How agency employees can help improve user experience
COMMENTARY | By leveraging nontechnical staff for automated testing, agencies can improve user experience and help residents gain the greatest benefit from digital government services.
Cities boost wages, embrace ‘culture change’ to beat lifeguard shortage
This summer, some major cities are fully staffing their pools for the first time in years.
IRS seeks states’ input on its direct file pilot
States have until Sept. 4 to tell the IRS if they’re interested in participating.
As temperatures spike, states act to protect residents and workers
Governments geared up protective measures against the dangerously hot weather baking nearly every part of the country this past week. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Survey: More than three-fourths of 911 centers face staffing crisis
While not enough research has been done to identify and address issues dispatchers are facing, a recent poll shows 911 centers are understaffed and overwhelmed by calls.
Helping young people make a quantum leap
By engaging high schoolers, public and private universities are looking to jumpstart efforts to build the future quantum workforce.
Rural Texas may lose out on billions in broadband infrastructure funding due to federal regulations
Grant applicants are required to have a line of credit from a major bank and put up 25% of the project cost ahead of time. That will likely disqualify many small internet service providers in rural areas.
How to buy ed tech that isn't evil
As schools look to educational technology to enhance student learning, administrators must first consider the safety and effectiveness of any product before bringing it in the classroom.
How local leaders are getting one hot county to cool down
From emissions reductions to cool roofs, Miami-Dade County is exploring how building efficiency plays a role in the growing heat crisis.
State child tax credits can reduce poverty, but only if families apply
Since the federal child tax credit expired at the end of 2021, 11 states have enacted their own fully refundable versions. But for them to be as successful as the federal credit, states have to get the word out.
States could use federal money to add Tesla chargers
Kentucky, Texas and Washington might add extra plugs for the popular EVs, as several automakers indicated they would make cars with the same connections in coming years.
What needs to change at Rikers? Everything.
We asked more than a dozen criminal justice experts. They urged staying the course on borough-based jails—and many called for a federal takeover of Rikers in the meantime.
Why computer security guidelines are so unclear
COMMENTARY | Cybersecurity guidelines are often riddled with excessive or confusing information, spurring a need for clearer instructions from trustworthy sources to better mitigate system vulnerabilities.
States put buying power to work for local governments
When states drive cooperative procurements, local agencies can take advantage of volume discounts, experienced contracting officers and a streamlined process.
Pandemic spending exposes weaknesses in how governments handle data
A federal report found huge differences in how states and localities collected and shared data. Better collaboration could help prevent money going unaccounted for.
Is HR the solution to many transit agencies' woes?
Understaffed and underfunded, public transit is struggling to keep up with demand. A new report suggests that investing in human resources could be the solution.
Emily’s List launches Madam Mayor program to support local women leaders
The initiative was launched in part in response to misinformation and disinformation targeting women candidates and officials.
Unemployment insurance modernization takes hit in Congress
The funding reduction is part of the debt ceiling compromise, but the Labor Department says it still plans to focus on helping states combat identity fraud and strengthening the integrity of the UI system.
What it’s like to be a homeless woman
A recent survey of unhoused women sheds light on an oft-overlooked and little understood problem. As the number of homeless women grows, so do their concerns about safety and privacy.
Infrastructure remains a top priority for cities
According to an analysis of State of City addresses, mayors’ top focus for the third straight year are the nation’s road, bridges and water systems. Finances and public safety followed closely behind.
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