Author Archive
Daniel C. Vock
Infrastructure
With $9B in Transportation Funding, Minnesota Looks to Meet Climate Goals
The law is dedicated to improving roads, but requires that all highway expansion projects meet the state’s goal of driving down greenhouse gas emissions.
Infrastructure
One State Targets Teen Drivers to Reduce Work Zone Deaths
As traffic deaths surge, contractors are calling on states to do more. One state—Oklahoma—will be the first in the nation to require teen drivers to complete a course on construction worker safety.
Infrastructure
Supreme Court Scales Back Scope of Clean Water Act
Conservatives on the court say the decision preserves state authority to regulate land and water use. But liberal justices worry the ruling will gut efforts to curb water pollution.
Infrastructure
NHTSA Proposes a Pass-Fail Pedestrian Safety Rating for Vehicles
The scheme put forward by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration comes as pedestrian deaths are surging nationwide.
Finance
Cities Face Mounting Financial Pressures
On top of the familiar problems—pensions, inflation, pandemic aid ending—officials are also trying to prepare for two potentially devastating scenarios: a recession or the U.S. defaulting on its loans.
Management
Five Takeaways from Tuesday’s Elections
Women make history, Republicans lose ground and crime concerns take center stage. Here's what you might've missed in the dozens of city and statewide races Tuesday night.
Infrastructure
Local Leaders Cheer Changes to Rail Safety Bill
The legislation would mandate a study of frequently blocked crossings, among other safety measures.
Management
State Efforts to Undercut Local Governance Widen in Scope
Lawmakers have introduced upwards of 650 bills this year preempting the power of cities and other local governments, says a new report. These bills are broad in their approach, looking to “cut out local authority at-large.”
Finance
Cities Stare Down Huge Budget Gaps
Growing expenses and lagging downtown recoveries are straining city finances as federal pandemic relief funds run out.
Infrastructure
Congestion Pricing in Manhattan Clears Federal Hurdle
The city still has to determine the details before New York becomes the first American city to charge for the right to drive on certain roads.
Management
Nation’s Longest-Serving Governor Won’t Run for Reelection
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee made a name for himself at home and nationally as an environmental champion.
Featured eBooks
Management
‘Tide Is Going Out’ on Election Deniers, Scrutinized Georgia Official Says
While conspiracy theories about the 2020 presidential election are waning, they’re still shaping policies about election administration in many parts of the country.
Tech & Data
Drivers More Distracted Now Than Before the Pandemic, Study Shows
Data shows that laws to prevent distracted driving have a near-immediate impact, but that the effect wears off quickly.
Infrastructure
NYC Experiments with 'Microhubs' to Ease Street Congestion
Delivery centers will take some trucks off the streets to reduce double and illegal parking that snarls traffic.
Infrastructure
Transit Agencies Turn to States to Avert Fiscal Cliff
With federal pandemic aid drying up, transit agencies are searching for ways to replace lost fares.
Health & Human Services
Fight Between States Could Determine Fate of Abortion Pills
A tangle of lawsuits has prohibited, protected and limited access to a common medication for abortion. While long-term decisions have yet to be made, some states are planning ahead. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Infrastructure
Cities Put on Notice to Install Signals to Help Blind Pedestrians Cross Streets
A federal judge, in a suit supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, recently ruled that Chicago had failed to make intersections safe for people with disabilities. It is the second such ruling against a major city.
Health & Human Services
Biden Administration Moves to Lower Toxins Released by Coal Plants
The new standards would limit the amount of mercury and other toxins that plants could release.
Health & Human Services
State & Local Roundup: Massachusetts Fights 'Hunger Cliff' with SNAP Boost
Plus: Tennessee expels Black lawmakers; Liberal Democrats score wins in the Midwest; Connecticut governor insults Houston; and more news to use from around the country.
Management