There's 'Clear Evidence' of Bias in Past US State Spending
COMMENTARY | New research shows a direct link between constituent race, class, and immigration status and US state spending between 1921 and 1961.
‘Catastrophic Financially.’ What It Means for Cities If the Debt Ceiling Isn’t Raised
A default on the federal level could discourage investors from providing the money cities need to function, build affordable housing, fix roads and make other improvements.
How One County Fixed Its Broken Property Tax System
Property taxes are considered the ultimate “fair” tax. But that fairness hinges on the assumption that homes are being assessed accurately, regularly and thoroughly.
State & Local Roundup: Governors Unveil Plans for Budget Surpluses
Plus: North Carolina’s possible Medicaid expansion; a “humiliating” debate; ransomware cripples Oakland; and a power outage at J.F.K. airport; and more news you can use from around the country.
Some Towns Get Funding Boost from Census Corrections
Census population count corrections have started to roll out, but officials say the bureau needs to be more transparent about the process as valuable funding opportunities remain on the line.
The Worker Shortage Is Real. Could Tech Help Governors Close Gaps?
Business leaders pointed to high-tech job training and tools like artificial intelligence as possible solutions to the historic shortage of workers.
Local Governments Still Counting on Pandemic Aid Despite Clawback Threat
Officials continue to deal with food insecurity, rising housing costs and learning gaps as House Republicans consider whether to recall American Rescue Plan Act funds in the Treasury Department's coffers.
The Politics of ESG Investing
COMMENTARY | Leaders in conservative states are hesitant to adopt ESG-related principles. Are their positions purely political or substantive as well?
States Are Scoring Millions in Tax Revenue from Sports Betting
Ahead of this weekend’s Super Bowl, a Route Fifty analysis shows the states where income from sports gambling was the highest.
Why Treasury Was Slow to Expand a Key Small Business Program
Pandemic relief legislation boosted funding for the initiative to $10 billion from $1.5 billion. A new watchdog report looks at the reasons the department had delays getting the money to states.
One City’s Attempt to Bring Racial Equity to Home Repairs
Established in 2015, Detroit’s zero-interest home repair program has kept hundreds of Black homeowners in their homes.
The End Is Near for Outdated Government Financial Reporting
COMMENTARY | Changes to federal law will require state and local governments to do what they should have done years ago for the benefit of investors and other stakeholders.
A Governor Backs a Major Funding Boost for Counties and Cities
His plan involves sharing 20% of state sales tax collections with localities and giving them more latitude to raise taxes.
Top Sales Tax Trends to Watch in 2023
COMMENTARY | The current economic uncertainty will shape state and local government changes to tax policy.
When States Take Over Financially Troubled Local Governments
A recent bankruptcy filing by Chester, Pennsylvania, highlights the limits and difficulties with state programs in dealing with fiscal stress at the municipal level.
How One State Is Rolling Out an EV Charging Tax System
Iowa got a head start four years ago when it passed a tax on kilowatt hours sold. Here’s what they’ve learned so far.
Congress and Watchdogs Scrutinize Covid Aid Lost to Fraud
Federal officials are still going after fraudsters who siphoned billions from emergency Covid-era programs, while also trying to prevent similar malfeasance in the future. State-managed unemployment programs are one area getting heavy attention.
As More Electric Vehicles Hit Roads, States Look to Replace the Gas Tax
Taxing drivers for the miles they drive and imposing fuel taxes on electricity sold at commercial chargers are just some of the options states are considering.
An Often-Overlooked Reason for Public Sector Job Vacancies
Agencies have struggled to recruit and retain workers, but it’s not uncommon for them to hold jobs open in order to shift salary dollars around in their budgets to cover other costs.
End Nears for Covid Public Health Emergency
But expansions of key safety net programs that involve states are no longer tied to the directive and are already set to wind down.
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