Author Archive
Bill Lucia
Finance
Marijuana 'Sin Tax' Collections Show Signs of Outpacing Alcohol
In states where cannabis is legal, a new analysis finds excise tax collections from pot leading booze. But the money is a small share of state budgets and changes to the industry could affect revenues.
Infrastructure
Biden Administration Plays Up Billions for Rural Infrastructure
The White House released new information this week for places looking to access the cash and officials said to expect over $2 billion in funding announcements for rural areas this month.
Infrastructure
Supreme Court Steps Into a Fight Over State Permitting Power
An order from the high court means that Trump-era guidelines imposing new limits on state authority to approve or deny energy infrastructure projects will remain in effect as the Biden administration works on a rewrite of the rules.
Management
Tackling the Tough-to-Solve 'Culture' Problem Many City Leaders Face
Shifting "organizational culture," the unwritten rules that dictate how work gets done, can be incredibly difficult in city halls. A new guide from a team of NYU professors aims to help change that.
Finance
Why This Governor is Optimistic His State Will Soon Expand Medicaid
Gov. Roy Cooper, of North Carolina, noted during a Route Fifty event that Republican opposition in his state is "thawing" when it comes to opening the program to more low-income residents. The state is one of 12 that hasn't expanded Medicaid.
Management
New Data Show a Major Gender Gap in Local Government Leadership
Fewer than one in three top appointed local officials are women, according to the analysis. Curious how your state stacks up? Tools released with the research allow users to look at trends and comparisons across the country.
Management
Maryland is Ending 4-year Degree Requirements for Thousands of State Government Jobs
Officials there say the proposal is first of its kind among states. It comes as agencies are grappling with worker shortages.
Finance
States Look at Pulling Pension Investments From Russia
The state response to Russia's attack on Ukraine could affect hundreds of millions of dollars in some cases, but the sums are modest compared to overall public pension assets.
Finance
Microsoft Tells Workers to Prepare for Office Reopenings
The move by the software giant is noteworthy for cities and local governments eager to see how remote work will look long term and what it will mean for downtown areas.
Infrastructure
White House Releases Guidebook for Infrastructure Law
It's meant to help state and local officials better understand the programs available under the $1.2 trillion package.
Infrastructure
Feds Open Application Process for $1.5B in Transportation Grants
The money is available under the Transportation Department's popular RAISE program and can go towards a variety of projects involving streets, transit and other infrastructure.
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Management
Survey: 52% of State, Local Public Workers Considering Leaving Jobs
State and local governments are, as one expert puts it, "teetering on the brink of a public sector workforce crisis."
Infrastructure
Biden's Infrastructure Czar Offers Tips for Cities Seeking Grants
Mitch Landrieu, a former mayor, suggested that local governments can act now to prepare for competitive funding programs available under the new $1.2 trillion public works law.
Public Safety
Feds Unveil New Plan to Combat Wildfire Dangers
The strategy emphasizes preventative measures, like thinning and controlled burns, on lands that pose high risks.
Finance
Flush With Federal Aid, City Finance Officers Offer Optimistic Outlook
"It has been a rather incredible two-year period," notes one official.
Infrastructure
Major Offshore Wind Lease Sale Set for February
The planned federal auction for sites near New York and New Jersey comes as the Biden administration continues its push for offshore wind power development. State and local leaders are eying economic opportunities tied to the industry.
Public Safety
The Billion Dollar Weather Disasters That Struck the US Last Year
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says 2021 was the nation's second worst year on record for costly weather and climate-related events.
Finance
Over $1B in Rental Aid Shifted to Places Moving Faster to Spend It
Most of the federal relief funding is being redistributed voluntarily within states, but some is getting clawed back from places that didn't hit targets for putting it to use.
Finance
Treasury Provides Added Flexibility and Clarity With Final ARPA Rule
State and local advocates seemed generally pleased with final guidelines for the relief law's $350 billion pandemic aid program. The rules offer a big win for smaller localities in particular.
Finance