Author Archive
Molly Bolan
Finance
Republican Governors Urge Biden to Rescind New Mortgage Rule
The 18 governors argue that changes to mortgage fees for federally backed loans meant to improve housing affordability actually hurts the housing system.
Management
How One State Is Tackling Child Care Challenges
Like much of the country, Michigan is navigating a shortage of child care providers. But federal funds, paired with efficient coordination between state agencies, has helped support hundreds of new providers in just one year.
Management
Funding for Rental Assistance is Ending, But Need Continues
Some states are working to develop programs that will pick up where pandemic-era programs are leaving off.
Health & Human Services
New Initiative Will Help Cities Reduce Homelessness
The program will “embed” federal officials in six cities to help local officials get people off the streets and into homes more quickly.
Management
Did Your Town Make This List of Best-Performing Cities?
The Milken Institute is out with its annual report ranking the economic performance of more than 400 metropolitan areas. Here’s what it takes to be a booming city.
Infrastructure
Billions in Loans and Grants to Make Multifamily Homes Energy Efficient
Incentives for green retrofitting often target individual homeowners. A new federal program will fund energy-efficient and climate-resilient upgrades in multifamily homes, which can improve the quality of life of historically underserved populations.
Health & Human Services
AGs Urge Action on Households' Invisible Plastic Waste
In a letter, 17 Democratic state attorneys general called on the federal government to address "microfibers," the tiny bits of plastic most clothing sheds in washing machines.
Management
The Complications of Land-Use Reform
Colorado needs more homes. Research shows land-use reforms typically result in just that. So why did a massive land-use bill die in the state Senate this week?
Health & Human Services
States Take Up Bills to Confront Youth Homelessness
From couch surfing to living in the streets, it is easy to overlook young people experiencing homelessness. That’s changing.
Health & Human Services
New Data Sheds Light on Impact of Expanded SNAP Benefits on Households
A Census survey found that 1 in 4 households where enhanced food aid ended March 1 now report “sometimes” or “often” not having enough to eat.
Management
States Look to Make Companies Take Responsibility for Hard-to-Recycle Packaging
As plastic piles up, bills that shift the financial cost of recycling to the producers are gaining traction. The results have been mixed this legislative season, but history suggests extended producer responsibility bills are ultimately successful.
Featured eBooks
Management
State Laws on Reproductive Services, Divisive Concepts Influence Enrollment Decisions
As students consider all the reasons to choose one college or another, state laws are a new factor for some to weigh.
Health & Human Services
City’s ‘Displacement Prevention Navigators’ Aim to Help Neighbors Remain in Homes
Austin, Texas, will train city residents to help people find the resources they need to stay in their homes when rents and property taxes rise.
Finance
Researchers Identify Ways to Replicate Success of Expanded Child Tax Credit
Working through community organizations that locals trust is the most effective way to increase the use of programs meant to lift people out of poverty, a study finds.
Infrastructure
Is Land-Use Reform the Missing Tool in Combating Climate Change?
A new report argues that rezoning for more mixed-use and transit-oriented developments could significantly reduce carbon emissions and help meet global climate goals.
Infrastructure
Housing Permits Dip for First Time in a Decade
The slowdown could impact state and city efforts to increase the number of affordable homes.
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.
Management
Do Zoning Reforms Benefit Renters?
A new study suggests updated land-use regulations are slow to help low-income households.
Infrastructure
An Initiative to Fawn Over: Funding for Wildlife Crossings Now Available
The grants will help state and local governments prevent wildlife-vehicle collisions and improve connections between habitats.
Tech & Data