Re-imagining democracy for the 21st century, possibly without the trappings of the 18th century
COMMENTARY | The modern representative democracy was the best form of government mid-18th-century technology could invent. The 21st century is a different place scientifically, technically and socially.
In reversal, some states make it harder for people with felony convictions to vote
Voting rights groups have filed a flurry of legal challenges to felony disenfranchisement laws this year.
‘That is how you run a city’: Top mayors share tips for tackling crime, homelessness and hostile media
The mayors of the country’s four largest cities, all of whom are Black, highlighted their management approaches at a gathering of the National Urban League. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
As water reuse expands, proponents battle the ‘yuck’ factor
Treated wastewater could be the answer to communities' looming concerns over water shortages. Despite skepticism and, often, disgust at the idea, experts say reused water is a glass-half-full solution.
‘Loved to death:’ New report says tourism that drives the state’s economy can hurt local cities
When droves of tourists arrive to small communities, the demand for housing, amenities and resources strains the pockets of state and local governments.
Emergency rental assistance programs do more than provide cash assistance
Beyond covering rent, the federal funding laid the groundwork for improved partnerships with courts and data integration that will help communities continue providing support.
One small step for man, one giant leap for Pittsburgh
Steel city startups are set to send new tech to the moon. But Pittsburgh’s galactic ambition doesn’t end there. Local and state officials want to play a key part in the future of America’s space exploration.
Feds announce funds for renewable energy facility planning
State and local governments can apply for funds to support the complex decision-making processes around large-scale renewable energy planning, siting and permitting.
For states, the rollout of 988 still faces some challenges
One year in, states are struggling to staff up the suicide prevention lifeline and get the word out about its existence.
‘Conscience’ bills let medical providers opt out of providing a wide range of care
One state will block patients' ability to take legal action against health care providers who refuse to participate in procedures such as abortion or medically assisted death, a move critics say will restrict individuals' rights to essential care.
Ohio voters are deciding if it’s too easy to pass ballot measures. Other states are watching.
What Ohio voters decide on Aug. 8 is likely to shape whether similar efforts to restrict ballot measures are brought in other states.
In national race to build EV chargers, a few states emerge as big winners
State policy, the electric grid and business considerations can all determine how many public charging stations a state’s residents will see.
Digital twins: Debunking 4 common myths
COMMENTARY | State and local agencies can use digital twins to run detailed analysis of planned roadways, housing developments and facilities to spot hidden issues.
After enacting strict abortion laws, many states are turning to tax breaks for expectant parents
Four states have approved new tax credits or deductions that allow taxpayers to claim unborn children. Nearly a dozen are expected to follow. But do these laws actually help expectant mothers?
Fighting election denial one community at a time
With the presidential election more than a year away, one former state senator is traveling across Wisconsin to prepare local election officials for skeptical voters by educating them on election processes and technologies.
After George Floyd’s murder, more states require release of police disciplinary records
Lawmakers and advocates say open data on police disciplinary records would boost transparency, accountability and the ability to identify patterns of misconduct in law enforcement agencies.
Turning workplace fatigue around with better data, policies
When managers use dashboards to see how many hours staff members are putting in, they can head off the negative consequences of worker fatigue.
Passions run high over speed limits, but data is hard to come by
A recent study by the AAA Foundation tried to determine whether drivers changed their habits with new speed limits. Instead, the group discovered the limits of the data states collect on the safety of their roads.
Transit agencies prep for new data requirements
Around 500 or so transit systems are scrambling to get in compliance with the new standard, which the Federal Transit Administration and planners will use to improve service.
In a hostile housing landscape, solutions emerge to support home-based child care providers
From the establishment of “child care-friendly landlords” to the construction of low-cost homes earmarked specifically for home-based providers, projects are underway to offer a salve to providers struggling to find and afford adequate housing.
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