Amid Closures, Libraries Find New Ways to Provide Services
As their branches close to protect public health, librarians turn to virtual programming and relief efforts to continue serving their communities.
Trail Use Way Up as Coronavirus Stifles Other Activities
“People are craving outlets for their physical and mental well being,” said an expert. But this has created concerns that people are too crammed together in these open spaces.
Local Government's Still Open—Remotely
As Covid-19 takes hold in communities, local governments are transitioning staff members to telework—a first for many localities. And it's come with challenges, from slow broadband connections to a laptop shortage.
Crowdsourcing to Fight a Pandemic
COMMENTARY | Cities are rapidly sharing ideas to identify which actions work best to protect residents hardest hit by the coronavirus.
As Ridership and Revenues Plunge, Transit Agencies Seek Financial Aid
The coronavirus has far fewer people riding buses and trains. Tax revenues going towards transit are in line to take a hit as well.
In the Age of Social Distancing, Government Meetings Go Virtual
State and local governments are holding virtual meetings to slow the spread of Covid-19 and trying to find ways to continue public participation.
Thinking Beyond Taxpayer Dollars for Stadium Improvements
COMMENTARY | Municipalities are now significantly less likely to spend public dollars on new stadium development. Owners and public officials are finding different, mutually beneficial partnerships to generate revenue for stadium upgrades.
Poop, Screams and Divebombing Birds: How One City Plans to Deal With a Peacock Problem
The Miami City Commission will begin humanely trapping and relocating peacocks from one neighborhood after years of complaints from residents.
Containing the Coronavirus
In King County, Washington, the public health department is relying on temporary staff hired for measles and hepatitis A outbreaks to help investigate a confirmed case of coronavirus.
Using Data to Ensure Equitable Funding for Parks
Cities are beginning to use data to allocate funding to parks in low-income and blighted neighborhoods that haven't seen investment for years, a new report found.
From Worcester to Anaheim, Cities Embrace the Role of Poet Laureate
Cities of all sizes are appointing poets laureate, a typically volunteer position tasked with promoting culture, art and the written word within a community.
'The Mayor Can Set The Tone': How City Leaders Respond to Mass Shootings
Mayors who have seen their cities go through mass shootings discuss how to recover from—and whether it's possible to prepare for—tragedy.
Census Talk with an Arizona Mayor
Mesa Mayor John Giles is an active participant in his city's census preparation and was an outspoken critic of a proposal to add a citizenship question to the 2020 survey.
Lawmaker Sees State Rainy Day Fund as Lifeline For Localities Battling Big-Box Stores Over Taxes
The Indiana legislation could assist local governments dealing with “dark-store theory” property tax appeals.
One of the Largest U.S. Library Systems Just Eliminated Late Fees
The Los Angeles Public Library will eliminate fees for overdue items this spring, joining a growing number of library systems that have identified fines as barriers to access for low-income residents.
Communities Lag in Resiliency Planning, Survey Finds
A survey of city and county administrators found that more than half of communities had not completed or considered a long-term sustainability or resiliency plan.
A New Look at How States Block Local Laws in Areas Ranging From Guns to Taxes
“This is a national preemption movement that is occurring,” says the CEO of the National League of Cities.
Appeals Court Sides With Activist In Challenge Over City’s Bullhorn Restrictions
The California case concerns whether local permitting requirements for using megaphones and other sound amplification equipment infringe on free speech.
Opportunity Zones Investors Show Appetite for Real Estate Over Startups
Nearly three quarters of $4.5 billion that has poured into the program is in investment funds that plan to focus at least in part on residential real estate.
Honolulu Passes Strict Single-Use Plastics Ban
The Honolulu City Council last week passed a sweeping single-use plastics ban that affects the entire island of Oahu, home to 70 percent of Hawaii residents.
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