Local Government
19 articles
Local Government Operations and Citizen Participation
Community opposition to local projects, often driven by a vocal few, has cost America over $1 trillion annually in the past decade.
Racine's 2026 Budget Passes: Lower Rate, Higher Levy
In Racine, Wisconsin, the Common Council approved a 2026 budget that reduces the property tax rate to $11.
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
How Are Local Government Services Funded in 2026? A Deep Dive
In 2024, federal grants to state and local governments are projected to reach $1.
Chicago Council Approves Native Plant Rules, 10-Inch Limit Near Sidewalks
Chicago's new native plant rule has everyone talking!
Role of Neighborhood Associations in Oklahoma City
In Oklahoma City, local neighborhood groups, often dismissed as mere social clubs, are demonstrably boosting resident engagement with city hall and improving overall community contentment.
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
Neighborhoods Can't Balance History and Modernity Without Comprehensive Plans
In Excelsior, Minnesota, a proposal to redevelop the historic Dock Cinema property has sparked a heated debate, not over whether to preserve history, but over how much of it can be sacrificed for futu
Avondale petition for new library gains strong community and aldermanic support
Over 800 Avondale residents signed a petition for a new public library branch in less than a week, according to Block Club Chicago .
Rochelle Park Council Approves 911 Transfer, Residents Seek Referendum
Despite the Rochelle Park Township Council's recent vote to transfer 911 dispatch services to Bergen County for a decade, residents have already organized a petition to force a public referendum on th
Michigan City Transit suspends services Friday; alternatives offered
Michigan City Transit will halt all services for five hours on Friday, May 13, 2026.
What is the aging population impact on neighborhood services by 2050?
By 2050, the number of people aged 80 and over in the WHO European Region is expected to more than double, fundamentally reshaping local communities and their service demands.
Birmingham delays short-term rental rules amid housing debate
After two years of extensive debate, the Birmingham City Council again delayed a decision on short-term rental regulations, pushing the vote to at least May 2026.
How Local Government Funding Structures Impact Public Health
The way your county government is structured can literally determine how long you live, with centralized spending linked to less variation in midlife mortality across neighborhoods.
What Are Local Animal Control Services and Why Do They Matter for Community Safety?
In 2005, West Hollywood became the first U.
How Zoning Boards Shape Neighborhood Development and Property Values
In 36 states, rising zoning regulations are directly associated with an increase in real average home prices, often making housing less accessible for many.
New Braunfels Council Fires City Attorney Over Election Misstep
In a contentious 4-3 vote, the New Braunfels City Council fired City Attorney Valeria Acevedo, just weeks after a legal misstep she was blamed for overturned the city's mayoral election results.
Festival commercialization erodes community identity, exacerbates inequality.
In London's Brockwell Park, residents faced a stark reality: public access to their green space was restricted for 37 days, not the 28 days councils claimed, all thanks to commercial music festivals.
How Local Property Taxes Fund Services and Infrastructure
In 2023, property taxes accounted for a staggering 70.