RESEARCH BRIEFS

Aug 25, 20223 min read

Understanding the value of benchmarking for local governments

While some challenges local governments face are unique to their particular communities, many are ones being experienced across the...

Jun 29, 20222 min read

Unique challenges of economic development in small-town governments

Limitations to staffing and broadband access increase urban-rural inequities in local governments’ ability to recruit businesses.

May 27, 20222 min read

Quality of life top priority for local policymakers in making zoning decisions

Local policymakers tend to prioritize quality of life even above economic growth when making zoning decisions.

Apr 30, 20223 min read

Dismal levels of media coverage of local government board meetings

Nearly half of all local governing board meetings in the United States receive no journalistic coverage.

Mar 25, 20223 min read

Many local governments support more transparency in reporting business development incentives

Nearly half of local governments do not publicly report incentives offered to businesses, but many support increasing transparency efforts.

Feb 25, 20223 min read

Where are local governments prioritizing their elders?

There are regional differences in the degree to which local policymakers report prioritizing the needs of older Americans.

Jan 31, 20223 min read

Is honesty the best policy? How local policymakers communicate Covid risks

Local policymakers think it is more acceptable to overstate than understate Covid risks, but most are committed to the unvarnished truth.

Dec 29, 20213 min read

The digital divide between small towns and big cities

While the pandemic has accelerated the deployment of digital technologies in government, smaller local communities are being left behind.

Nov 29, 20212 min read

What effect is the Great Resignation having on local government?

Hiring difficulties are prevalent across all local government departments.