Wisconsin’s ‘Star Trek’ veto and other budget stragglers
With the new fiscal year underway, some states are just now wrapping up their budgets—and it hasn’t been without drama. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup
The federal government has more than 8,000 vacant properties. Why aren’t they being used to house the homeless?
A 2016 law says unused federal properties should be turned over to help the homeless. But a complex process and bureaucratic requirements are making that nearly impossible.
Without digital project management, cities will be ‘out of the race’
With cloud-based solutions, infrastructure planners can collaborate, prioritize projects and streamline permitting, funding and compliance.
How smart software powers water conservation
COMMENTARY | Communities can optimize water usage, minimize waste and promote sustainable practices.
As states hunt for new voters, Massachusetts adds thousands via Medicaid applications
Any eligible voter in the state who applies for Medicaid is automatically added to the rolls, unless they opt out. Other states are exploring similar systems, which experts say could be more effective in increasing voter rolls.
As more states legalize pot, their uneven safety rules can pose a risk
Tests for marijuana potency and contamination vary across state lines.
How cities can navigate their state’s broadband preemption laws
The National League of Cities takes a look at how municipalities can expand broadband even when state authority may limit their ability to do so.
‘Reconnecting Communities’ grant applications expanded
The federal Transportation Department announced $3.35 billion in grant opportunities to reconnect communities divided by highways, rail lines and other infrastructure.
Boosting affordable housing by reclaiming investor-owned properties
As the affordable housing supply gets squeezed, some worry that private equity firms will scoop up more properties.
CDC to reduce funding for states’ child vaccination programs
Citing the recent debt ceiling deal, the CDC is trimming its funding to child vaccination programs that focus on communities vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The cuts come despite data showing the percentage of children getting vaccinated has dropped in recent years.
Hackers already infiltrate EV chargers. It could get worse.
Most intrusions have been innocuous, but a nefarious plot could bring down the grid. Experts have suggestions for improving security.
6 steps to securing operational technology in critical infrastructure
COMMENTARY | Securing the hardware and software systems in power plants, water treatment facilities, transportation systems and other critical infrastructure calls for network visibility, vulnerability assessment and holistic strategic and incident response plans.
Cities extract mobility insights from ride-hailing company data
With access to real-time mobility data from a variety of sources, cities can improve transit efficiency and meet sustainability, accessibility and equity goals.
Solving the problem of understaffed jails and prisons
State and local governments are working to attract and retain corrections workers. But it’s not easy, and the task is complicated by high burnout rates due to understaffing.
Creating a framework for secure-by-design software development
COMMENTARY | State and local IT leaders can proactively address potential threats by prioritizing throughout the development process, regularly evaluating data security policies and keeping an inventory of software components.
Handprints for IDs? State liquor board discusses biometrics for alcohol sales
Tech from Amazon and other companies makes the age verification option possible. Privacy advocates have concerns.
Work requirements for SNAP don’t get people into jobs
COMMENTARY | Work requirements for SNAP benefits don't boost employment, a study finds. Instead, they have adverse effects on homeless people.
It’s time for buildings to stop using a third of US energy, some states say
A few states are front-runners in approving efficiency rules for new and old buildings.
Building infrastructure using inclusive planning
COMMENTARY | As billions of dollars flow to state and local governments under the infrastructure bill, public officials are responsible for using it to create a fairer economy.
Governor calls for more speed cameras to curb deadly traffic crashes
After 251 people died last year in wrecks involving a speeding driver, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is deploying speed cameras to slow drivers down. "We can’t allow this carnage to continue," he said.
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