Some programmers and engineers are willing to forego private-sector pay to find meaningful work. But governments need to be more nimble about hiring.
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.
The state’s 30th annual Measures of Growth Report found that Maine was performing well in environmental stewardship, Internet connectivity and transportation infrastructure, but needed to improve other areas to boost its economy.
The new law will guarantee small business employees 40 hours of paid sick leave and 56 hours per year for people working at businesses with more than 20 employees. But business owners are concerned about the financial burden of the new rule.
It's the power to convene players across a region, as Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin has demonstrated. He's put together an effective coalition to tackle economic and workforce development.
Fearing a fishbowl political environment, too many public-sector organizations are reluctant to collect and use data on how they’re doing in hiring and retaining talent. But it’s better to know than not to know.
When it comes to public-sector jobs and elective office, age discrimination is real. Governments would do well to tap into the experience and the particular type of intelligence that people of a certain age can bring to bear.
In the midst of a “skills tsunami,” agencies and their workers understand the problems better than central HR offices do. And workforce planning should focus on local labor markets.
Nebraska’s Jump Start Scholarships program offers up to 100 percent tuition reimbursement along with signing bonuses for high school graduates to pursue degrees.
State and local economic development organizations can ease barriers to defense contracting for local businesses, benefiting both companies and communities.
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