What a $1.48 trillion pension gap means for cities and states

Unfunded liabilities have dropped, but public pensions remain deeply underfunded, a new analysis found. The report’s author calls for benefit-structure and cost-sharing reform.

By Lori Tobias • Dec. 15, 2025

Making special days special in the world’s wedding capital: 2024 Exemplary Public Servant Paula Cook

Clark County, Nevada, Records Administration Manager Paula Cook works to create a welcoming environment for couples looking to tie the knot in Las Vegas.

By Ryan Kushner • Dec. 12, 2025

DOJ expands litigation seeking to force access to voter records

The Trump administration is suing 14 states that have refused to turn over full voter rolls. Cities should be allocating resources to data security and due-process protocols in preparation, a legal expert says.

By Vicky Uhland • Dec. 10, 2025

3 Supreme Court cases local leaders shouldn’t ignore

Decisions on property seizures, warrantless entry and concealed-carry rules could force policy and procedural changes, experts say.

By Vicky Uhland • Updated Dec. 10, 2025

Georgia county to launch autonomous shuttle service

With a grant from the Federal Transit Administration, Cobb County, Georgia, will connect major venues in the Cumberland district beginning in 2027.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 5, 2025

In a tech-focused world, this city’s deputy CIO puts people first: Exemplary Public Servant Ryon Saenz

Alexandria, Virginia’s Deputy CIO Ryon Saenz has tackled cybersecurity and department vacancy challenges with a human-centric approach.

By Ryan Kushner • Dec. 5, 2025

Advanced air mobility sees bipartisan support in US House subcommittee

Air taxis and drones “can redefine how we transport people and goods,” the subcommittee chair said.

By Dan Zukowski • Dec. 4, 2025

HUD withdraws homelessness grant opportunity ahead of court hearing

The department said it still plans to change the Continuum of Care program, but future changes will be “well in advance” of the next funding deadline.

By Ryan Kushner • Updated Dec. 15, 2025

City leaders ‘aren’t thinking big enough’ about AI, tech expert says

A National League of Cities panel broke down how some cities are using artificial intelligence effectively — and how others can get started.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 26, 2025

Titans’ stadium project channels billions into workforce and small business growth

The project has expanded hiring across Nashville’s Promise Zones and supported training and community events steering residents toward skilled careers.

By Zachary Phillips • Nov. 25, 2025

NLC leaders address cities’ time of ‘uncertainty’

“As leaders, we can’t control the chaos, but we can learn how to make sense out of it together,” National League of Cities CEO Clarence Anthony said during City Summit 2025.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 25, 2025

With flat revenues and increasing costs, more cities are tightening their belts

Fiscal confidence among city finance officers is plunging as COVID-era federal aid winds down, a National League of Cities survey found.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 24, 2025

Will Trump kill federal funding for public transportation?

Cutting mass transit funding and prohibiting states from using highway dollars for transit projects would impact GOP and Democratic congressional districts nearly equally, one analysis shows.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Nov. 20, 2025

States agree on AI’s economic advantage — whether they’re ready for it is another story

While 88% of economic and workforce development leaders see the importance of artificial intelligence, only 6% of states have a plan to act on it, a new survey says.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 18, 2025

San Francisco commuter railroads face fiscal cliff in 2027

A November 2026 ballot measure would tax San Francisco and five Bay Area counties to help Caltrain and Bay Area Rapid Transit close their budget gaps.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated Nov. 14, 2025

SNAP funding restored through September 2026

The funding bill President Donald Trump signed Wednesday includes $107.5 billion for SNAP and $8.2 billion for WIC.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 13, 2025

St. Paul, Minnesota, and environmental groups sue over canceled DOE clean energy grants

The lawsuit claims the Trump administration’s cancellation of $7.56 billion in grants for projects in 16 states was politically motivated.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Updated Nov. 13, 2025

USDA reverses course on SNAP

The agency that runs the food aid program said Saturday that states are not authorized to load full November benefits.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 10, 2025

USDA will fully cover SNAP benefits for November

The department said Friday it has started issuing funds to states in order to comply with a Rhode Island court order.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Updated Nov. 7, 2025

Trump administration fights court order to fully fund SNAP

The Justice Department is appealing a Rhode Island federal judge’s ruling, further complicating the chaotic suspension of federal food assistance benefits.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 7, 2025

States sue FEMA over new grant rules

A 12-state coalition claims recent changes unlawfully tie funding to population data they can’t access and shorten timelines so drastically that cities can’t use the money.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • Nov. 6, 2025

What to know about federal requests for voter data

The Justice Department is asking states and counties for access to voter rolls. Local officials should pause before sharing the information, legal experts say.

By Danielle McLean • Nov. 5, 2025

Neither rain nor snow nor digitization have stopped local governments from accepting payments by mail

A recent Euna Solutions survey found 83% of local governments still accept payments through the post.

By Ryan Kushner • Nov. 4, 2025

Washington, D.C.’s answer to public sector brain drain: 2024 Crown Communities winner

Facing a “silver tsunami” of retirements and inequities in hiring, the District of Columbia is using paid internships to bring in young, diverse talent that’s ready to lead.

By Lori Tobias • Nov. 4, 2025

Illinois legislature passes transit-friendly bill

The legislation averts proposed service cuts and fare hikes with $1.5 billion in funding for Chicago’s public transit network.

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 3, 2025