#public-service-improvement

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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
#homelessness
Mission District
fromSan Jose Spotlight
9 hours ago

San Jose looks to cut homeless shelter operating costs - San Jose Spotlight

San Jose is doubling homeless shelters but faces $94 million in operational costs, requiring budget cuts and innovative funding solutions.
Boston real estate
fromwww.theguardian.com
4 days ago

A dress rehearsal' for life: inside the Manchester project helping homeless men rebuild

Embassy Village offers affordable housing for homeless men in Manchester, providing support and opportunities for personal development.
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.
Mission District
fromSan Jose Spotlight
9 hours ago

San Jose looks to cut homeless shelter operating costs - San Jose Spotlight

San Jose is doubling homeless shelters but faces $94 million in operational costs, requiring budget cuts and innovative funding solutions.
Boston real estate
fromwww.theguardian.com
4 days ago

A dress rehearsal' for life: inside the Manchester project helping homeless men rebuild

Embassy Village offers affordable housing for homeless men in Manchester, providing support and opportunities for personal development.
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.
Right-wing politics
fromTruthout
2 days ago

No Kings Must Mean No War: Foreign Policy Is Least Democratic Space in Politics

The majority of Iranian Americans oppose the war on Iran, despite media portrayal of pro-monarchy sentiments.
California
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 day ago

NAACP responds after homeless man 'dumped' in Oakland by San Leandro police

San Leandro officers forcibly transported a homeless man to Oakland and 'dumped' him, prompting outrage from civil rights groups.
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.
NYC music
fromStreetsblog California
3 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.
#higher-education
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.
New York City
fromThe New Yorker
3 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.
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.
#reform-uk
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 days ago

Drip feed of Reform UK controversies puts party's policy drive in shade

Reform UK faces significant internal issues, including high attrition rates and controversial statements from candidates.
Education
fromKqed
3 days ago

Beloved San Jose Charter School Faces Potential Closure | KQED

There is a national shortage of credentialed teachers affecting compliance in schools, including East Side Unified School District.
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 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.
SF music
fromFuncheap
4 days ago

What Comes After

What Comes After is a choral event exploring themes of resilience and transformation through music and dialogue.
fromElectronic Frontier Foundation
1 week ago

Digital Hopes, Real Power: From Revolution to Regulation

66% of internet users live where political or social sites are blocked, and 78% are in countries where people have been arrested for online posts. New social media regulations have emerged in dozens of countries in the past year alone.
World politics
Mental health
fromCity Limits
5 days ago

Opinion: Helping Formerly Unhoused Older New Yorkers Age With Dignity

Supportive housing provides essential safety, security, and privacy for seniors, significantly improving their quality of life and addressing homelessness and affordability issues.
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
Public health
fromArs Technica
6 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.
Boston
fromBoston.com
5 days ago

'BPS transportation is failing us': School bus delays have Boston parents calling for change

Thousands of students face delays in school transportation despite claims of improved on-time performance by Boston Public Schools.
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.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
17 hours ago

Local elections profile: Croydon

Croydon is a diverse, populous borough in London known for its high-rise living, commercial hub, and rich history dating back to before the Norman Conquest.
NYC politics
fromThe Marshall Project
1 day ago

In New York City, Mamdani's New Appointee Talks About Reimagining Public Safety

New York City establishes the Office of Community Safety to enhance crime prevention and support services under Mayor Mamdani's leadership.
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.
EU data protection
fromBusiness Matters
1 week ago

How to Find Affordable Election Services for Unions

Union elections require careful selection of service providers to ensure reliability, security, and member participation while managing budgets and compliance.
New York City
fromGothamist
2 days ago

Reforms to 'wild west' private trash industry come to Manhattan's Chinatown

Manhattan's Chinatown will implement new trash reforms requiring businesses to use authorized waste companies by May 2024.
fromLos Angeles Times
3 days ago

Equity advocate turned defendant: Former head of S.F. human rights commission accused of corruption

Sheryl Davis is accused of steering millions of dollars to Collective Impact, a San Francisco-based nonprofit she previously ran as executive director, according to a criminal complaint filed Monday by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office.
Non-profit organizations
UK politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
3 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.
#elections
SF politics
fromPadailypost
5 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
5 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.
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
fromState of the Planet
6 days ago

From Classrooms to Climate Impact: Two Careers Flourish in Singapore

"Singapore is in a very unique position because they face a lot of land constraints, so there are few ways for them to generate their own renewable energy. Singapore is pushing for integrated energy systems throughout ASEAN, so that renewable energy produced in other countries can be brought back to Singapore. There's a very distinct, coordinated effort for countries to come together to work on climate change and energy security in a way that I haven't really seen."
Environment
#corruption
NYC politics
fromCity Limits
2 days 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
5 days ago
Non-profit organizations

Former executive director of San Francisco city department arrested

NYC politics
fromCity Limits
2 days 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
5 days ago
Non-profit organizations

