Local Government
30 articles
Local governments are failing on budget transparency, undermining public services by 2026.
Montgomery County Council member Laurie-Anne Sayles took 11 trips outside the region on taxpayer funds since 2022, including one to Maui that coincided with critical budget decisions like potential cu
How to Get Local Business Licenses and Permits for Your New Venture
A promising new cafe in downtown Anytown, USA, was forced to shut its doors just weeks after opening.
Hybrid Meetings Aren't Boosting Public Participation, They're Streamlining Access.
In Huntington Beach, virtual public comments are resuming via Zoom, offering residents an accessible way to engage with city council meetings.
What Is the DOJ's New Digital Accessibility Rule and How Does It Affect You?
Starting April 24, 2024, every state and local government in the U.
What are local government small business initiatives for economic growth?
In Ohio, a small business seeking a GrowNOW loan must operate with fewer than 150 employees, maintain Ohio offices, and commit to creating or saving one full-time job for every $50,000 borrowed.
Local Governments Face 2026 Challenge to Boost Transparency
The Allen Parish Police Jury voted to prohibit police jurors or anyone acting on behalf of the parish from signing non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) related to economic development projects, according
Local services face devastating impact from budget cuts in 2026.
By 2028, the county council and seven district councils in Norfolk, UK, will cease to exist, replaced by just three unitary authorities, a stark example of how budget pressures are reshaping local gov
How Property Assessments Affect Local Tax Revenue and Public Services
In one state, a government intervention to address property assessment inequities boosted assessments by 32 percent.
How Do Local Governments Track Public Spending?
In 2021, local governments directly spent $1.
How to Get Small Business Permits and Licenses in Charlotte
In Charlotte, there is no single, catch-all city business license application for ordinary businesses, forcing entrepreneurs to navigate a labyrinth of individual permits, according to Business Licens
Local governments waste millions on 'budget turkeys,' starving essential services.
Florida TaxWatch identified 621 projects, costing taxpayers $830 million in a single state budget, as 'turkeys'—projects lacking proper scrutiny, according to City & State New York .
Food Safety Rules in 2026: Why Inspections Don't Guarantee Safety
That 'clean' inspection sticker on your favorite restaurant?
How to Participate in Local Government Meetings and Influence Decisions
Even if you can't attend in person, pressing ★9 on your phone can instantly raise your hand in a city council meeting, giving you a direct voice in local decisions.
Barriers to Citizen Participation in Local Decisions
In many local governments, the legal framework for citizen participation is riddled with loopholes, allowing a 'very high margin of manipulation' by those in power, according to legal, political and a
What Are Historic Preservation Districts and Why Do They Matter for Property Owners?
In Spokane, a few designated historic districts saw property values soar, while most experienced a more modest 5-35% appreciation, according to Historic Spokane .
Columbia voters approve 1% sales tax for police and fire services
By a razor-thin margin of just 85 votes, Columbia residents approved a new 1% sales tax, committing an estimated $38 million annually to police and fire services for the next decade.
How to Apply for Property Tax Exemptions
In Texas, simply owning your primary home can reduce its taxable value for school districts by at least $140,000, a significant saving many homeowners don't realize they qualify for.
Hamilton County commissioners approve levy for 2026 ballot
The annual cost of care for children in Hamilton County custody has surged by 70% in just three years, from $105.
Ogunquit Rooster Statues Spark Debate Over Noise Ordinances and Community Values
In the picturesque coastal town of Ogunquit, Maine, a family faced $450 in fines not for a noisy party, but for displaying two 6-foot-tall metal rooster statues outside their home.
How Are Local Property Taxes Assessed and Appealed?
In some states, a new homeowner can pay double or triple the property taxes of a neighbor living in an identical house, simply because they bought their home more recently.
Navigating City Home Renovation Permits
Homeowners often face complex and varying requirements when seeking permits for home renovations, with processes differing significantly between cities.
Local funding for community events and public services faces an uncertain 2026 future.
Over the past year, Iola's Bowlus Fine Arts Center hosted 40 major events, drawing visitors from 11 states and serving over 10,000 patrons.
What Are Types of Local Zoning Ordinances and Their Impact on Development?
Local zoning laws, often seen as benign tools for community planning, are directly responsible for increasing housing prices and intensifying residential segregation across the United States.
How to Get a Special Event Permit for Large Community Events
A simple $25 permit application can derail months of planning for a community event if a single detail is missed or submitted too late.
What is the role of neighborhood associations in 2026 community development?
Neighborhood residents, organized through local associations, wield significant power.
Denver Removes Childcare Licenses to Ease Provider Burden
Denver City Council eliminated local childcare business licenses, which previously cost providers a modest $25 to $200 annually depending on facility size.
AI adoption by local governments presents ethical quandaries in 2026.
A majority of local US policymakers anticipate significant societal risks from artificial intelligence (AI) over the next decades, including increased surveillance, misinformation, and political polar
Mixed-Use Developments Transform Urban Planning and Housing Markets
In a 4-1 vote, the Escambia County Planning Board approved a request to designate an entire OLF-8 site as mixed-use urban, signaling a decisive shift in local planning.
What Are Zoning Laws and How Do They Impact Community Development?
In Los Angeles, a 20% inclusionary zoning requirement could slash the number of new housing units built by over 150,000 in a decade, from an estimated 400,000 to below 250,000.
Denver eliminates local childcare license to boost affordability
Denver City Council has eliminated the local business license requirement for childcare facilities, a bold move aimed at making services cheaper and more accessible for families.