Author Archive

Elizabeth Daigneau

Elizabeth Daigneau is the executive editor at Route Fifty where she is responsible for driving the daily news operations and overseeing the team of reporters and contributors covering the stories affecting city, county and state government officials. Before joining Route Fifty, Elizabeth was the chief operating officer at Vote.org, where In 2020,she helped run one of the largest voter mobilization programs in the civic sphere. Prior to Vote.org, Elizabeth served as the managing editor of Governing magazine for nearly a decade. In addition to her editing duties there, she wrote about energy and the environment for the state and local audience. After graduating from American University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and literature, Elizabeth went to work at Foreign Policy magazine as assistant to the editor. Elizabeth lives in Maryland with her son and husband.
Management

Staffing Challenges Spur Another Look at Four-Day Workweeks

School districts think shorter weeks could attract more teachers, while one Colorado city hopes they can help address chronic staffing shortages at its police department.

Management

GOP Governors Respond to Texas' Call for Troops at Border

Four more governors have joined a growing list of Republican-led states sending personnel to the U.S.-Mexico border. But is it effective? Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Management

North Dakota Governor for President?

What the U.S. Supreme Court rulings mean for states and localities; watching the debt limit drama; and more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Finance

Local Governments Escape Ruling that Could Have Upended Property Tax Laws

The Supreme Court ruled that cities and counties cannot keep surplus funds from the homes they sell after residents fail to pay property taxes. But local officials nationwide are breathing a sigh of relief that the court didn’t go further.

Management

County Wants to Employ Ex-Offenders and ‘Break the Cycle’

A unique jobs website lists available Shelby County government jobs for people with arrest or conviction histories in an effort to fill job vacancies and reduce recidivism.

Tech & Data

Montana Ban Targets TikTok, Along with China and Big Tech

State lawmakers are treading on new ground with an outright ban, but legislators around the country are concerned about the reach of social media. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Finance

Amid Economic Uncertainty, State Tax Revenues Decline

If there’s good news in April's numbers, though, it might be that most states were already planning for softer revenue growth in fiscal 2024 and many have robust rainy day funds to weather a potential downturn. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Health & Human Services

More Than 72,000 Lose Medicaid Coverage in Arkansas

Thousands of children lost coverage in the state's effort to update enrollment—a process taking place nationwide as states review the eligibility of millions of Medicaid enrollees following the public health emergency.

Public Safety

Bail Reform Faces Backlash

New York rolled back key parts of its 2019 bail reform law amid fears of rising crime. Those concerns are echoed in communities nationwide—especially in places forging ahead with their own laws—despite data that shows bail reforms don't negatively impact public safety. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Management

New State Efforts to Address Workforce Shortages

As governments continue to struggle to fill public sector jobs, states are getting creative—from the first-ever public service law to allowing DACA recipients to become police officers. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Public Safety

Three Possible Bipartisan Approaches Emerge in Curbing Gun Violence

While state approaches to gun laws vary widely, some see places where both sides of the debate can find agreement. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

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.

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

State & Local Roundup: Top Counties Return to Pre-pandemic Populations

Plus: Seattle gig workers get paid sick leave; Chicago and Wisconsin go to the polls; California’s insulin experiment hits a bump; Big gaps in electric vehicle ownership; and more news you can use from around the country.

Infrastructure

How to Make Office-to-Housing Conversions Work

A panel of experts looked at what it would take to revitalize downtowns by turning offices into homes. They coalesced around five things cities need to do to succeed.

Finance

State & Local Roundup: The ESG Debate Hits a New Frenzy

Plus: Medicaid expansion marches on; Utah restricts social media for minors; More kids eat free; Development without displacement; and more news you can use from around the country.

Finance

Is Participatory Budgeting Coming to a Local Government Near You?

Amid an influx of billions of federal dollars, some think the tool may see an uptick in use.

Finance

State & Local Roundup: Bank Collapses Add to Worries for State and Local Officials

Plus: Lawmakers want to tighten SNAP work requirements; Conservatives continue DEI assault; A potential labor strike in L.A.; and more news you can use from around the country.

Finance

State & Local Roundup: The Child Tax Credit Gets a Boost

President Biden this week proposed bringing back the 2021 expanded credit amidst moves by states to enact their own. Plus: A red state pot rebuke; Tennessee restricts Nashville’s city council; Boston transit troubles; and more news you can use from around the country.

Management

The Five Best Movies About State or Local Government

The glitz! The glamour! The government officials! In honor of this weekend’s Oscar Awards, here are our team’s top picks depicting everything from municipal water wars to prominent politicians.