#local-government-efficiency

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fromInvestigative Post
2 days ago

Investigative Post event on reforming Buffalo and NY government.

John Kaehny has written and successfully lobbied for the passage of state and New York City laws related to government transparency and accountability, including the first open data law in the world in 2012.
NYC politics
#artificial-intelligence
SF politics
fromLos Angeles Times
4 days ago

Contributor: Investigate the AI campaigns flooding public agencies with fake comments

Artificial intelligence is being exploited to create fake grassroots opposition against clean air regulations, undermining public health initiatives.
SF politics
fromLos Angeles Times
4 days ago

Contributor: Investigate the AI campaigns flooding public agencies with fake comments

Artificial intelligence is being exploited to create fake grassroots opposition against clean air regulations, undermining public health initiatives.
Roam Research
fromenglish.elpais.com
12 hours ago

How to measure bad smells: the citizen science that is challenging the stench of rotten eggs and cabbage soup

Different methods exist to scientifically measure odors, but they often fail to assess the discomfort caused to individuals at a distance.
fromFast Company
7 hours ago

Why AI-powered city cameras are sounding new privacy alarms

The expansion of automatic license plate readers as a source of deep concern is evident as government authorities seek ways to target immigrant and transgender communities.
Privacy technologies
Remote teams
fromLos Angeles Times
1 day ago

Two days in the office a month? L.A. city attorney candidates tussle over telework

Los Angeles City Atty. Hydee Feldstein Soto and challenger Marissa Roy have opposing views on office attendance policies for city attorneys.
California
fromPadailypost
2 days ago

Group wants to put town's use of parking lots on the ballot

Residents of Los Altos seek a ballot initiative to protect downtown parking plazas from changes without public voting.
Environment
from99% Invisible
2 days ago

Service Request #4: How Does the Grid in Phoenix Work? - 99% Invisible

Phoenix's extreme summer heat underscores the critical importance of a reliable electrical grid for survival.
NYC music
fromStreetsblog California
2 days ago

The Week in Short Videos - Streetsblog California

Streetsblog NYC announced a themed action movie starring Sebastian Stan, alongside updates on videos and federal land fracking proposals.
SF politics
fromsfist.com
1 day ago

Supervisor Jackie Fielder's Absence From Board of Supervisors Follows Investigation Into Leaked Memo

Jackie Fielder's office is under investigation for leaking a confidential memo regarding the controversial RESET Center approved by the Board of Supervisors.
Design
fromArchDaily
2 days ago

Cultural Centers Beyond the Building: 6 Unbuilt Projects Integrating Landscape

Cultural centers are evolving to reflect diverse architectural explorations and redefine public institutions' roles in various contexts.
fromPhilosophynow
4 days ago
Philosophy

The Collective City

Islamic philosophy invites plurality and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and the acceptance of error in understanding.
UK politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
2 days ago

National app could end parking headaches for drivers

The National Parking Platform initiative aims to simplify parking payments by allowing drivers to use one app for multiple services.
Fundraising
fromFast Company
2 days ago

How giving starts progress and leadership scales it

Volatility and accountability are transforming philanthropy, requiring leadership to drive impactful change.
Silicon Valley
fromFast Company
2 days ago

Baltimore is pushing back against AI's worst excesses. What happens next could reshape American tech

Baltimore is addressing the risks of AI, exemplified by a lawsuit against xAI for generating illegal content.
Education
fromFox News
2 days ago

NYC schools track bathroom time with digital hall passes

SmartPass digital hall pass system in NYC schools tracks student movement and time outside class, aiming to improve safety and accountability.
Productivity
fromFast Company
2 days ago

Many productivity programs solve the wrong problem. This is what leaders should do instead

Organizations face work design problems rather than productivity issues, leading to temporary solutions that fail to address underlying conflicts in problem-solving approaches.
New York City
fromThe New Yorker
2 days ago

Zohran Mamdani's Pick to Help "Fundamentally Change" the Way New Yorkers Relate to City Government

Tascha Van Auken aims to transform New Yorkers' relationship with city government through the Mayor's Office of Mass Engagement.
fromSan Jose Inside
3 days ago

County and Partners Celebrate Completion of Unique Affordable Housing Project

"To address housing affordability in our community, we need all types of affordable housing options, including affordable ownership opportunities that allow individuals and families an opportunity to build equity alongside housing stability," said Santa Clara County Supervisor Betty Duong.
East Bay real estate
SF music
fromFuncheap
3 days ago

What Comes After

What Comes After is a choral event exploring themes of resilience and transformation through music and dialogue.
Renovation
fromwww.architectsjournal.co.uk
4 days ago