Former executive director of San Francisco city department arrested

#new-york-city
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.
New York City
fromNew York Daily News
4 days ago

NYC Council budget plan averts Mamdani property tax hike, avoids tapping reserves

The City Council plans to close New York's budget gap without tax hikes or using reserves, proposing alternative funding sources instead.
California
fromStreetsblog
6 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.
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.
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.
#nyc-community-boards
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
3 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
4 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
3 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
4 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.
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.
NYC politics
fromStreetsblog New York City
2 days ago

State Bill Would Stop Highway Expansions Near Vulnerable New Yorkers - Streetsblog New York City

New York State will halt highway expansions near public housing and asthma hotspots to protect vulnerable communities from pollution.
#clapham
New York City
fromNBC New York
3 days ago

City Council adds free transit proposal to its preliminary budget response

City Council proposes an alternative budget to address a $6 billion shortfall without raising taxes or cutting essential services.
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.
Philosophy
fromApaonline
3 weeks ago

Why We Need a Formal, Mandatory, and Remunerated "Citizen Lobby"

Post-Cold War optimism about democracy and internet freedom has been undermined by geopolitical tensions, neoliberalism, nationalism, and corporate influence that concentrate power among the already wealthy.
fromwww.amny.com
4 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
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.
SF politics
fromThe Nation
2 weeks ago

Bridging the Red-Blue Divide, One Concrete Deed at a Time

Community Works builds trust across partisan divides by organizing nonpolitical community service activities that unite neighbors regardless of political affiliation.
NYC politics
fromNew York City, NY Patch
6 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.
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.
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.
New York City
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

Transit officials announce clean air investments in South Bronx thanks to congestion pricing revenue | amNewYork

Congestion pricing funds will replace diesel trucks with hybrid models to reduce air pollution in the city.
NYC politics
fromGothamist
5 days ago

Mamdani's new mental health plan hinges on troubled de Blasio initiative

Mayor Mamdani aims to reform B-HEARD to improve mental health emergency responses, but faces significant operational challenges.
SF politics
fromMission Local
2 weeks ago

Months and millions later, maybe few changes to city commissions after all

San Francisco's Commission Streamlining Task Force recommendations to cut or weaken dozens of city commissions face minimal board support and will likely result in only minor, non-controversial changes like eliminating inactive bodies.
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
fromGothamist
1 week ago

Mamdani's public safety promises are slow going. His allies say that's the point.

Mayor Mamdani's cautious approach to police reform is seen as a strategic choice by advocates, despite scaling back several campaign promises.
New York City
fromCity Journal
6 days ago

Madison Square Garden Honored the NYPD. Mamdani Should Follow Suit

Showing support for the police through policy action is as important as expressing gratitude.
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
London politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

English councils to get guidance on designing safer streets for women and girls

Councils will receive guidance to create safer streets for women and girls, addressing systemic unfairness in walking safety.
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.
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
Portland
fromPortland Mercury
1 month ago

Thanks Councilors

Portland city councilors unanimously approved a temporary property tax exemption for a proposed Alaska Airlines maintenance hangar at Portland International Airport.
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.
fromFast Company
2 months ago

Our embrace of individuals over institutions isn't serving us well

In the early 20th century, sociologist Max Weber noted that sweeping industrialization would transform how societies worked. As small, informal operations gave way to large, complex organizations with clearly defined roles and responsibilities, leaders would need to rely less on tradition and charisma, and more on organization and rationality. He also foresaw that jobs would need to be broken down into specialized tasks and governed by a system of hierarchy,
History
fromCity Limits
2 months ago

Opinion: Why Mamdani's New 'Office of Mass Engagement' Matters

The order names a problem that anyone who has spent time in civic life recognizes. Too often, "community" is defined by the few who repeatedly show up or happen to be in the room. That is not because they care more, but because they have the time, flexibility, and familiarity with civic processes that many New Yorkers do not. When those voices are treated as synonymous with an entire district, our understanding of the public and consensus becomes distorted.
New York Islanders
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
US politics
fromThe Atlantic
2 months ago

Put Humans in Charge Again

Strong executive authority and flexible decision-making enable rapid, large-scale public works, mass hiring, and fast crisis responses when bureaucratic processes are bypassed.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 months 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
fromThe Atlantic
2 months ago

Purge the Public Servants

In this new season, I'm asking how the Trump White House is rewriting the rules of U.S. politics, and talking to Americans whose lives have been changed as a result. Today's episode examines the destruction of the civil service: the removal of professionals, and their replacement with loyalists. I've seen this kind of transformation before, in other failing democracies. Everyone suffers from the degradation of public services.
US politics
US politics
fromThe Atlantic
2 months ago

I Tried to Be the Government. It Did Not Go Well.

Government staffing cuts and institutional disruptions have weakened regulatory oversight, prompting individuals to perform personal safety checks such as buying Geiger counters.
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.
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