Author Archive
Daniel C. Vock
Finance
Inside the tricky politics of special legislative sessions
Governors in several states are trying to get their priorities passed before the November election.
Infrastructure
Bus agencies are turning to California for their 'tap to pay' fare systems
Transit agencies across the country are turning to the state for help in ditching cash fares and adopting an affordable contactless pay system.
Infrastructure
Hundreds of cities get federal help to make streets safer
The $1 billion funding announcement is the second round of grants this year. To date, the federal government has provided money for safer streets to nearly three-quarters of the country.
Infrastructure
State dam safety programs could get new look after summer storms
The pressure is on aging dams as climate change fuels more intense weather, but it often takes high-profile incidents to focus lawmakers and other officials on the problem.
Infrastructure
Half a billion dollars in grants awarded to boost EV charging network
The Biden administration also said that the number of publicly available EV chargers has doubled since the president took office.
Management
Supreme Court deals Arizona Republicans a partial victory in voting case
The ruling allows Arizona to require proof of citizenship from people who register to vote using a state-generated form.
Infrastructure
Passing the torch, Los Angeles begins sprint to host 2028 Olympics
Mayor Karen Bass has already set the city’s plans for the event apart from others by declaring it a “no-car Games” and pledging to only use existing buildings.
Infrastructure
This commuter rail agency just went electric
Caltrain is ditching most of its diesel trains between San Francisco and San Jose, a switch that will bring modern amenities and shorter trips to Bay Area residents. But it also lays the groundwork for high-speed rail along the route in the future.
Infrastructure
Congress could ease rules for small cities seeking transportation money, experts say
Discretionary grants give the president’s administration—and members of Congress—an opportunity to shape transportation policy. But applying for and administering them can be a challenge for local governments.
Management
Nearly half of all lieutenant governors are women. Could the future of the governor's office be female?
If Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is elected vice president, Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan will be the first Native American female governor. She's one of a growing number of women of color serving in the No. 2 spot.
Infrastructure
Biden administration lays groundwork for future bridge projects
The Federal Highway Administration awarded planning grants to 28 projects in 18 states. The announcement follows the president’s surprise decision not to seek another term.
Featured eBooks
Management
5 things you should know about Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz
The Democratic nominee for vice president has pushed through big changes during his time as governor, a record that both parties will now scour as Walz becomes Kamala Harris’ running mate.
Management
Illegal border crossings have cooled, but the rhetoric is heating up
As national politicians spar over immigration, the reality in cities and states is rapidly changing.
Infrastructure
Justice Department sues freight railroad to improve Amtrak service
Trains are late three-quarters of the time along one Amtrak route. The Justice Department blames Norfolk Southern for the chronic delays.
Infrastructure
Trump, Harris offer starkly different paths on transportation policy
The next president will decide how best to carry out President Joe Biden’s infrastructure initiatives. They could affect what cars Americans drive, the air they breathe and how easy it is to get a job in construction for transportation projects.
Management
Western cities won the right to clear homeless encampments—but will they use it?
California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order encouraging cities to “move with urgency” to clear out camps. The move, which is at odds with others in the West, follows a Supreme Court ruling in June.
Management
Rules for out-of-town governors could cause headaches for potential VP pick
Half of the states strip governors of their executive powers when they leave the state, which can create confusion in emergencies and open the door for political mischief.
Management
New anti-immigration laws' real focus is the U.S. Supreme Court, report says
A liberal group warns that laws in Iowa, Oklahoma and Texas that criminalize illegal entry into the country could give the conservative high court a chance to overturn a 2012 decision limiting state and local power over immigration.
Management
Georgia’s Medicaid work requirements have brought high costs, low enrollment
The state’s experience so far stands in stark contrast with that of North Carolina, where half a million people have signed up for Medicaid coverage in the first seven months of its expansion.
Infrastructure
Major federal bridge grants jump-start long-stalled projects
The Biden administration announced $5 billion to build major bridge replacements, including several grants that were among the largest received by states in their history.
