Governance & Finance: Page 6

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    The Municipal Cost Index

    The Municipal Cost Index update for February is now available.

    By , Michelle Havich • Updated March 18, 2026
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    Deep Dive

    LA passed a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers. Hotels continue to fight it.

    As hospitality and travel organizations push for a referendum on the Olympic Wage ordinance, city officials face a crossroads between supporting wage justice and risking economic fallout.

    By Noelle Mateer • July 28, 2025
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, in a blue suit and tie, gestures with a crowd behind him.
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    Smartphone, connected vehicle data could help states comply with DOT’s ‘Safe Roads’ demand

    Governors must respond by August 30 to the Transportation Department’s letter asking for information on accident-prone arterial roads.

    By • July 25, 2025
  • Ron DeSantis speaks in a navy blue suit and light blue shirt, at a wooden podium that reads "$2 in 2025" in red about a red gas can over the words "Fueling American Freedom" in blue.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Florida governor, CFO launch DOGE-style local government audits

    Broward County and Gainesville are the first communities to receive letters from the governor requesting financial and DEI information and access to offices, data and personnel.

    By Maura Webber Sadovi • July 23, 2025
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    Column

    Traffic-related fatalities continue to rise in multiple cities

    Are outdated government operations to blame for Vision Zero failures?

    By Wes Guckert, PTP • July 22, 2025
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    Adobe / Aldeca Productions

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    Sponsored by Constant Contact

    6 top marketing trends for local governments in 2025

    Discover the top trends that will help local governments strengthen relationships with constituents.

    July 21, 2025
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    SHutterStock/1332155009

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    Sponsored by Neumo

    Now entering the self-service era for state and local government

    Government has always been people-based, but agencies must take a new approach to meet future needs.

    July 21, 2025
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    (2025). "Subcommittee Markup of FY26 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Bill" [Video]. Retrieved from House Appropriations Committee/YouTube.
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    Amtrak, high-speed rail, public transit take cuts in House 2026 budget proposal

    In a markup session Monday, a House subcommittee proposed slashing the transportation department’s discretionary spending by over $3 billion.

    By • July 15, 2025
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    Cities drive most U.S. economic activity: report

    Metro-area economies’ contributions to U.S. economic growth increased for the fifth consecutive year, according to the report released by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, but a S&P Global Market Intelligence representative noted economic headwinds ahead.

    By Michelle Havich • July 10, 2025
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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
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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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    Green infrastructure

    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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    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 Michelle Havich • 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 Michelle Havich • June 20, 2025
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    Column

    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
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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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    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
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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