Author Archive
Daniel C. Vock
Infrastructure
Despite falling gas prices, some politicians push ahead with tax breaks
Governors often suspend gas taxes for an easy political win with voters. But fuel taxes already face an uncertain future.
Infrastructure
White House finalizes rule requiring states to target vehicle pollution
The controversial requirement will almost certainly meet resistance from Republicans both in states and Congress, who question the legal basis for the new rules.
Infrastructure
Ahead of busy Thanksgiving travel, improvements to air transportation touted
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg highlighted a low airline cancellation rate, airport upgrades and the hiring of more air traffic controllers. He also cautioned that funding squabbles in Congress could hurt progress.
Management
Democrats face a balancing act in advancing clean energy initiatives
Despite some skepticism, auto unions recently approved new labor agreements that invest big in the nation’s transition to clean energy. Three Democratic governors are calling it a win. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Infrastructure
The best and worst states for green, equitable transportation
A new ranking looks at how well states are directing money from the infrastructure law to improve equity and climate outcomes in their transportation networks.
Infrastructure
‘Safety’ campaigns pre-blame pedestrians for getting hit by cars
Advocates are tired of “tone deaf” messaging that puts the onus for safety on walkers and not on vehicles.
Management
Why advocates for transgender rights are so thrilled with election results
After years of putting transgender issues at the center of the culture wars, several anti-trans candidates were defeated in Tuesday’s state and local elections. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Management
Democrats prove they have staying power in state elections
Plus, abortion rights and pot legalization win in Ohio, Philadelphia elects its first woman mayor, and a falsely accused member of "Central Park Five" joins New York City council.
Infrastructure
Passenger rail gets ‘unprecedented’ $16B investment
The grants to replace aging infrastructure along the Northeast Corridor come as Republicans in Congress look to cut back funding for Amtrak.
Management
What to watch for in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections
Abortion rights are playing a pivotal role in elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Infrastructure
LA explores new options as copper thieves target streetlight wiring
Transportation departments are scrambling to cope with a spike in copper wire thefts that leave their roads darker and more dangerous.
Featured eBooks
Infrastructure
Looming ‘fiscal cliff’ shows deeper problems with transit funding, researchers say
A new report from the Urban Institute finds that too many transit agencies rely on a single source of funding, and those revenue streams are often volatile.
Finance
Interest rates are rising, but states aren’t worried yet. Here’s why.
State and local governments generally use bonds to finance major infrastructure projects. But higher rates won’t bust budgets just yet. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Emerging Tech
California suspends Cruise robotaxis, and questions mount
The state Department of Motor Vehicles halted operation of the self-driving cars in San Francisco because of concerns over how the company handled a crash with a pedestrian.
Infrastructure
Legacy programs stymie Biden's efforts to boost equity in infrastructure spending
Communities of color benefit when federal agencies pick transportation projects, but most infrastructure money is doled out using old rules that favor whiter areas, according to a new report from the Urban Institute.
Management
Governors react to violence in Israel
As violence in the Middle East rages on, governors are making sure constituents—and the world—know where they stand on the conflict. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.
Infrastructure
States pitch mileage tax to bridge gap in federal highway funding
The main source of federal funding for highways and transit could run out of money by 2028, unless Congress finds a way to fix long-standing problems with the gas tax.
Management
No longer above the fray, state supreme courts pulled into overtly political conflicts
The courts have become top-tier targets for party leaders, often considered the key to unlocking control of state legislatures, gubernatorial mansions and even Congress.
Emerging Tech
What transportation officials need to consider when using AI
Artificial intelligence tools are proliferating in transportation. Two tech experts offer advice on how to approach the emerging technology.
Infrastructure