Workforce
Gen Z thinks government should solve societal issues. Is it ready to hire them?
The workforce’s youngest generation has a desire to address major problems. This creates a unique opportunity for state and local governments.
Small towns are paying remote workers to move in
With remote work apparently here to stay, rural communities are trying to attract new residents with everything from cash to potlucks, and farm-fresh eggs.
What is generative AI? Most of the public sector workforce doesn’t know
A recent survey found that only about a third understands the technology, and that even fewer use it daily. But a few basic approaches could change that, experts say.
Can a candidate with ties to Trump break Democrats’ hold on N.C. governorship?
Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson has attracted controversy with his incendiary remarks, but he also has the backing of Donald Trump in a state the former president seems poised to win.
Skills-based hiring smashes through ‘paper ceiling’
Multiple states have embraced a movement to drop degree requirements for certain jobs. But the change is not as simple as a stroke of a pen.
Stackable certificates could be a lifeline for governments facing an IT talent crisis
COMMENTARY | In an era of breakneck digital transformation, this incremental and cumulative approach to upskilling could be the answer to states and localities' hiring woes.
As public health becomes political, state surgeons general play delicate role
Louisiana just became the sixth state with its own surgeon general.
How Connecticut is developing untapped talent to fill 30,000 open jobs statewide
COMMENTARY | Three strategies bring together employers, community organizations and education providers in a new skills-based ecosystem.
In this county, AI is its ‘institutional knowledge in a box’
The way Washoe County, Nevada, is using artificial intelligence may not be flashy or innovative, but its “boring” approach is leading to better customer service and, maybe, more transformative projects down the road.
Don’t rush into AI experiments too quickly, experts say
Speakers at Route Fifty’s latest Innovation Spotlight cautioned the need to balance innovation in artificial intelligence with good governance, despite the desire for adoption to happen quicker.
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Burnout among government workers is decreasing but still high, according to new pulse survey data
Nearly half of government workers experiencing burnout said the main cause is their workload, followed by staff shortages and managing personal and professional life, both at 44%.
No shortcuts: Only well-managed AI will deliver on its promise
COMMENTARY | Artificial intelligence opens new opportunities for policymaking and service delivery, but success still depends on understanding residents’ needs and on the thoughtful handling of their data.
Feds invest $60M to boost local climate resilience, workforce development
The Climate-Ready Workforce initiative looks to place individuals in good-paying jobs that help advance coastal communities’ climate resilience.
Work permits: A readily-implemented lever for reducing illegal child labor
COMMENTARY | New research shows that the work permits process plays a vital role in preventing child labor violations because it educates children, parents and employers about the law.
More cities are seeing budget gaps: Here’s what not to do
A growing number of cities are having to make tough decisions this spring in order to balance next year’s budgets.
This Montana school solved its teacher shortage by opening a day care
On-site day cares are being used as a recruitment tool. Turns out, they help more than just the teachers.
Why cybersecurity begins with users
COMMENTARY | Employees who are the least aware of security threats often present the biggest risk.
Universities try 3-year degrees to save students time, money
As states explore shorter degrees, some faculty say they undercut students’ education.
Safety-net health clinics cut services and staff amid Medicaid ‘unwinding’
Nationwide, health centers that serve low-income communities face a financial storm created by a sharp rise in the cost of care, a tight workforce and now fewer insured patients.
Survey: More college grads want to work in government
COMMENTARY | Compared to 2023, more graduating college students are applying for jobs in the public sector. The survey also found key takeaways that will help governments become employers of choice.
