Inclusive Government

How efforts to restrict democracy in Ohio also make it harder to fight climate change

Gerrymandering, voter suppression, dark money and other moves insulate policymakers from accountability when they prop up fossil fuels at the expense of clean energy.

  • By Kathiann M. Kowalski, Energy News Network

Efforts grow to undercut prosecutors’ authority

COMMENTARY | Some Republican lawmakers in Georgia are looking to remove District Attorney Fani Willis, a Black Democrat representing a majority Black district, from office. The effort in Georgia is not happening in a silo.

  • By Rodney Coates, The Conversation

Should States and Localities Have Official Languages?

Voters in one Pennsylvania county will decide whether to remove English as the official language in a city charter. Dozens of states and localities have similar measures on the books.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Texas Legislature Considering Bill to Make it Harder to get Public Information About Government Employees

Senate Bill 16, filed by State Sen. Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, would require an individual’s written consent for a state agency to share their personal information.

  • By Anna Canizales, The Texas Tribune

The Cities Where Women Entrepreneurs Are Flourishing

A new report shows which cities have created a culture that encourages women to start their own small businesses.

  • By Emma Coleman

States Are Making Periods Easier with Free Menstrual Products in School Bathrooms

New Hampshire just became the fourth state to ensure bathrooms in public middle and high schools will offer free pads and tampons.

  • By Emma Coleman

No More ‘Manhole’ and ‘Manpower’ for This City

Under new rules in Berkeley, California, the municipal code will be changed to eliminate gender references.

  • By Emma Coleman

Second Bloomberg Mayoral Initiative Is Its Most Diverse Yet

St. Paul, Minnesota’s first black mayor shared his biggest takeaways from the program opener.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

When Push Comes to Shove, Here Are Local Leaders' Priorities

Route Fifty asked local government officials what is most important to their communities’ future. Their answers may surprise you.

  • By Mitch Herckis

Ranking the ‘Worst Connected’ Cities in the U.S.

This National Digital Inclusion Alliance report isn’t something the local Chamber of Commerce is likely going to put in promotional materials.

  • By Michael Grass

Turning Trump’s Infrastructure Plan Into an Inclusive One

“When you make the case properly, people are willing to pay into the system that reflects them.”

  • By Dave Nyczepir

Instantaneously Linking 3-1-1 Callers to Translators

With its Language Access Plan, Pittsburgh’s goal is “to assist all residents and to provide access to all resources.”

  • By Michael Grass
Featured eBooks
The State of Trust in Government
Cybersecurity in State and Local Government
Building Data Literacy in the State and Local Workforce

Wringing Out New Truths From Data: Tracking Social Progress in Cities

Urban designers are ready to help cities learn from each other, combing through data both old and new.

  • By Gregor Macdonald

Public Spaces and Local Democracy

COMMENTARY | The ongoing political battle over Civil War monuments—and the public spaces they reside in—reflects a disconnect over civic expression and our public spaces.

  • By Jess Zimbabwe and Alex Jones

State Legislatures—And Careers—Are Shaped by Gender Bias

A new analysis of 25,000 careers in state legislatures suggests women are being pigeonholed into “women’s issues,” and passed over for key roles in favor of their male counterparts.

  • By Mitch Herckis

A Focus on Inclusion From Mayors

Columbia, S.C. Mayor Stephen Benjamin: “If we don’t speak to that as a strength every single day, then we’re missing out on what it takes for us to be a competitive and prosperous city well into the 21st century.”

  • By Mitch Herckis

This City Is Making Climate Action Affordable for Low-Income Residents

“You don’t need to drive a Tesla to benefit from the green dividend,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

Does Columbia, S.C.’s Rebrand Go Far Enough?

Becoming an inclusive, international city requires more than a title change.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

Racist ‘Chicago Safari’ Emails Spawn Illinois Government Investigation

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP: Boulder’s bear problem; a Charlotte sit-in; San Diego’s losing Styrofoam venture

  • By Route Fifty Staff

Boston’s Unparalleled Effort to Incorporate Racial Equity Into Urban Planning

“To be a strong city, we must learn to understand one another, break down the systemic racism of our history, and advocate for the rights of every Bostonian,” Mayor Marty Walsh said.

  • By Dave Nyczepir

Charlotte Is Among 5 Cities Developing More Inclusive Procurement

“We know that diverse and equitable communities tend to be more economically and civically vibrant and experience more growth,” said a Living Cities employee of its latest City Accelerator cohort.

  • By Dave Nyczepir