Internet Explorer 11 is not supported

For optimal browsing, we recommend Chrome, Firefox or Safari browsers.
Smith_Carl_Headshot-400RGB

Carl Smith

Senior Staff Writer

Carl Smith is a senior staff writer for Governing and covers a broad range of issues affecting states and localities. For the past 30 years, Carl has written about education and the environment for peer-reviewed papers, magazines and online publications, with a special focus on conservation and sustainability. He has guest-edited special issues of the International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health focused on the Precautionary Principle and the human rights dimensions of environmental degradation. Carl attended the University of Texas and the University of Georgia. He can be reached at carl.smith@governing.com or on Twitter at @governingwriter.

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams is one of the few public officials who's found a way to address both election security and ballot access concerns.
Typhoon Halong battered remote communities on Alaska's west coast last month. The state faced unique obstacles in getting people to safety — and it faces even more as it looks toward rebuilding.
Actors in and out of government continue to cast doubt on election integrity. What makes accusations stick, and what can states do about them?
It’s not yet clear how much financial support states can expect from a reimagined FEMA. A new analysis of past costs sheds light on the gaps they might have to fill.
A stretch of a historic highway in Lancaster, Calif., was transformed from a semi-freeway through town to an inviting space for residents and passersby to linger and connect.
A local artist and business owner are creating a visual reminder of the scale of the losses in January’s Eaton Fire.
Primary and preventive care have been shown to reduce negative health outcomes. A new report outlines strategies for reverting a primary-care shortage.
A new national study finds that people believe state and local governments can make their communities better — and they want to help.
In recent months, major cities including San Francisco, San Jose, San Diego, Fresno and Los Angeles have significantly stepped up efforts to clear encampments. Officials say it's an overdue shift in policy around homelessness.
Southern states saw huge amounts of growth in renewables last year, but they'll need to work to keep the momentum going.