Women are Underrepresented in Local Government, too, New Data Shows
Women hold fewer than one-third of seats in municipal governments nationwide, comparable to their presence in state and federal offices.
What the Rise of Virtual Meetings has Taught Us About Civic Participation
COMMENTARY | The increased occurrence of virtual community meetings demonstrates how technology can be used to boost citizen engagement, transparency and trust.
Ten Questions Communities Trying to Attract Remote Workers Should Ask
COMMENTARY | Local leaders across the country are contemplating how to lure newcomers to their areas to help spur economic growth. Answering questions around funding, stakeholder input and internet access can lead to a well-crafted strategy.
The 'New Normal': A Survey of Covid's Lasting Effects for Localities
A new survey is asking local government staff and officials how Covid has changed their work—and what might happen next.
More Pedestrians Are Getting Killed By Cars
The number of pedestrians struck and killed is up 45% over the last decade. People of color and residents of low-income and rural communities are more at risk, according to new research.
Hiring a Chief Equity Officer? Here’s What You Need to Know
COMMENTARY | It’s a position that can come with tough challenges. City and county leaders should focus on three key actions to set their chief equity officers up for success.
As More Americans Struggle to Pay Water Bills, Affordability Solutions Are Past Due
COMMENTARY | With utility shutoff moratoriums expiring, millions of people, particularly people of color and low-income families, are at risk of losing water service.
Part South By Southwest, Part Burning Man—But for Local Leaders. Introducing: Govapalooza
COMMENTARY | Organizers of the five-day virtual festival want local governments to rally around the concept of “anti-fragility” and embrace big, bold changes.
For Cities, Less Traffic Means Lost Revenue
Cities have seen parking fee and traffic fine collections drop during the pandemic as commuters and tourists stay home and enforcement is relaxed.
Tech Alone Isn’t Enough to Create a Successful Smart City
COMMENTARY | Technological investments aren’t enough to create successful smart cities. Cities must also deploy initiatives to navigate complex social and organizational processes.
To Unlock the Full Potential of Data, Local Governments Need The Right Talent
COMMENTARY | Local governments don’t need more data—they need people who can process what they already have.
'The Internet Has Made Us Dumber,' and Other Lessons Government Officials Learned in 2020
State and local officials weigh in on what they're taking from—and leaving behind in—the dumpster fire that was last year.
Making Community Engagement More Accessible and Inclusive
COMMENTARY | The pandemic quickly shifted most community engagement to virtual arrangements, but not all citizens have ready access to online forums. Public officials can address inequities by finding alternative ways to gather valuable community input.
Cutting-edge Financial Technology is a Must for Local Governments Recovering from the Pandemic
COMMENTARY | States and municipalities who have had to adopt remote services amid the coronavirus pandemic should scale up their digital infrastructure to maintain their ability to collect and reconcile payments. Doing so will help them to prevent disruptions to revenue flows and services.
Local Police Departments Investigate Whether Their Officers Took Part in Capitol Riot
Police officers, sheriff’s deputies and firefighters attended the pro-Trump rally held before the riot began. Many are now on administrative leave while agencies probe their actions.
New Law Aims to Help Localities Shift to '.Gov' Web Addresses
Many local governments rely on “.com” or “.org” URLs, making it easier for cyber criminals to trick users with imposter websites.
Survey: Residents Prefer Multiple Ways to Access Local Government Services
But the specific type of access that residents prefer—in-person visits, phone calls, or digital—depends on where they live and how old they are.
A Decrease in Student Transfers Could Have Lasting Effects on Education Mobility
Transfers by college students decreased by 8%, with disproportionate impacts to minorities and community-college students, according to research from the National Student Clearinghouse.
Local Health Departments Are Understaffed. Would Biden’s ‘Public Health Jobs Corps’ Help?
Public health leaders say the president-elect’s idea for a corps to help with contact tracing would miss the mark of current needs on the ground, saying they are looking for broader, and more long lasting, federal support.
For America’s New Mayors, a Chance to Lead with Data
COMMENTARY | The challenges facing local governments are bigger than ever and tackling them will require building cultures inside city halls committed to using data and making decisions based on evidence.
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