https://www.governing.com/tag/opinions Opinions en-US Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/policy/why-universal-child-care-isnt-always-good-for-kids It depends on the quality of the program and on what the children would be doing if they weren’t in care. Both political parties have failed to capture these nuances. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/policy/why-universal-child-care-isnt-always-good-for-kids https://www.governing.com/urban/how-exclusionary-zoning-makes-poor-communities-poorer Restrictive land use policies mean higher housing costs in neighborhoods most in need of affordability. We need policies that promote enough housing for everybody. Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/urban/how-exclusionary-zoning-makes-poor-communities-poorer https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/why-its-crucial-to-know-what-local-government-really-costs It’s not easy to figure out the exact cost of a service a city or county provides, but it’s worth the effort to get the most out of every public dollar spent. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/why-its-crucial-to-know-what-local-government-really-costs https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/embracing-risk-in-government Avoiding it will result in missed opportunities. It’s critical to adapt to unpredictable challenges. Too often governments treat inaction as the safe choice. Tue, 31 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/embracing-risk-in-government https://www.governing.com/politics/will-a-fragmented-electorate-undermine-black-political-strength Crowded primaries could signal a weakening of African American political power, but a more open and competitive political environment could also be a sign of democratic health. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/politics/will-a-fragmented-electorate-undermine-black-political-strength https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/say-what-governments-continuing-inability-to-speak-plainly We’ve been trying for half a century to bring simple language to government communications, without much success. Speaking to people in language they understand is a high-return, low-cost investment. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/say-what-governments-continuing-inability-to-speak-plainly https://www.governing.com/politics/is-the-center-still-alive-in-big-city-politics Left-leaning mayoral winners are getting a lot of attention, but in a few cities business-friendly moderates are showing strength. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:05:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/politics/is-the-center-still-alive-in-big-city-politics https://www.governing.com/finance/public-finance-in-a-time-of-structural-volatility If abruptly changing federal policy becomes a recurring feature, state and local governments will need to adjust how they govern, not just how they budget. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/finance/public-finance-in-a-time-of-structural-volatility https://www.governing.com/urban/it-takes-more-than-zoning-reform-to-get-more-housing What state legislatures do is important, but process matters just as much. Local governments determine whether reforms unlock housing or quietly stall. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/urban/it-takes-more-than-zoning-reform-to-get-more-housing https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/how-to-move-away-from-inhumane-prisons Innovative programs make them safer while enhancing opportunities for success after release. Some states are showing the way. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT https://www.governing.com/management-and-administration/how-to-move-away-from-inhumane-prisons