Author Archive

Kaitlyn Levinson

Kaitlyn Levinson
Kaitlyn Levinson digs into how data and analytics are used by state and local governments to boost efficiency, streamline operations and improve services delivery.
Emerging Tech

Charm City bets on blockchain to reduce vacant properties

Baltimore officials are leveraging blockchain to streamline property title recordation to make real estate transactions more efficient.

Digital Government

Communities to get tech, data help to tame extreme heat

The Center for Collaborative Heat Monitoring will provide financial and technical support to communities for data collection and analysis to inform heat mitigation strategies.

Digital Government

New fellowship program looks to help policymakers improve civic tech

The initiative will provide state and local governments insights on how to improve online tools and services for their residents.

Management

States crack down on at-home sexual assault kits

Policymakers are concerned that self-administered sexual assault exams can impede justice and recovery for survivors.

Management

What voters had to say about abortion rights in 2024

The majority of ballot measures to protect abortion rights passed, but concerns about women’s health outcomes remain.

Management

Over half of states restrict gender-affirming care. Could the Supreme Court change that?

The high court’s ruling on gender-affirming care could also impact other laws affecting transgender people, like rules for sports and bathrooms, one expert says.

Management

Inside mobile health clinic efforts to reach more residents, address gaps in care

To increase the accessibility and affordability of reproductive health care, local health departments are giving the green light to mobile solutions.

Management

A ballot measure on Medicaid funding is poised to pass. Some say it could do more harm than good.

Proposition 35 would change how California funds its public health insurance program to address health care shortages in the state.

Management

Don’t rush into marijuana legalization, experts say

Americans are eager to legalize marijuana through ballot measures. But experts urge state lawmakers to exercise caution when implementing those laws.

Finance

How tougher regulations on short-term rentals can boost revenue for state, local govs

Some short-term rental properties go undetected by authorities, but a new report offers tips on how officials can crack down on unregulated rental units to boost revenue and reduce their negative impacts on communities.

Management

Bird flu is spreading across the U.S. How worried should you be?

From dairy testing to bird culling, public health officials say there are ways to keep avian influenza in check to avoid widespread disaster.

Finance

State, local guaranteed income programs set the stage for federal action

A growing body of research shows that local-level cash assistance initiatives can improve financial, housing and other outcomes for recipients. Federal lawmakers are taking notice.

Management

Survey: Americans think cities can't arrest their way out of the homelessness crisis

Supportive services and more government action is needed to reduce and prevent homelessness, according to a recent public opinion poll.

Finance

Soda tax revenues are falling in some cities. That can be a good and bad thing.

Tax soda, and people drink less of it. But successful soda taxes can create problems for the public health and development programs they support.

Management

Can happy hour attract people downtown again?

States that once banned the afterwork ritual are rethinking their stance as they try to entice people back to the city.

Management

Abortion is on the ballot in 10 states this year. Here's why that matters.

Voters have approved every ballot measure initiative protecting the right to abortion since the reversal of Roe v. Wade. Could voters in Missouri reverse the trend?

Digital Government

How this state is using telehealth to connect more mothers and children with healthy food

Health officials hope virtual appointments, real-time chats and online counseling will help more babies and children grow and thrive.

Management

States, tribes get $1.5 billion to fight the opioid epidemic

The federal funds will support substance use prevention and treatment efforts, workforce capacity building and access to medications to reduce addiction.

Management

Suicide rates for young Americans are increasing. Here’s what states are doing about it.

A $68 million federal grant program announced last week during Suicide Prevention Month will help support state programs aimed at solving the youth mental health crisis.

Finance

Ballots in two cities aim to keep soda taxes from falling flat

Taxing sugary drinks can raise cities’ revenue and improve people’s health, according to research. But state restrictions and industry pushback have stalled such taxes. Can two ballot measures change that?