Minnesota

Emergency alert: States confront EMS shortages

Minnesota declared an “EMS emergency” last month, but it’s far from alone. An outdated approach to funding the service is largely to blame, says experts.

  • By Katherine Barrett & Richard Greene

In this Legislature’s Civility Caucus, Republicans and Democrats actually like talking to each other

At Civility Caucus gatherings, conversation might go to hot-button issues, but they are much more productive and sometimes even lead to co-sponsored bills.

  • By Deena Winter, Minnesota Reformer

Cash isn’t the only thing guaranteed income programs can deliver

Data is starting to show that supplemental income programs can boost participants’ employment, housing stability and family well-being.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

How one city is bridging the gender gap in construction jobs

Rochester, Minnesota, launched its Equity in the Built Environment program in 2023 that looks to educate and train women for jobs in construction, project management, interior design, and other careers.

  • By Jessica Kutz  , The 19th

Local transit agencies mimicking Uber and Lyft are seeing big ridership gains

Connect is so popular that it’s having trouble keeping up with demand, even as the Minnesota legislature allocated over $9 million last year to build out Connect and similar systems statewide.

  • By H. Jiahong Pan, Minnesota Reformer

How one city added hundreds of new homes amid an affordable housing crunch

In Missoula, Montana, the city and county government donated land to support the development of three new affordable apartment sites. About 1,000 people, including those who were previously homeless, have signed the interest list for units, one official says.

  • By Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan

Communities boost climate resilience by protecting pollinators

More cities are planting native plant-based gardens to slow loss of pollinators, which play a critical role in achieving climate adaptation goals.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

Minnesota Takes On Corporate Profit Shifting

The state targeted a loophole that companies use to create income tax havens abroad. As overall tax revenue continues to slump, will other states do the same?

  • By Liz Farmer

With New Power in 4 States, Democrats Prepare to Push for Previously Blocked Priorities

After key midterm wins, the party will gain additional “trifectas” in 2023, holding both legislative chambers and the governor’s office. The change will unlock new policymaking possibilities.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Minneapolis is the Latest US City to Demand Emissions-Free Shipping

The city, where Target is headquartered, is pressuring big brands to “abandon fossil-fueled ships.”

  • By Joseph Winters, Grist

Cities and Towns Move to Recognize They are Built on Indigenous Land

But Native activists say "land acknowledgments" are only a start for reconciliation and healing, not an end unto themselves.

  • By Daniela Altimari

Two States to Seek Nearly $900M in Federal Funds for Bridge Project

They’re looking to tap money from the bipartisan infrastructure law approved last year. “This project is a perfect candidate for this funding,” says the governor of one of the states.

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

8 Best Winter Festivals in the U.S.

A list from Travel + Leisure showcases festivals that include snow golf and volleyball, skiers hanging onto a cowboy on horseback and plungers jumping into the icy waters.

  • By Andre Claudio

Gun Violence Has Soared During the Pandemic, a New Study Finds—But the Reasons Why Are Complex

The pandemic brought about a sharp rise in mental health concerns, deep unemployment and an unprecedented amount of social isolation—a potentially deadly combination alongside rising gun sales.

  • By Paddy Ssentongo and Jennifer McCall-Hosenfeld, The Conversation

10 Steps for Advancing Equity With American Rescue Plan Funding

Local governments seeking transformative impacts must recognize that threats, risks and trauma are daily conditions experienced by low-income communities and people of color, according to a report, which recommends a variety of actions.

  • By Andre Claudio

5 Midwest States Form Electric Vehicle Pact

They plan to work together building out charging infrastructure and on other issues. The agreement comes after Ford unveiled plans for big electric vehicle investments in another region.

  • By Bill Lucia

Full FDA Approval of Pfizer Vaccine Prompts Swift Mandates for State, Local Government Workers

Following approval for the vaccine, some leaders across the country immediately tell public employees and college students to get vaccinated now.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

More than $20M in Federal Funds Available for State-Based Insurance Marketplaces to Make Improvements

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services funding will help improve access and update systems to reflect new eligibility thresholds, state officials said.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

The Top 10 States for Doctors

These states ranked high because of low malpractice payouts, physician compensation and overall health system performance, according to rankings by a medical information website.

  • By Brent Woodie

This School District Normally Gets $66,000 a Year for Library Books. This Year — $500,000.

Money from the American Rescue Plan will be used to replace items that went missing when schools closed at the start of the pandemic and enhance the district’s overall collection, St. Paul officials say.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Policing the Police: Justice Department Launches Probe in Minneapolis

Derek Chauvin’s criminal conviction won’t solve systemic policing problems. Experts said the DOJ’s resumption of pattern or practice investigations can help spur local police reform.

  • By Andrea Noble