Author Archive
Daniel C. Vock
Management
Massachusetts voters to consider ditching high school graduation requirements
The ballot measure is seen as a referendum on the role of standardized testing in schools. If Massachusetts drops the requirement, will others follow?
Management
Will Washington voters buy into Inslee’s vision on climate policy?
Voters are set to weigh in on the governor’s “proudest accomplishment.” The state’s cap-and-trade law that some say is key to the third-term Democrat’s legacy is on the ballot this fall.
Infrastructure
Biden administration doles out $4.2 billion for big-ticket infrastructure projects
A new Boston rail bridge, a California high-speed rail station, electric dock equipment in Miami and a safer highway interchange in Iowa are among the 44 projects selected for funding.
Finance
Going into 2025, cities plan for leaner budgets
A survey of city finance officials found that at least half are wary of the coming year and are forecasting more conservative revenue estimates.
Infrastructure
Virginia goes all in on passenger rail
A new rail bridge into Washington, D.C., is viewed as crucial to expanding rail service in the state, which has seen record-setting ridership in recent years.
Management
Weeks before the election, and some states still don't know who's allowed to vote
A blizzard of GOP lawsuits and the devastation of two hurricanes are complicating plans for administering the 2024 general election.
Infrastructure
The numbers are in: Trump boosted roads. Biden backs biking and walkers.
A new report by the Urban Institute shows how who sits in the White House affects what locals build with federal funds. That means changes are likely in store again after the November election.
Management
Ohio voters will once again weigh in on redistricting reform
After previous efforts to stop gerrymandering failed, Ohioans will try again—this time completely removing lawmakers and other politicians from the redistricting process.
Management
Election-year politics color hurricane recovery efforts
A week after Hurricane Helene struck the Southeast, some elected officials have been reluctant to put on a united front.
Digital Government
Move over! Two map apps to notify drivers when state police are stopped ahead
The Illinois State Police is using Waze and Google Maps to alert drivers in real time about roadside personnel in an effort to cut down on injuries.
Management
Democrats cast doubt on whether the ‘Montana Miracle’ is making housing affordable
Gov. Greg Gianforte spearheaded a bipartisan and widely applauded effort to make it easier to build homes, but his Democratic opponent says housing shortages and high property taxes are still hammering Montana residents.
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Finance
US disaster relief funding is running dry as Helene roars through
Congress opted not to replenish the FEMA disaster fund before it left town this week. It’s not the first time lawmakers have left the emergency management agency short of cash.
Management
Prosecutors say New York City Mayor Eric Adams' corruption went global
With Thursday's indictment, Adams joins a short list of mayors facing criminal charges while in office, but the charges against him are extraordinary in their reach.
Management
California AG says ExxonMobil misled public on plastic recycling
Attorney General Rob Bonta says the oil giant promoted recycling as a way to bolster its sales of the environmentally fraught products, even though only about 5% of all plastic is actually recycled.
Management
Mayors rally to support Springfield amid 'unprecedented' situation
Local leaders have experience responding to crises that attract national attention, from natural disasters to shootings, but the politics and threats of violence in the central Ohio town make this situation different.
Management
A record-breaking number of Native Americans are running for state and local office
Native candidates see holding office as a chance to fight back following several national events that challenged treaty rights, protections for land and wildlife, and even adoption.
Infrastructure
Why Buc-ee's is picking a fight with Gov. Ron DeSantis
Florida is one of a dozen states that have yet to issue a single RFP using federal dollars to construct EV charging stations. Gas stations see the chargers as an avenue to compete with local power companies.
Management
This governor is about to become mayor
Delaware’s current two-term governor won the Democratic primary for mayor of Wilmington, a first in modern U.S. history. Plus, highlights from this week’s other primaries.
Infrastructure
TSA proposes softer rollout of Real ID enforcement
Federal agencies would have the option to gradually require the secure documents after May 7, in part to avoid chaos at state DMVs when the deadline approaches.
Infrastructure
Neighboring governors knock California plan to lower gas prices
California has the most expensive gas in the country. California Gov. Gavin Newsom wants to force refineries to stockpile gasoline to prevent price spikes, but Arizona and Nevada fear becoming collateral damage.