Practices launch architects on your doorstep' mobile AI advertising drive

The Architects on your Doorstep project uses AI to generate home makeover ideas, helping architects engage with the public and drum up business.
Marketing tech
fromForbes
5 days ago

The New Frontier Of GEO Demands An Integrated Approach

AI has transformed search optimization, requiring a unified approach across departments to enhance brand visibility and trustworthiness.
Public health
fromArs Technica
5 days ago

Water utility announces it's ditching fluoride-then reveals it did so years ago

Birmingham's lawsuit against CAW seeks to restore fluoride in water, citing public health risks from its removal.
fromAllthingssmitty
6 days ago

You probably don't need to lift state - Matt Smith

Keep state as close as possible to where it's actually used. Lift it when multiple components need it or you need to coordinate behavior between components.
React
Canada news
fromThe Walrus
5 days ago

Why Does Ottawa Keep Funding Fake Canadian Companies? | The Walrus

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency fines stores for misleadingly labeling imported products as 'Canadian' to protect consumer trust.
fromCalifornia Post
5 days ago

Lefty SF Supervisor had been absent for several weeks before her leave of absence was made public

"She wants to regain stable health so she can thoughtfully and responsibly consider her options," her office told ABC7 Eyewitness News in a statement announcing her leave of absence and addressing the condition of her mental health.
Mission District
Portland
fromopb
4 days ago

Ashland council votes to remove city offices from community center

Ashland City Hall closed due to safety issues, employees relocated to community center, which is now banned for office use.
US news
fromsfist.com
4 days ago

Tuesday Morning Topline: Bay Area City Giving Away Ring Cameras

Supervisor Jackie Fielder's mental health issue may lead to her resignation, paralleling past cases of supervisors stepping back due to health concerns.
fromNextgov.com
4 days ago

Citizen Science Month 2026 is about more than just stargazing

Citizen Science Month is built around a goal of 2.5 million 'Acts of Science,' tying the annual event to America's 250th birthday through a simple but powerful idea: lots of small contributions can add up to something really meaningful.
OMG science
UK news
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

Councils pressed to use universal parking app to cut 'unfair' fines

The government is promoting a nationwide parking payment app to reduce fines and simplify payments for drivers across England.
Social justice
fromPUNCH
6 days ago

What Does a Bar Owe Its Neighbors?

Bartenders in urban areas face challenges of homelessness and mental health crises, requiring a balance of compassion, safety, and quick decision-making.
#no-kings
Boston
fromBoston.com
6 days ago

After 'No Kings' rally, local organizers are looking to sustain momentum. What's next?

The 'No Kings' coalition in Boston emphasizes ongoing engagement and plans for May Day mobilization with weekly actions and community involvement.
California
fromStreetsblog
5 days ago

No Kings Rallies Throughout California - Streetsblog California

Record attendance of 8 million at No Kings rallies across the U.S., with significant participation in California's major cities.
Boston
fromBoston.com
6 days ago

After 'No Kings' rally, local organizers are looking to sustain momentum. What's next?

The 'No Kings' coalition in Boston emphasizes ongoing engagement and plans for May Day mobilization with weekly actions and community involvement.
California
fromStreetsblog
5 days ago

No Kings Rallies Throughout California - Streetsblog California

Record attendance of 8 million at No Kings rallies across the U.S., with significant participation in California's major cities.
#corruption
NYC politics
fromCity Limits
1 day ago

Councilmember Investigated Over Possible Bribes In Shelter Contracting, And What Else Happened This Week in Housing

Councilmember Farah Louis is under federal investigation for allegedly steering shelter contracts in exchange for benefits.
fromSFGATE
4 days ago
Non-profit organizations

Former executive director of San Francisco city department arrested

NYC politics
fromCity Limits
1 day ago

Councilmember Investigated Over Possible Bribes In Shelter Contracting, And What Else Happened This Week in Housing

Councilmember Farah Louis is under federal investigation for allegedly steering shelter contracts in exchange for benefits.
fromSFGATE
4 days ago
Non-profit organizations

Former executive director of San Francisco city department arrested

#nyc-community-boards
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

NYC community boards: What to know about these civic groups, how they operate and why there's a reform push

NYC Community Boards are essential for civic engagement, allowing residents to voice opinions and influence local governance.
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
2 days ago

NYC Council members would have more control in establishing community boards, per new bill

A new bill proposes that NYC Council members appoint half of community board members to enhance local representation.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

NYC community boards: What to know about these civic groups, how they operate and why there's a reform push

NYC Community Boards are essential for civic engagement, allowing residents to voice opinions and influence local governance.
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
2 days ago

NYC Council members would have more control in establishing community boards, per new bill

