Author Archive
Bill Lucia
Health & Human Services
Rise in Virus Among Young Adults Poses Threat to Older Americans, CDC Warns
Data cited in a new report indicates that increased cases among older adults have followed upticks among younger parts of the population.
Finance
Pandemic’s Uncertainties Hang Heavy Over Small City's Budget
Augusta, Maine has already resorted to layoffs and furloughs to slow spending. Looking ahead, there are still questions about what will happen with badly needed state aid and other revenues.
Management
Court Ruling Clears Way for Ranked-Choice Voting in Presidential Contest in Maine
The state would become the first to allow for the voting method in a presidential election.
Infrastructure
Oregon Expects Reopening and Repairing Roads Damaged by Wildfires Will Take Months
Over 200 miles of Oregon roads were closed as of last week due to the catastrophic blazes. The state’s transportation department is dealing with problems like hazardous trees and rockslide risks.
Management
‘All Kinds of Opportunity Here’: Will the Pandemic Help Improve the Way Cities Operate?
The virus brought about sudden changes to the way cities do business, some of which could stick. Local government leaders discussed this and other ways cities might transform during the final day of Route Fifty's Future Cities event.
Finance
New Jersey Leaders Agree On Deal to Hike Taxes on Millionaires
Governor Phil Murphy and top Democratic lawmakers announced plans on Thursday for a higher tax rate on incomes between $1 million and $5 million. The bulk of the revenue from the tax increase would cover the cost of a new middle class tax break.
Management
Grant Funding Will Help Bolster Financial Literacy Programs for State and Local Public Workers
Recent research found that two-thirds of public employees are interested in workplace programs that provide guidance on how to better manage their finances.
Management
Employers in D.C. Region Expect Some Remote Work Into Mid-2021, Survey Finds
About 60% of respondents anticipated less than a third of workers would return to the office by early September because of coronavirus risks. Some are planning for a portion of staff to still be working remotely even next summer.
Smart Cities
Pandemic May Alter Big Cities, But Won’t Kill Them, Experts Say
The possibility that mid-sized cities could benefit from shifts in how and where people are working also came up during Route Fifty’s Future Cities event on Monday.
Finance
Extra $300 Unemployment Benefit Coming to End as Money Runs Out
President Trump took executive action to extend the benefit after an earlier federal program that provided $600 a week lapsed.
Public Safety
Oregon Wildfires Prompt Evacuation Advisories for About 500,000
About 1 million acres are burning in the state and people have been told to leave areas within 30 miles of Portland.
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Tech & Data
City Ban on Business Use of Facial Recognition Tech Said to Be a First
Elected leaders in Portland, Oregon approved the measure this week.
Health & Human Services
Poll: Over Half of Households in America's Biggest Cities Dealing With Financial Difficulties
Budget problems, which have coincided with the coronavirus pandemic, are especially acute for Black and Latino residents.
Health & Human Services
New York May Order Colleges With Over 100 Virus Cases to Stop In-Person Classes
The new policy comes as colleges and universities across the U.S. are seeing coronavirus outbreaks.
Management
Parts of Iowa Still Reeling From Powerful Storms, as State Battles Rise in Coronavirus
A derecho with winds over 100 mph struck the state last month, causing widespread damage and coming on top of the pandemic.
Finance
Local Governments Add Some Jobs in August, But State and Local Payrolls Still Way Down
State and local governments have about 1 million fewer employees than they did a year ago.
Tech & Data
A Data Tool That Could Help to Target Rental Assistance Programs
A federal order blocking evictions leaves questions about how people will pay back rent when it finally comes due. Rental assistance programs have limited dollars.
Infrastructure
Electric Grid Investment on Track to Fall $208 Billion Short Over Next Decade, Civil Engineers Say
The new estimate comes as California, Iowa and Louisiana have all seen significant power outages in recent weeks.
Tech & Data
Software Problems Disrupt First Day of Online Learning in Miami-Dade
STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Wisconsin governor wary of Trump visit … New Jersey to reopen some indoor dining … Virginia county’s plan to use libraries as daycare facilities sparks controversy … Alabama mayor asks Mardi Gras organizers to consider parade alternatives.
Finance