Local Economies

Gulf Coast Passenger Rail to Restart as 17-Year Dispute is Resolved

Amtrak and freight railroads said they struck a deal to revive the route. It’s a bright spot for passenger rail advocates who hope to see service expand as new federal infrastructure funding flows.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Backlash Over New ‘Buy America’ Rules for Infrastructure Projects

State and local transportation agencies are concerned the feds are moving too fast in imposing tighter requirements, complicating a wave of new construction.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Best US Cities to Rent an Apartment

Five of the top 10 cities are small, including No. 1 Round Rock, Texas, near Austin.

  • By Molly Bolan

Could Investments in Community Broadband Bridge the Digital Divide?

COMMENTARY | These locally owned and operated broadband networks can bring down prices, expand coverage and increase competition.

  • By Sophie Weng

Home Sale Prices Fall Swiftly in Pandemic Boomtowns

Many homes for sale in July nationwide experienced price drops, especially those in cities that saw an influx of residents during the pandemic. Boise, Idaho, led the pack with nearly 70% of houses on the market falling in price.

  • By Molly Bolan

The Rising Costs of Extreme Heat

Hot weather can be deadly. It’s also putting a dent in the nation's economy and forcing new expenses on states and localities.

  • By Molly Bolan

Policing-for-Profit Undermines Public Safety. This Town Shows A Better Way

COMMENTARY | Relying on tickets to fund basic government services is a high-pain, low-gain proposition that does little for public safety.

  • By Joanna Weiss and James Small

Turning Equity Into Action and Getting Results

COMMENTARY | Government leaders must translate racial equity from an aspirational value to specific, tangible operating principles. Recent affordable housing efforts offer valuable examples of equity in action at the local level.

  • By Jen Tolentino and Sophie Bergmann

Looking to Become a Tech Hub? Level Up Your Local Talent In 3 Steps

COMMENTARY | If you want your city to be known as an up-and-coming tech magnet, develop your talent pool so you can attract investment.

  • By Jeff Mazur

How Local Governments Can Repurpose Empty Malls and Parking Lots

COMMENTARY | Cities and counties have numerous options to turn vacant stores and parking into spaces that can benefit everyone.

  • By Wes Guckert

The Strict Drunk Driving Law That Could Become a Model for Other States

A study found that Utah’s lower 0.05% blood alcohol level reduced traffic deaths but beverage industry critics say the law showed negligible results.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

A Looming Threat for City Budgets

The rise of remote work could permanently reduce the number of people coming into cities, eroding taxes and fees on everything from coffee sales to parking.

  • By Daniel C. Vock
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Extra, Extra! State Lawmakers Propose Tax Credit to Help Save Local Journalism

A New York bill would offer tax credits to offset the cost of salaries for journalists at local outlets, as well as a subsidy for their subscribers.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Homelessness, Homicides and Hospitality: One City’s Ongoing Reputation Problem

Portland, Oregon, once a popular travel destination for business travelers, foodies and nature lovers, is struggling to regain its tourism footing after months of social justice protests and record crime rates.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Using Federal Relief Funds to Ensure Equitable Recovery for Small Businesses

Governments can leverage American Rescue Plan dollars to help local companies impacted by the pandemic, including those owned by women and minorities.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

As Tourists Flock to Hawaii, One Mayor Asks Airlines for a ‘Pause’

Residents in Maui County have complained about congestion, illegal parking and overcrowding as tourists have resumed travel to the area.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Greater Disparities to Emerge in Texas as Unemployment Benefits, Protections Against Evictions and Utility Shutoffs End

The financial safety net for the pandemic will vanish this summer, and there are two very different economic realities for Texans returning to “normal.”

  • By Erin Douglas, The Texas Tribune

Wish You Were Here: States to Use Federal Funds to Boost Tourism

Governments can appropriate American Rescue Plan dollars to help the travel and hospitality industries rebound from economic devastation brought by the pandemic.

  • By Andrea Noble

Governors Promise Return to Normalcy Once States Hit Target Vaccination Rates

The announcements come as vaccination rates continue to decline nationwide.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

SBA’s Navigator Program Offering Grants up to $5M for Governments

The Small Business Administration will provide a total of $100 million to eligible organizations, including state and local governments, to assist underserved businesses.

  • By Andrea Noble

Multiple States Offer Bonuses to Entice Residents Back to Work

The payments, largely funded by federal coronavirus relief money, are designed to address a labor shortage that some economists say is due to slow wage growth.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram