovered in 31 States
But the national trend masks how widely recovery has varied across the states.
Navigator Award Finalist: Chelsa Wagner and Team, Allegheny County Controller’s Office
Bringing greater transparency to county government finances.
Jerry Brown's California Pension Reforms Have Done Little to Rein in Costs
The governor pushed for sweeping action in 2011 to close a funding gap and ease the burden on taxpayers. Then lawmakers blocked his most ambitious ideas.
Days of Low-Cost Gas Are Over in N.J.; Flint’s ‘Chilling Effect’ on Mich. State Workers
Also in our State and Local Weekend news digest: McCrory to call special legislative session in North Carolina; Des Moines school bus seatbelt pilot project; and Connecticut’s drought warning.
The Promise and Pitfalls of Privatizing Public Transit
Start-ups are proving more efficient than government in areas like transportation. Should some services be privatized?
No Pension Reform for Pennsylvania; N.J. City to Sue Neighbors Over Sewers
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Florida Keys ends in-person jail visits; the ACLU wants Utah county's police footage; Colorado's $2.39B marijuana impact.
State Financial Disclosure Antiquated, Inaccessible
The personal financial holdings of candidates for state office and elected officials are often vague and hard to get.
Navigator Award Finalist: Andrew McCreery, Finance Director, Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
Letting transparency take root in a municipal government.
As Rural America Ages, Volunteers Give a Hand
Volunteers in the graying states are helping seniors remain in their homes.
Navigator Award Finalist: Wes Craiglow, Deputy Director for Planning and Development, Conway, Ark.
Making the case for city planners to think more like farmers and encourage development that will be the most beneficial to a municipal budget.
Can We Hope for Better Intergovernmental Relations?
It’s one key to solving national problems, say federalism experts.
Are Taxpayers Willing to Pony Up for Parks?
They were in Seattle and elsewhere. And counties from California to Ohio have proposed parks levies for the November ballot, whether it’s to simply maintain park space or add more in underserved areas.
Navigator Award Finalists: Jim Landers and Team, Indiana Legislative Service Agency
Leading the way to evaluate the costs and benefits of economic development tax credits.
Kansas’ Overly Optimistic Revenue Forecasts; Univ. of Calif. Workers Struggle With Hunger
Also in our State and Local Daily Digest: Flood recovery continues in N.C.; Okla. considers big alcohol changes; New Orleans mayor plans to double traffic cameras.
Sparring Over Soda Tax, Cities Set Referendums
Cities that need cash liken a tax on soda to other “sin” taxes such as those on tobacco and alcohol.
Route Fifty Viewcast on Wednesday: Prioritizing Cybersecurity
Register and join Route Fifty News Editor Dave Nyczepir and two local government officials for a livestreamed discussion about current cyber challenges.
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