State and County Relations
West Virginia Ballot Measure Has Local Officials ‘Very, Very Nervous’
A proposal before voters would eliminate a key source of revenue for the state’s local governments and end a tax on people’s cars.
The Big Opportunity States Are Missing
COMMENTARY | State governments are excluding local governments from major policymaking decisions. There needs to be more collaboration and cooperation between states and localities if we want to see meaningful change in our communities.
Local Leaders Beg for 'Substantial State Assistance, Immediately' to Combat Illegal Marijuana Farms
An Oregon county declared a state of emergency and is requesting $750,000, 45 new employees and the National Guard, which officials say is necessary because the illegal businesses are running rampant, depleting resources and spiking crime.
Treasury Releasing $13B More in Rental Aid to Successful Programs
At least 50 state and local government grantees have met funding distribution benchmarks that would make them eligible for additional money.
“I Wish It Had Not Become Law,” Says Governor Of Mask-Banning Order He Signed Into Law
Citing rising numbers of Covid-19 cases among children, Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson called state lawmakers back for a special session to consider allowing school districts to implement mask mandates.
How One County Helps Low-Income Homeowners Rehab Their Houses
James City County, Virginia tapped federal housing dollars to fund repairs and rebuilding projects that make homes safe and habitable. "Nothing is more affordable than the house you already have," notes a local official.
For Seniors in One County, Robotic Pets Help Ease Pandemic Loneliness
Oswego County, New York's Office for the Aging has distributed 30 animatronic pets to senior citizens to provide companionship amid a year of social isolation.
Orange County Struggles With Health Equity — And Battles State Restrictions
Disneyland can’t reopen until Orange County’s coronavirus infection rates improve — especially among its poorest and most vulnerable residents. Local officials are protesting the requirements, saying the economy will suffer, and residents’ health along with it.
In One State, Advocacy Groups Sue Over New Limit on the Number of Ballot Drop-Off Locations
Texas recently changed its election rules, limiting the number of drop-off sites in which voters can deposit their absentee ballots to one per county.
Conservative Indiana Adopted Needle Exchanges But Still Faces Local Resistance
After an HIV outbreak, the state legalized the exchanges. But five years later, they only exist in nine of Indiana's 92 counties.
Creating an Agenda for Reform
Experts see the need for a fresh focus on thinking about the big issues in state and local governance.
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