Management

How 3 States Are Trying to Help Their Farmers Deal With Drought

Swaths of the country have baked this summer under hot and dry conditions, making it tougher to keep crops growing and livestock healthy. In some cases, state governments are stepping up work with their agriculture sectors in response.

Could Apprenticeships Fix the Teacher Shortage?

COMMENTARY | Several states are pioneering "earn and learn" models as a potential long-term solution to address persistent educator shortages.

A Legislative Staff Unionization Wave is Hitting Blue State Capitols

Statehouse employees in at least four states are pushing to organize and Oregon staffers formed a union last year.

Republican Election Deniers Rack Up State Level Primary Wins

Former President Trump's clout in state elections was on display this week. In Arizona, his picks for governor and five seats in the legislature won their primaries. In Michigan, five of 10 Trump-endorsed legislative candidates on the ballot prevailed.

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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere

Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.

More Governments Join National Fine and Fee Reform Effort

Seven additional cities and counties are set to take part in the initiative, which is seeking to rework fines and fees that often fall most heavily on low-income and minority residents.

Coyotes Are Here to Stay in Cities. Here’s How to Appreciate Them From a Distance

COMMENTARY | Though they can get a bad rap, coyotes often aren't as aggressive as many believe them to be. And in fact, they may bring some benefits to cities.

As Remote Work Sticks, Cities Seek New Ways to Lure People Downtown

The health of businesses, real estate and tax revenues is on the line. But some see an opportunity in reimagining city centers as places less dependent on office workers.

How to Run for Reelection With a Blocked Agenda

After Democratic governors in Kansas, Michigan and Wisconsin rode a blue wave into office four years ago, their priorities hit a red wall in their GOP-controlled legislatures. But experts say they still have a shot at winning second terms. Here’s why.

Independent State Legislature Doctrine Could Take Power Away From the People

The U.S. Supreme Court will determine whether state legislatures have the power to regulate congressional elections.

USPS to Slash 50,000 Positions in Coming Years

But the postal service is delivering election ballots at a much faster clip.

How to Regain Citizens' Trust After a Financial Scandal

Just getting rid of the people involved isn't enough. A complex task follows for local leaders to restore faith in the government.

‘I No Longer Feel Safe’: A Mayor Resigns, Citing Threats

The mayor of The Village, Oklahoma, said he’d been followed home after meetings, had his tires slashed and faced other abuse. The episode mirrors a disturbing national trend.

Cities and Towns Embrace 'Summer Fridays' for Their Workers

The trend towards more flexible and shorter work weeks in the summer months comes amid tight competition for public sector talent. "We’re seeing a strong push for quality-of-life enhancements," says one town administrator.

Two Cities Took Different Approaches to Pandemic Court Closures. They Got Different Results

Did closing courts contribute to the resurgence in violent crime that began in 2020? What happened in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Wichita, Kansas, may provide clues.

The Rise of the Trump Agenda in This Year's Governors Races

Republicans in a number of key gubernatorial contests want to pursue priorities in state government aligned with the former president's platform. Will the strategy work to win over voters?

What They Do For Fun: The Hobbies of Florida Lawmakers

Poker, extreme sports and 'wolf spider husbandry' are among the ways they spend their time away from the Legislature.

A Wave of Retirements is Offering One State a Unique Chance to Diversify Its Workforce

Connecticut recently saw thousands of state employees retire in response to benefit changes. Now, some see the rehiring process as a major opportunity to close equity gaps with race, ethnicity and gender at state agencies.

A Mayor Defends the Use of His ‘Secret’ Office Away From City Hall

New York City Mayor Eric Adams downplayed a report revealing the workspace, housed in high-rise building, saying he'd only been there four times.

Without Obergefell, Most States Would Have Same-Sex Marriage Bans

The Roe v. Wade ruling has lawmakers returning to an issue many thought was settled law.

Virtual Meetings Stymie Creative Teamwork

A new study finds that in-person teams generate more ideas than remote teams working on the same problem -- possibly because when people focus on the narrow field of vision of a screen, their thinking becomes narrower as well.