Infrastructure
Under new partnership with feds, state AGs can investigate airline complaints
States have not been allowed to pursue air carriers for violating consumer protection laws since 1978, but a new partnership with the U.S. Department of Transportation will give attorneys general power to probe and report violations.
Management
How collaboration is changing North Carolina, one project at a time
States that want to tap universities and philanthropies to find solutions to policy challenges using the best research, evidence and data should look at how one state mastered the communications and logistics essential for effective partnerships.
Infrastructure
Hundreds of millions up for grabs in environmental justice grants
Housing, air monitoring, green jobs and coastal resilience are some of the initiatives that could receive funding under the Inflation Reduction Act.
Sponsor Content
Securing Support for Short-Term Rental Revenue Collection Projects
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Workforce
Majority of American teachers worry about shootings at their schools, survey shows
Most educators favor more mental health screening for students and oppose arming teachers, though their views are more divided when it comes to whether security officers should have weapons.
Management
Justices appear willing to limit bribery law used in corruption cases
The U.S. Supreme Court appeared to be sympathetic to a former Indiana mayor’s argument that the federal bribery statute is vague. A ruling would resolve a disparity in which “gratuities” from outsiders are considered OK in some courts, but not in others.
Digital Government
Feds move to make gov websites more accessible to people with disabilities
It’s the first time the federal government has ever issued rules clarifying how the more than 30-year-old Americans with Disabilities Act applies online. But the new rules come with a hefty price tag for state and local governments.
Infrastructure
8 years into America’s e-scooter experiment, what have we learned?
The climate benefits of shared e-scooters depend upon how companies deploy and manage them, and what steps are taken to keep riders safe.
Finance
Marijuana tax revenues fall short of projections in many states, including Colorado
COMMENTARY | As the market matures both the price of marijuana and tax revenues associated with its sale will likely drop further in the future.
Finance
Can compromise be reached in two state budget debates?
Taxes and affordable housing are holding up budgets in Virginia and New York. Instead of threats, the governors in each state appear to be trying to find common ground—for now.
Emerging Tech
‘Artificial intelligence is not innovation,’ it’s a tool. How governments use it will vary.
Some state and local governments may embrace AI wholly, while others may take a more measured approach. Either way, experts said, the competition to be first is moot.
Featured eBooks
Infrastructure
Powering down: To prevent wildfires, states try turning off the grid
COMMENTARY | The trend started in California, but now more states are opting to shut off power to parts of the grid in extreme conditions.
Sponsor Content
Streamlining the FOIA Request Process with NetDocuments
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Management
In reversal, more areas allow high-speed police chases
Supporters of policy rollbacks say police pursuits can reduce crime; some experts aren’t so sure.
Management
States, White House gear up to bring prescription costs down
Maryland’s prescription drug affordability board will evaluate eight drugs for potential cost reduction. The federal government could help move the process along, one expert says.
Infrastructure
Senate rebukes Biden administration on effort to reduce vehicle pollution
Three Democrats and one independent joined the chamber’s Republicans, arguing the Federal Highway Administration overstepped its authority in requiring states to track greenhouse gas emissions. But the president threatened to veto the measure.
Infrastructure
‘Valuable and largely overlooked:’ Interest in virtual power plants grows
Virtual power plant programs can be a cost-effective way to support a strained electric grid at a time when huge projected electric demand increases loom.
Management
Arkansas led the nation in measuring obesity in kids. Did it help?
In 2003, Arkansas became the first state to send home "fat letters" or BMI reports about all students as part of a broader anti-obesity initiative. At least 23 states followed Arkansas’ lead. Some have since scaled back their efforts.
Infrastructure
New Houston mayor reverses course on bike, pedestrian improvements
Mayor John Whitmire ordered pedestrian islands removed, froze projects with bike lanes and suggested cyclists stick to “recreational” trails. It’s a big change in direction from his predecessor’s approach.
Management
Beyond the books: Teens check out mental health resources at libraries
In Hartford, Kentucky, the public library invites teens to weekly sessions to foster positive thinking amid a growing youth mental health crisis.
Management