Climate change is a fiscal disaster for local governments—our study shows how it’s testing communities in Florida
COMMENTARY | A new study of Florida’s fiscal vulnerability to climate change finds that flooding directly threatens many local tax bases.
Wind power in numbers: Tri-state pact aims to leverage better renewable energy deal
A trio of New England states will collaborate in soliciting and reviewing bids for offshore wind projects. The agreement aims to keep clean energy costs down.
Disaster recovery projects stall nationwide as FEMA runs out of money
The agency has paused $2.8 billion in spending as it braces for a looming government shutdown.
In unique approach, one county utilizes a P3 to build public schools
Instead of it taking six years to build six schools, it took three. The first-of-its-kind project saved Prince George’s County, Maryland, millions of dollars—and includes 30 years of maintenance.
Fossil fuel workers have the skills to succeed in green jobs, but location is a major barrier to a just transition
COMMENTARY | In a greener future, what becomes of current fossil fuel workers? Despite possessing skills applicable to green industries, their geographical locations will limit their opportunities.
Why a government shutdown is complex for state and local governments
It will impact welfare, food stamps, housing and infrastructure, among other things. But planning for a shutdown is difficult for a myriad of reasons.
Traditional downtowns are dead or dying in many US cities—what’s next for these zones?
COMMENTARY | Developers have overbuilt office and commercial space in US cities for decades. Now, in the wake of pandemic shutdowns, many downtowns face hard choices about the future.
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.
What Arizona and other drought-ridden states can learn from Israel’s pioneering water strategy
COMMENTARY | Arizona is considering a multibillion-dollar desalination project to address its urgent water needs. Three water experts call for a go-slow approach and point to Israel as a role model.
States lose federal water funds to earmarks
Democrats and Republicans in Congress could divert nearly $1.5 billion from states for local funding.
Crunch time in Congress could hit state and local programs
The legislative logjam on Capitol Hill is backing up everything from child care to disaster funding. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
A capital requirement for broadband funding could exclude thousands of providers
A coalition of state broadband leaders said in a letter that a condition of the federal BEAD program would shut out all but the biggest providers.
Motels converted to house families at capacity, new homeless intake center expected to hit limit
The model of converting motels into shelter space has helped address underlying issues of homelessness by providing housing and individualized case management, but one county needs more of them.
Federal, state regulators prod utilities to consider technology for grid upgrade
The ‘grid-enhancing’ tech—popular in other countries—could reduce the need for new wires.
Cities struggle to solve the public restroom problem
There's a lack of public restrooms in U.S., which particularly affects the homeless. New policies and portable toilet models are helping to address the shortage.
Transit agencies scramble to piece together funding as ‘fiscal cliff’ looms
Ridership in San Francisco and New York remains below pre-pandemic levels. As the end of federal aid nears, these agencies are racing to shore up funding.
An emerging ‘greenium’? New research says green bonds cost governments less
Amid an ESG backlash in some states, the finding could lead to more governments seeking an ESG-related label for bonds that will fund socially or environmentally sustainable projects.
Higher minimum broadband speeds reflect internet’s growth
The FCC last raised the standard definition of broadband in 2015. Since then, demand from users has soared, prompting some to call for raising that standard as states prepare to build more infrastructure.
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