Local Government Management

How to Budget for Equity and Drive Lasting Change

COMMENTARY | State and local governments should prioritize equity in their budgets by using data, being outcome driven and engaging the whole community.

  • By Andrew Kleine and Josh Inaba

How the Pandemic Can Help Government Prepare for Future Crises

COMMENTARY | A new report provides a dozen lessons learned from Covid-19 that can help governments at all levels deal with diseases and natural disasters to come.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

'God’s Will Is Being Thwarted.' Even in Solid Republican Counties, Hard-Liners Seek More Partisan Control of Elections

The political battle in one Texas county where Trump got 81% of the vote offers a rare view into the virulent distrust and unyielding pressure facing elections administrators.

  • By Jeremy Schwartz, ProPublica

State and Local Government Beats out Federal in Survey of Citizen Trust

Digital services had a strong impact on whether residents found governments trustworthy, according to the report from Deloitte.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

A Pivotal Moment for States and Localities Electrifying Their Fleets

Technology breakthroughs, federal funding and grants are reducing barriers to going electric with government-owned vehicles.

  • By Jacob Fischler

One City’s Inventive Plan to Spark Employee Collaboration, Loyalty and Retention

Each of the five analysts hired as a team in San Rafael, California, will be based in a different department, but they’ll train and work together on special projects.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

The Public Sector Retirement Explosion

COMMENTARY | For years, human resources officials worried about an alarming exodus of government retirees. Now it’s here—and it's because of Covid-19.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Businesses Challenge One City’s Covid Vaccine Mandate

New York City will require proof of Covid-19 vaccination for entry to restaurants, gyms and entertainment venues. San Francisco and New Orleans have issued similar orders.

  • By Andrea Noble

Tech Company Makes Case to Run a Local Government

A Nevada commission is studying the concept. But an executive a cryptocurrency firm says its plans for an "innovation zone" won't work inside an existing county.

  • By Andrea Noble

Grab Your Mask and Your Civic Pride: It’s City Hall Selfie Day

The annual celebration, created by Engaging Local Government Leaders, encourages municipal workers and citizens to celebrate their communities by posting selfies in front of city halls.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Now Available at the Local Library: Basketballs, Air Fryers and Taxidermied Animals

Libraries across the country are diversifying their collections with objects, a growing trend known as the “Library of Things” that aims to help residents learn in new and different ways.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Cities Embraced Technology During Covid But Still Lack Comprehensive Digital Policies

A white paper identifies gaps in technology governance in cities, including problems with accessibility, digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram
Featured eBooks
Economic Recovery in America's Cities
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How Local Governments Can Prevent Building Disasters

Some governments are beginning to take steps to prevent the kind of tragedy that took the lives of nearly 100 people in a Surfside, Florida, condominium collapse in June.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

Public and Private Sector Jobs Are Increasing Despite Covid Surge

The U.S. added close to a million jobs in July, including 221,000 in local government. But much of that data is likely skewed by pandemic fluctuations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

How Local Governments Can Help Minority-Owned Businesses Gain Access to Public Contracts

Procurement of goods and services by localities totals $2.5 trillion annually, but people of color struggle to gain access to lucrative public contracts, according to the National League of Cities.

  • By Jean Dimeo

The Accounting Burden for Spending Federal Stimulus Funds

Localities and states have a variety of challenges coming out of the pandemic. But one concern is widespread: how to stay on top of the financial reporting requirements of the American Rescue Plan Act.

  • By Liz Farmer

Community Colleges Begin Using Federal Coronavirus Funding to Erase Student Debt

The money, from the CARES Act and the American Rescue Plan Act, is available for students who have struggled financially as a result of the pandemic.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Route Fifty Presents: 10 Mayors to Watch

Our inaugural list recognizing local leaders who are tackling some of the most pressing issues facing cities.

  • By Route Fifty Staff

Expansion of Remote Work Increases Competition Between Public, Private Sector

Workforce experts say government employers should look for ways to embrace a flexible working environment even after the pandemic in order to compete.

  • By Andrea Noble

The US Cities 'Taking Bold Steps’ to Tackle the Most Pressing Challenges

Bloomberg Philanthropies selected 50 cities worldwide, including 14 here, as Bloomberg Mayors Challenge finalists for their innovative problem-solving ideas.

  • By Brent Woodie

Best and Worst States for City Manager Jobs

The median salary for the highest 10% of city manager positions is $227,000, but not all these executives nationwide fare as well when it comes to pay and opportunities, according to a recent report.

  • By Brent Woodie