Public Services

7 articles

Split image showing a reduced tax bill contrasted with concerned city officials facing budget shortfalls for police and fire services.
Services

Northeast Florida property tax reform threatens local services

A proposed amendment to the Florida Constitution could cost local governments $18.

Marco Alvarez·June 6, 2026
A New York City street with visible signs of neglected services, juxtaposed against the backdrop of a city hall, illustrating the gap between municipal promises and reality.
Community

Local communities face service gaps despite municipal promises

More than one-third of New York City's annual operating budget comes from grants and revenues from New York State or the federal government, a deep reliance on external funding for local services Volc

Derek Molina·June 6, 2026
Split image showing a happy Florida family contrasted with an underfunded public service, illustrating the potential impact of the proposed tax shift.
Services

Florida Tax Shift Proposal Could Strain Public Services in 2026

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis proposed a ballot amendment to raise the homestead exemption to $500,000, aiming to eliminate property taxes for 92% of Florida homeowners, according to Governing. This sweep

Marco Alvarez·June 5, 2026
Split image showing a thriving community center versus a neglected, closed building, symbolizing the potential impact of property tax reforms on local services.
Services

Local officials warn of service cuts from property tax reforms

Florida's proposed constitutional amendment, set for a November 2026 vote, could exempt the first $250,000 of a homestead's value from property taxes.

Marco Alvarez·June 4, 2026
A city hall building partially obscured by a large, ominous shadow, symbolizing the impact of new revenue bills on local government funding.
Services

New Revenue Bills Challenge Local Government Funding Models

In Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a property tax relief bill into law, capping city and county general revenue growth at 2% annually, with an exception for new construction, Iowa Public Radio repo

Marco Alvarez·May 27, 2026
Government employees working together on digital service improvements, focusing on enhancing citizen access to public services.
Services

What Are Digital Service Teams in Government and Why Do They Matter?

Despite a 2012 White House directive for agencies to establish digital services governance, a recent tracker only identifies 28 such teams across various governments.

Marco Alvarez·May 20, 2026
Officials break ground on the new $36 million Delaware County shared services building in Ohio, symbolizing a significant investment in local infrastructure.
Services

Ohio's Delaware County Breaks Ground on New $36M Shared Services Building

While Delaware County Commissioners Jeff Benton and Barb Lewis just broke ground on a $36 million shared services building in Ohio, a separate 'Delaware County' in Pennsylvania is planning a major ret

Marco Alvarez·May 19, 2026