A new bill proposes that NYC Council members appoint half of community board members to enhance local representation.
#san-francisco
from48 hills
3 days ago
SF politics

SF budget picture improves as mayor tries to cut the tax that is part of the recovery - 48 hills

SF politics
fromMission Local
2 days ago

S.F. Ethics Commission will weigh in on Lurie-Trump phone records

Mayor Daniel Lurie faces scrutiny for not disclosing records of his call with President Trump regarding federal agent deployment.
Mission District
from99% Invisible
5 days ago

Service Request #3: Why Is There So Much Litter in San Francisco? - 99% Invisible

San Francisco's struggle with public trash can placement reveals deeper issues in urban waste management and human behavior.
SF politics
from48 hills
3 days ago

SF budget picture improves as mayor tries to cut the tax that is part of the recovery - 48 hills

San Francisco's financial outlook is improving, driven by increased tax revenues, particularly from high-end real estate transactions.
fromArchDaily
4 days ago

The Illusion of Lightness: Designing Civic Voids for Public Life

The original intent of pilotis was to create a sense of lightness that would allow circulation and light to flow beneath a structure, but contemporary requirements render thin columns insufficient for large-scale civic projects.
Renovation
#local-elections
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Your Party to focus local election efforts on backing independent candidates

Your Party is targeting urban areas with large Muslim populations to support independent candidates and community groups against Labour.
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Your Party to focus local election efforts on backing independent candidates

Your Party is targeting urban areas with large Muslim populations to support independent candidates and community groups against Labour.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

Op-ed | A responsible path forward for New York City's budget | amNewYork

New York City's budget process is a complex negotiation that impacts community investment and addresses fiscal challenges.
Relationships
fromPortland Monthly
2 weeks ago

From the Editor: Building Community Isn't Always Fun. Do It Anyway.

Proximity-based community organizing builds solidarity across differences through sustained engagement and shared material goals, fostering understanding that transcends initial disagreements.
London politics
fromIrish Independent
3 days ago

Roving security team to tackle surge in antisocial behaviour in Dublin parks

A new Mobile Security Crew will patrol city parks to deter antisocial behavior during a six-month trial period.
fromwww.amny.com
3 days ago

Mamdani fires back at Menin over City Council's budget response, charges it ignores bigger financial problems | amNewYork

Mamdani stated that the City Council's budget strategy effectively ensures this structural deficit will continue indefinitely, impacting vital city services and failing to solve deep financial problems.
New York City
NYC politics
fromNew York City, NY Patch
5 days ago

Your Vote Decides Which New York Neighborhood Fix Mamdani Will Tackle Next

Over 11,600 New Yorkers participated in the Mayor's Municipal Madness to select city projects for repair by Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Boston
fromBoston.com
2 weeks ago

City Council calls for more transparency from Wu over transportation projects

Mayor Wu's requirement for personal approval of transit and road safety projects has caused significant delays, prompting even her allies on the City Council to demand increased transparency and accountability.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
5 days ago

New bin rules begin in England but not all councils are ready

New rules mandate weekly food waste collections in England, but many councils are unprepared to meet the deadline.
#elections
SF politics
fromPadailypost
4 days ago

Candidate defends party registration

Jim Irizarry claims he mistakenly registered with a far-right party, while opponent David Canepa argues it was intentional and questions Irizarry's qualifications.
SF politics
fromPadailypost
4 days ago

Candidate defends party registration

Jim Irizarry claims he mistakenly registered with a far-right party, while opponent David Canepa argues it was intentional and questions Irizarry's qualifications.
Artificial intelligence
fromFast Company
4 weeks ago

Local governments could deploy AI for good. Here's how

Agentic AI can transform city governance by automating routine tasks, improving service efficiency, and enabling proactive infrastructure maintenance while maintaining accountability through ambitious local leadership.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

NYC public servants behind FDNY safety tool, vending machines and shelter food tracking honored with Hayes awards

NYC honors city workers for innovative projects improving government services at the fourth annual Hayes Innovation Prize ceremony.
SF politics
fromStreetsblog USA
6 days ago

Transit Safety For the People, By the People - Streetsblog USA

The RIDER Safety Act proposes hiring transit ambassadors to enhance safety in public transit without police involvement.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

Dismay as allotments set to become graveyard

Richmond Council plans to convert allotments into a cemetery despite significant public opposition and calls for a sustainable burial strategy.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

Campaigners celebrate after new town plans dropped

Campaigner Aysha Hawcutt stated that residents were 'not anti-homes', but believed the Adlington plan was 'the wrong proposal in the wrong place'. She expressed pride in the community's resilience against the development threats.
London politics
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
1 week ago

