The state is losing its youthful energy, with more than 4 million people leaving for other states since the start of the century.
Nebraska’s highest court will decide if the governor can force state workers back to the office, as unions argue for remote work rights. This echoes a broader national debate, with GOP leaders pushing return-to-office mandates.
Safety net systems should be integrated with workforce support programs. Mostly they aren’t. More states should implement the kind of “One Door Model” that Utah has proven effective.
Local officials should go on the offense to protect important initiatives that have benefited all of us. In particular, they can enlist businesses that see the benefits of their own diversity initiatives.
Some programmers and engineers are willing to forego private-sector pay to find meaningful work. But governments need to be more nimble about hiring.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed a bill overturning the state’s work requirements, which had previously been blocked in court. The bill passed in December while Democrats still controlled the Legislature, with Republicans complaining it sent the wrong message to recipients.
The reason is simple: A boom in apartment construction. Developers are pulling permits at a rate nearly triple that of San Antonio on a per capita basis.
President Trump’s executive order abolishing remote work for most employees will be good for the local economy and transit systems. Twenty percent of the federal workforce lives in the D.C. area.
Mayor Michelle Wu has hired more than 300 new City Hall staffers, helping fuel budget growth of 8 percent over the past year. Many of the new positions are in middle and upper management.
A 2022 law gave staff the ability to unionize. Their new contract will provide a raise of 3 percent in July and additional workplace protections.
There's turnover in Washington with each new administration. Departing federal workers can bring valuable skills and experience to state and local governments.
The personnel cost has doubled over the last three years. Employees have been granted more sick leave but they seem to be using more due to in-person work requirements.
California’s Democratic governor will also expand job training and credential programs to help more residents without degrees find work in the public sector.
A bill would allow more public employees to shift out of 401(k)-style plans into more traditional pensions, which could help with recruitment. But critics say costs are a reason the state has moved away from such plans for decades.
The school board is considering a plan to use five of its properties to build 1,000 affordable housing units. It’s a strategy more California districts are pursuing.
Future in Context
An expert offers insights on how government agencies, frequent targets online, can safeguard critical infrastructure and future-proof their cybersecurity. Also under consideration: artificial intelligence’s dual role in security.
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