Infrastructure
One city takes to the streets to address extreme heat
A Los Angeles neighborhood tested the impact of an innovative cool pavement coating, and research shows it holds potential to supplement climate mitigation efforts.
Infrastructure
States explore new incentives to lower the cost of EVs
Washington state became the latest state to roll out rebates for buying or leasing EVs this week, but other states are offering incentives to knock thousands of dollars off the cost of the vehicles, too.
Emerging Tech
Making AI better than us—What could possibly go wrong?
COMMENTARY | Trained on data scraped from all corners of the internet, today’s generative AI applications are rife with biased data. Developing a trustworthy AI framework requires cross-sector collaboration.
Sponsor Content
State and local agencies evaluate their AI future
The recent surge of interest and investment in artificial intelligence tools has presented some fascinating new opportunities in the government landscape.
Management
Tennessee House votes to arm teachers despite opposition
In spite of protesters, a bill that would allow teachers to carry a gun goes to governor for signature.
Management
With surge in hate crimes, state justice department launches hotline awareness campaign
Oregon's confidential hotline connects victims to government and community services that range from counseling to help filing a police report.
Cybersecurity
National DELETE Act included in privacy discussions
California already has a law that gives consumers more control over the data held on them by data brokers. A federal effort would give Americans a central place to request it be deleted by all brokers.
Management
Achieving racial equity in college admissions starts in pre-K
COMMENTARY | The class of 2028 is the first college class to be admitted after the end of affirmative action. Without it, we need big-picture reforms.
Management
Biden administration sets higher staffing mandates. Most nursing homes don’t meet them.
Under the new rules, nursing homes participating in Medicare and Medicaid will be required to follow designated nurse staffing standards.
Workforce
States are required to background check child care workers. Many are falling short.
Dozens of states are out of compliance with at least one component of a federal law’s requirements, a congressional report found. But the problems are so complicated, it’s unclear if anyone has a solution.
Management
Justices debate whether cities can make sleeping outside a crime
Cities worry they could have to “surrender” public places if an Oregon city’s anti-camping law is struck down by the Supreme Court, while advocates say the city rules criminalize being homeless.
Featured eBooks
Workforce
911 call centers cope with more calls, fewer workers
Staff shortages are forcing emergency call center workers to pick up more overtime, work longer hours, adding extra pressure to an already stressful job, a new survey found.
Sponsor Content
Adapting to the AI Landscape: Strategies for Technological Evolution in the Public Sector
Within the public sector, AI extends beyond mere automation and plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing processes, fostering efficiency, and ensuring informed decision-making.
Management
Holdout states consider expanding Medicaid—with work requirements
The prospect of a second Trump administration has renewed interest in the idea.
Workforce
What cities can learn from Seattle’s racial and social justice law
COMMENTARY | Working to end institutional racism is part of every employee’s job and the functioning of municipal government.
Emerging Tech
In one city, litter meets its mechanical match
A pilot program in Detroit has enlisted a trash removal robot to reduce plastic pollution on the beach from entering local waterways.
Infrastructure
Initial funding for digital equity plans is available. But how do states plan to use it?
Some have identified creative solutions to address affordability, digital skills and accessibility issues. But one approach—reliance on the federal internet subsidy that is about to expire—could force some states back to the drawing board.
Infrastructure
3 tips for short-term land-use planning
COMMENTARY | As populations grow and real estate requirements change, cities or counties should regularly evaluate their mix of land use designations so they get the kind of development they can live with long term.
Management
To stop fentanyl deaths in Philadelphia, knocking on doors and handing out overdose kits
City officials hope that this proactive approach will normalize naloxone as an everyday item in the medicine cabinet, and prevent people from dying of overdoses, especially Black residents.
Finance
Lawmakers hope to use this emerging climate science to charge oil companies for disasters
Under their proposals, state agencies would use computer models to tally up the damages caused by climate change and identify the companies responsible. Then, they would send each company a bill for its portion of the destruction.
Management