NYC BUDGET: City Hall approves first round of savings after Mamdani told agencies to tighten belts | amNewYork

Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration identified over $1.7 billion in savings to address NYC's budget gap through various efficiency measures.
Alternative transportation
fromFast Company
3 weeks ago

Traffic safety improvements frequently die by popular vote. It's time to stop that

Vision Zero, a Swedish road safety philosophy, proves traffic deaths are preventable through proper street design, enforcement, and awareness, yet Americans resist safety improvements due to normalized traffic violence.
LA real estate
fromLos Angeles Times
26 years ago

Developer Takes Big Steps to Win Public Support

A developer is conducting an extensive $50,000 grassroots campaign distributing informational packets to 4,000 neighbors to build support for an 866-home project in Santa Clarita Valley.
NYC politics
fromNBC New York
3 weeks ago

Mamdani pledged a 'culture of transparency.' But he's not ready to hand over these gov't records.

Mayor Mamdani promised transparency and accountability but delayed releasing AI program records, citing FOIL request backlogs similar to his predecessor's approach.
Philosophy
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Neighbors, It's Time to Make a Stand

Universal conviction in one's own righteousness divides humanity, while accelerating evolutionary mismatch from our technology-created world remains our shared existential problem.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
2 weeks ago

Editorial | NYC spends too much money. It's time to get things under control. | amNewYork

New York City faces a $7.3 billion budget deficit over two fiscal years due to chronic overspending relative to revenue, with structural imbalances threatening municipal bond ratings.
fromPortland Mercury
1 month ago

Portland City Council Votes To Reshape Its Committee Structure

Portland's transition to a new form of government last January brought new practices and procedures for the City Council. Among the largest changes, impacting both the Council and members of the public, was the introduction of eight policy committees. The committees, which considered topics including transportation, climate, finance, homelessness, and public safety, were intended to provide a focused venue for councilors to introduce legislation and hold conversations on specific topics, as well as to hear public testimony.
US politics
fromEntrepreneur
2 months ago

How to Win Big With Public-Sector Partners

Understanding the difference in purpose Unlike private businesses, which exist to make a profit, public institutions are designed to create impact - especially social and economic outcomes that benefit everyone, not just paying customers. A public agency doesn't measure its success in revenue or margins, but in how much it improves lives, builds equity and maintains public trust. This doesn't mean budgets and spending don't matter - they absolutely do - but money is not the goal. It's the tool.
World politics
fromAxios
2 months ago

Exclusive: Inside Google's push to sell AI to cities

Between the lines: This isn't benevolence. It's customer acquisition. Mayors don't just buy "AI." They buy cloud, data modernization, cybersecurity, services, and long-term support - the tech stack underneath any serious deployment. In return, cities get tools that could fix long-standing challenges, Cris Turner, vice president of government affairs at Google told Axios last June when it first released its playbook.
Artificial intelligence
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

Letters: Fight over gate raises questions of government service

The current issue is whether Fremont controls the road that the Alameda County Board of Supervisors ceded to Christopher George, who has now blocked access with a gate. But it is part of a longer battle that has included the board considering George's request for the land after his company donated $10,000 to Supervisor David Haubert's campaign. The board granted his request ostensibly to save maintenance costs, but at the expense of constituents who have used that section of road recreationally for decades.
US politics
Social justice
fromMedium
1 month ago

Practice notes on including citizens in the design process

Citizens must be enabled to shape decisions, define problems, and co-create public services through participatory practices that redistribute agency and build trust.
fromSan Jose Spotlight
2 months ago

Palo Alto council vows to prioritize 'efficiency' in 2026 - San Jose Spotlight

The City Council direction, now led by Mayor Vicki Veenker and Vice Mayor Greer Stone, marks a departure from previous agenda-setting retreats by replacing broader ideals with concrete topics. With Manhattan Beach Council member Amy Howorth serving as a facilitator for the meeting, which took place at the Mitchell Park Library, the council worked to clarify the terms "values," "priorities" and "objectives" before voting on its priorities for the year.
California
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

Can a council do five days' work in four?

South Cambridgeshire District Council adopted a 32-hour, four-day week and reports improved retention, higher applicant numbers, agency savings, and maintained or improved most service metrics.
US politics
fromStreetsblog
1 month ago

This Bill Would Give Your Community More Money To Build Its Own Transportation Future - Streetsblog USA

The BASICS Act shifts federal transportation funding toward metro regions, enabling human-centered projects and preventing state DOTs from monopolizing funds for highways.
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
2 months ago

Police called as councillors vote to shelve elections

Redditch Borough Council voted to request postponement of May local elections to support local government reorganisation, citing £192,000 savings.
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