Author Archive
Molly Bolan
Tech & Data
Nearly 40% of Americans Are Tired of the Two-Party Political System
The sentiment is even stronger among those 18 to 49 years old, with nearly half of people in that age group saying they wish they had alternatives to Democrats and Republicans.
Management
How 3 States Are Trying to Help Their Farmers Deal With Drought
Swaths of the country have baked this summer under hot and dry conditions, making it tougher to keep crops growing and livestock healthy. In some cases, state governments are stepping up work with their agriculture sectors in response.
Health & Human Services
HUD’s New Plan to Help Low-Income Renters
The department of Housing and Urban Development is looking to give households a boost building credit, saving money and improving financial literacy.
Management
More Governments Join National Fine and Fee Reform Effort
Seven additional cities and counties are set to take part in the initiative, which is seeking to rework fines and fees that often fall most heavily on low-income and minority residents.
Finance
The Rising Costs of Extreme Heat
Hot weather can be deadly. It’s also putting a dent in the nation's economy and forcing new expenses on states and localities.
Health & Human Services
Minimum Wage Workers Cannot Afford a 2-bedroom Rental Home Anywhere
Plus, these workers can’t rent a one bedroom in 91% of U.S. counties, according to a new report.
Health & Human Services
New 5-State Pilot Will Link Low-Income Households to Solar Power
Households could see electricity bill savings from the program in the 10% to 50% range, according the Biden administration.
Health & Human Services
Monkeypox Forces a New Public Health Test on Local Governments
Experts point to steps health departments and others can take to meet the challenges posed by the spreading disease.
Management
‘I No Longer Feel Safe’: A Mayor Resigns, Citing Threats
The mayor of The Village, Oklahoma, said he’d been followed home after meetings, had his tires slashed and faced other abuse. The episode mirrors a disturbing national trend.
Tech & Data
Support Slips for Phase Out of Gas-Powered Cars and Trucks
A slight but rising majority of Americans are against a transition towards manufacturing only zero-emission vehicles, a new survey finds.
Tech & Data
Mayors' Initiative to Harness Data to Improve Government Functions, Constituent Services
The new effort, funded by Bloomberg Philanthropies, has 22 members in the initial cohort and is expected to grow to 100 mayors during the next two years.
Featured eBooks
Finance
States and Localities Plan for Billions in ARPA Workforce Spending
White House figures suggest over $40 billion from the pandemic relief law could go to workforce development, with a sizable chunk of investment through state and local programs.
Finance
Nearly Half of States Raised Their Minimum Wage This Year
The increases range from 22 cents to $1.50 per hour, but most states’ pay floors are not high enough to ensure economic stability, according to a new report.
Finance
One of the Nation's Biggest Cities Begins Cash Payments to Low-Income Residents
For the next year, Chicago plans to distribute $500 a month to thousands of households who can use the money as they see fit.
Tech & Data
The States That Saw a Rise in People Moving In (or Out) During the Pandemic
Overall state-to-state migration in the U.S. decreased after Covid hit. But new research shows the states that saw notable upticks with inbound and outbound movers.
Infrastructure