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.
Featured eBooks
Creating an Agenda for Reform
Experts see the need for a fresh focus on thinking about the big issues in state and local governance.
After Ohio Opioid Settlement, Local Governments Could Be Skeptical of State AG Agreement
Attorneys for cities and counties that brought litigation against drug companies say the size of a settlement brokered this week for two Ohio counties could encourage others to opt out of a broader agreement touted by state attorneys general.
Customer Service, State and Local Partnerships Key for CIOs
The findings of NASCIO’s 2019 survey of chief information officers highlights areas of concern and evolving priorities among state information technology leaders.
A Plan to Reduce Bench Warrants—By Text Message
After success in one county, Minnesota is rolling out a statewide program that sends reminders to defendants about their court appearances.
Judge Rules all U.S. Cities, Counties Have Stake in Opioid Settlements
U.S. District Judge Daniel Polster’s ruling broadens the scope of participants in the ongoing multi-district litigation brought against prescription drug companies.
A Local Government Strategy to Reduce Smoking: Refuse to Hire Smokers
Across the country, cities and counties have instituted policies that bar people who use any nicotine products from applying to government jobs.
A State Reconsiders Its Ban on Local Minimum Wage Laws
Cities and counties would be allowed to set a wage floor higher than the one authorized by Colorado if a bill passed by state legislators becomes law.
New Law Will Establish State Children's Mental Health System
Legislators in Iowa passed a measure expanding behavioral and mental health services for children, but advocates say the law lacks permanent funding.
A State Considers How to Help Local Governments Pay for Expensive Murder Trials
A bill in the Ohio legislature would allow counties to ask for state financial support for large capital murder cases.
Gun-Rights Counties Vow to Resist New State Restrictions
As legislatures approved new firearm laws over the last year, some counties have resisted, calling themselves Second Amendment 'sanctuaries.'
