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Local governments are employing gig workers and offering better benefits

Jun 26, 2023
Cities are among the biggest buyers of flexible labor, and they're improving terms for gig work, says Xavier de Souza Briggs of Brookings.
Gig workers, like those who drive for ride-hailing companies, may soon have more jobs in local government.
Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images
Justin Benjamin, a crew leader with the public works department in Winooski, Vermont, tamps asphalt into a pothole on East Spring Street.
Henry Epp/Marketplace

State and local governments could get $350 billion in pandemic aid

Feb 18, 2021
Is it too much? Not enough? Just right? And what's the best way to spend it?
The proposed $350 billion in aid to state, county, municipal and tribal governments is meant to offset losses from pandemic shutdowns and job losses.
Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Parks departments face cuts, even as people have headed outdoors during COVID-19

Oct 26, 2020
Intensive use can take a toll on green spaces, and parks need to be maintained to keep from deteriorating.
A two-person crew sprays down the playground at McIntosh Park in Dayton, Ohio. The city expects to spend $60,000 this year just on sanitizing playground equipment.
Leila Goldstein

When businesses aren't making money, local governments aren't making money.

Apr 14, 2020
Cities and states will have to rethink their budgets because of tax revenue loss.
In some places in Ohio, income tax makes up almost 75% of the revenue. Above, a closed bar in Columbus, Ohio, on March 15.
Matthew Hatcher/Getty Images
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Trump’s plan to rebuild U.S. roads relies on local dollars

Feb 12, 2018
The massive infrastructure plan’s path through a polarized Congress isn’t clear.
Spencer Platt / Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

The Associated Press launches a new muni bond index

Aug 1, 2016
It's a competitive space, but the AP said it thinks there's a market for its product.
The Associated Press is unveiling its new index on Monday.
Courtesy Associated Press

American communities are putting themselves back together

Feb 8, 2016
The Fallows visited over 50 cities in three years to learn about community in America

A blizzard in 1888 created the modern mayor

Jan 22, 2016
The role of mayors drastically changed after a storm in 1888