Massachusetts has a huge waitlist for state-funded housing. So why are 2,300 units vacant?
One cause of the vacancies is the online waitlist system the state rolled out four years ago.
New voter roll system unveiled after ERIC withdrawal
Alabama debuted a new system to manage the state’s registered voter rolls, completing a goal to replace the Electronic Registration Information Center system. Observers said the state seemed to simply be creating a newer version of the system it left behind.
Are tax incentives boons or boondoggles?
Though there’s lots of evidence that the economic development tool may not be effective, it is still in wide use. Fortunately, there are ways to control the potential waste of taxpayer dollars.
A $10K incentive opens the door to homeownership for city employees
In a bid to attract and retain workers, Baltimore will double its financial incentive for city employees who purchase a home in one of its “middle neighborhoods.”
Program helps manufacturers train workers for an all-electric future
Through the initiative, Minnesota is looking to address a lack of electrification courses designed for employees. The state also believes it will create employment growth in Minnesota.
FEMA rolls out climate adaptation loans for small and overlooked communities
The federal disaster relief agency has taken heat for steering past resilience funds to whiter, wealthier areas.
As cities struggle to shelter migrants, calls for federal action grow
State and local leaders have resorted to desperate measures—sometimes circumventing the federal government—to find housing and support for the influx of asylum seekers. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Pandemic unemployment insurance fraud could have cost $135B, says government watchdog
The Government Accountability Office also says that cuts Congress made as part of the debt deal in June has hurt state efforts to prevent future fraud.
Devil in the details: How outdated zoning code stymies development
With an analysis of its antiquated zoning laws and a newly restructured planning department, Boston is laying the groundwork to address housing shortages and meet its sustainability goals.
What are strike funds? A labor-management relations expert explains
Despite setting labor standards, most states do not provide unemployment insurance compensation to striking workers. As a result, unions often help workers pay for essentials while they negotiate with their employers.
Gov. Josh Shapiro wants you to text him
The Pennsylvania governor joins New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy as trailblazers exploring direct text communications with constituents.
Who are your rising stars?
Nominations are open for the 2023 Rising Stars program. We're looking to spotlight innovators across federal, state and local governments and up-and-coming talent at contracting firms.
Pocket parks emerge as a climate solution
Size doesn’t always matter. Even the smallest of green spaces can play a key role in mitigating climate impacts like extreme heat and poor air quality.
Can the future of passenger rail be found between Miami and Orlando?
The debut of Brightline service linking Miami to the central Florida tourist mecca is giving rail advocates hope that passenger rail will gain popularity elsewhere, too.
Transportation is feeling the heat
As cities nationwide get hotter, addressing extreme temperatures and their effects on roads, bridges and rail is becoming a priority.
The Fee Trap: Why Alabama’s local governments can’t shake fines and charges
The state’s tax caps mean governments have to turn to charges to keep running. It may not be sustainable.
A simple way to make electric cars more accessible: Share them
Car shares not only make electric vehicles more equitable, they reduce the number of vehicles on the road and the resources needed to decarbonize transport.
Words matter: Climate messaging needs a reboot
By paying close attention to the vocabulary policymakers use to frame climate issues, they can more effectively build public support for climate mitigation.
States will soon be required to track post-welfare employment outcomes
The new rule, part of the debt deal struck in June, is a bipartisan effort by Congress to improve welfare assistance and lift recipients out of poverty.
How to unlock a better user experience for constituents
COMMENTARY | People today expect smarter, simpler customer service thanks to the likes of Apple, Amazon and Microsoft. States can deliver on that expectation by creating a single data source spanning all systems of record.
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