Governance & Finance: Page 2

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    Jeff Fusco via Getty Images
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    Philadelphia sanitation strike ends with tentative pay agreement

    AFSCME and Philadelphia officials confirmed the strike has ended, though the union must still ratify the terms of the deal before it becomes official. Between 1,200 and 1,300 sanitation workers were part of the strike.

    By Megan Quinn • July 10, 2025
  • Podcast cover image for "Cities in Motion," presented by TomTalks and Smart Cities Dive, featuring an aerial view of a busy urban highway network.
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    Danielle Ternes/Smart Cities Dive
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    Sponsored by TomTom

    [Podcast] Key trends in urban mobility transformation

    In this podcast series, explore trending topics related to the larger theme of urban mobility transformation challenges and opportunities.

    By Smart Cities Dive's studioID • Updated July 10, 2025
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    Permission granted by Dan Zukowski
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    Massachusetts dedicates $8B to transportation in FY2026 budget

    Public transportation funding will help the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority narrow its deficit. Roads and bridges also received funding.

    By • July 8, 2025
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    Building a resilient government starts with developing people

    Local governments are often where policy meets execution. That front-line responsibility requires skilled, adaptable teams ready to navigate change. That’s why investing in employee learning and development is essential.

    By Ray Resendez • July 2, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Building community through play

    The right playground equipment fosters community spirit and helps direct youth energy in the right direction

    By Michael Keating • June 30, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    The pandemic and election disruptions have made local governments a target for cybercrime

    Cybercriminals carry out highly targeted and prolonged attacks against local governments that involve advanced tools and techniques to infiltrate networks.

    By Michael Keating • June 25, 2025
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    Mayors demand orderly, targeted immigration enforcement

    Federal officials should notify local officials before immigration raids and limit enforcement to serious criminals, a U.S. Conference of Mayors resolution says while condemning recent ICE efforts.

    By • June 24, 2025
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    Mayors address Trump administration actions’ impacts on cities at annual meeting

    Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.As the 93r...

    By • June 20, 2025
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    Making process improvement stick: A data-driven path to local government efficiency

    CPI is a structured, ongoing approach to identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in operations. For state and local governments, this means streamlining workflows, leveraging available data and technology, and continuously adapting to changing community needs.

    By Claire Collins, DeAndre Watson • June 12, 2025
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    California mayors speak out on ‘unconscionable’ lack of homelessness aid in proposed state budget

    Big city mayors say eliminating Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) program funding could lead to the loss of thousands of existing shelter beds across the state.

    By • June 11, 2025
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    Courtesy of May Mobility
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    Seattle outlines 7 priorities for autonomous vehicle adoption

    Robotaxi policies should factor in equity, workforce training, safety and environmental concerns, diverse city residents said.

    By • June 11, 2025
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    5 takeaways from Trump’s proposed 2026 budget for rail and public transit

    Amtrak would be spared budget cuts, while public transit could get a 1.5% funding boost.

    By • June 6, 2025
  • Artist's rendering of an aerial view of an open-air train station with multiple tracks and a sleek high-speed train stopped at a platform.
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    Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
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    Can California high-speed rail survive without federal funds?

    While the California High-Speed Rail Authority looks for a path forward, some believe additional state or private funding will be hard to find.

    By • June 5, 2025
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    Empowering public sector IT: Overcoming security, compliance and access challenges

    Public sector IT leaders need both an articulated road map for the future and effective, real-world solutions. By adopting virtualization technologies, these organizations can empower employees with secure remote access to essential tools and resources.

    By Prashant Ketkar • June 4, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Clearing waterways of nuisance vegetation can be a green achievement

    A key part of aquatic maintenance includes a growing demand for products that get rid of vegetation overgrowth without the use of dangerous herbicides.

    By Michael Keating • June 4, 2025
  • Chicago silver colored commuter train moving on elevated tracks to railroad station in between urban city buildings of Chicago, Illinois.
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    Mlenny via Getty Images
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    Chicago-area public transit faces up to 40% service cuts

    The Illinois General Assembly ended its legislative session without resolving a $770 million budget gap affecting train, bus and commuter service across Northern Illinois.

    By • Updated June 13, 2025
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Californians leap at state e-bike voucher offer

    The popular program offsets e-bike costs for low-income residents and aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

    By • May 30, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    These 10 states have the highest fiber broadband availability

    The most notable increases in fiber-to-the-home availability per capita were in central, southwestern and New England states, according to a recent study.

    By • May 28, 2025
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    Sponsored by

    Beyond the Contract: 5 Factors to Consider in a Cooperative Partner

    Public sector procurement faces mounting pressure. With shrinking budgets, shifting compliance rules, and persistent staffing shortages, leaders are stretched thin. They're expected to meet increasing demands while navigating limited resources. This environment requires smarter strategies, streamlined processes, and trusted partners to stay ahead. Discover how to overcome today’s toughest challenges and maximize your impact in this high-stakes landscape.

    May 28, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by

    Weathering the Silver Tsunami: A Guide for Procurement Professionals

    The “Silver Tsunami” is reshaping procurement. As seasoned professionals retire, leaders face talent gaps that threaten performance. With 90% citing talent as the top performance driver—and half saying they lack the talent they need—the urgency is clear. Learn how to navigate this shift, retain institutional knowledge, and develop the next generation of procurement professionals to ensure long-term success.

    May 28, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by

    My Budget Was Cut – Now What?

    Local governments nationwide are under increasing fiscal pressure. Declining tax revenues, rising service demands, and inflation are squeezing budgets tight. Procurement leaders must find ways to meet department needs, maintain compliance, and deliver lasting value—all while working with fewer resources. Discover strategies to overcome these challenges and keep your community thriving despite financial constraints

    By OMNIA Partners • May 27, 2025
  • Six construction workers stand on rebar along a viaduct.
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    Courtesy of California High-Speed Rail Authority
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    California high-speed rail project seeks outside investors

    Facing possible loss of federal grants, the authority leading the $128 billion project looks for new funding sources.

    By • May 22, 2025
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    Megan Quinn/Smart Cities Dive
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    Federal grantees reckon with loss of ‘generational’ recycling funding under Trump

    The administration has canceled or limited grant awardees’ ability to access federal funding, changing how plastics and organics recyclers view the federal government.

    By Jacob Wallace • May 22, 2025
  • A protester displays a sign reading "Reparations Now!" in front of a crowd of other protesters.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    DOJ dismisses lawsuits against Minneapolis and Louisville, Kentucky, police departments

    Mayors in these cities, where high-profile police killings occurred, vow to continue reforms.

    By • May 22, 2025
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    Toa55 via Getty Images
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    Column

    Strategic budgeting: Why it matters for every taxpayer

    Communities are shifting away from traditional budgeting models and adopting strategies that connect spending with tangible results.

    By Tom Amburgey, Mark Funkhouser, and Nick Mastronardi • May 21, 2025