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 Ryan Kushner • May 28, 2025

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

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

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

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 Dan Zukowski • May 22, 2025

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

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 Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 22, 2025

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

DOJ opens investigation after Chicago mayor touts Black hires

The department took issue with comments the mayor made at a public event Sunday, in which he identified six high-level positions held by Black workers.

By Emilie Shumway • May 21, 2025

Judge stops DOT action against New York congestion pricing

A federal court judge issued a temporary restraining order prohibiting the Department of Transportation from imposing punitive actions as a deadline passed for New York to end its tolling program.

By Dan Zukowski • Updated May 28, 2025

The 6 fastest-warming U.S. cities

Since the first Earth Day was celebrated in 1970, 240 of 242 U.S. cities have warmed by 2.9 degrees on average, according to a recent analysis.

By Ryan Kushner • May 20, 2025

Washington governor signs laws regulating landfills, expanding organics service and more

Gov. Bob Ferguson signed five laws, including ones that affected renewable natural gas, PFAS in biosolids and plastic bags.

By Cole Rosengren , Jacob Wallace • May 20, 2025

Republican budget squeezes out of House committee, but deeper IRA cuts could come

Deficit hawks voted to advance the legislation for now but said they negotiated for more cuts to clean energy incentives.

By Diana DiGangi • May 20, 2025

Tomorrow’s government worker will have a passion for public service and excellent technical skills

Agencies are looking to increase efficiency and are seeking talent to revitalize processes and streamline workflows to improve citizen services. Organizations require talent with business process innovation skill sets. This can include general practitioners with strong analytical thinking skills who can bring innovative ideas to government.

By Michael Keating • May 19, 2025

How states are thinking about organic waste policy

Panelists from Divert, CalRecycle and NRDC discussed lessons that can be learned from a rising number of state organic waste policies in California and elsewhere.

By Jacob Wallace • May 19, 2025

Supreme Court narrows police immunity in use-of-force cases

In rejecting the “moment of threat” defense, the court opens the door to greater officer accountability — though how the ruling will shape policing on the ground is still uncertain.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 19, 2025

NLC selects 20 Southern cities for economic initiative

The grants aim to boost economic growth in the selected cities by empowering small businesses and entrepreneurs.

By Michelle Havich • May 16, 2025

EPA rolls back part of PFAS drinking water standards

The agency will continue regulating PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, but will extend compliance timelines. It has rescinded rules for four other PFAS chemicals.

By Megan Quinn • May 15, 2025

NYC launches ‘microhub’ pilot to reduce truck delivery congestion, pollution

Dedicated spaces for delivery trucks allow last-mile deliveries to be made by cargo bikes, pushcarts and zero-emission vehicles.

By Danielle McLean • May 15, 2025

Federal safety agency asks Tesla for details of its planned robotaxis

Tesla CEO Elon Musk previously announced plans to launch driverless ride-hailing services in Austin, Texas, and the San Francisco Bay Area this year.

By Dan Zukowski • May 15, 2025

Congress could soon revoke California’s vehicle emissions standards

State and local authority over air quality will be jeopardized if Congress revokes California’s auto emissions limits, experts say.

By Dan Zukowski • May 14, 2025

Washington governor signs rent control into law

The new measure sets a 7% plus interest limit on rent increases, capped at 10%.

By Mary Salmonsen • May 14, 2025

Revised hiring standards and increased public support could aid in recruiting more police officers

Police departments are facing a shortage of officers. Law enforcement agencies may improve their recruiting efforts if they develop a clear, concise list of hiring standards.

By Michael Keating • May 13, 2025

Mayors flag Medicaid cuts as a public safety issue

The U.S. Conference of Mayors warns Congress that benefit cuts can increase mental health crises and substance abuse, diverting police from violent crime.

By Robyn Griggs Lawrence • May 13, 2025

Tech hubs: these 10 cities are ‘best prepared’ for a smart city future

The annual ranking is based on metrics related to tech infrastructure and connectivity, sustainability and each city’s tech job market. 

By Ryan Kushner • May 12, 2025