Category Archives: Local Government

Public Sector Collective Bargaining Could Impose Massive New Costs

Posted on April 20, 2021 by F. Vincent Vernuccio

Instead of compensation increases for public employees, taxpayer relief or COVID safety, Virginia local governments are estimating six- and seven-figure costs just to implement the process of collective bargaining. While local governments in Virginia debate whether to allow public sector … Continue reading →

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Alexandria City Staff Urges Restraint on Government Union Negotiations

Posted on March 9, 2021 by F. Vincent Vernuccio

Without clear guardrails, city officials are warning wide-open bargaining with government unions would hurt city government’s ability to respond to emergencies while costing taxpayers up to $1 million a year in additional administrative costs. Alexandria’s city attorneys are sounding alarm … Continue reading →

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Richard Florida’s Case for Devolution

Posted on February 20, 2019 by matt ohern

For several decades, some policy analysts on the center/right have advocated a more-robust 21st century version of federalism, under which there would be something of a return to the founding fathers’ vision in which the federal government focused on a … Continue reading →

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How to Build Strong, Resilient Cities and Towns

Posted on November 1, 2017 by matt ohern

Cities and counties across the United States are experiencing chronic fiscal stress, and the reason has nothing to do with Republicans or Democrats and everything to do with what Chuck Marohn calls the “growth Ponzi scheme.” “Why are cities going … Continue reading →

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Local, State Government Assets Cause Budgetary Pains

Posted on July 26, 2012 by matt ohern

For a moment, let’s accept President Obama’s recent statement on its face value: “the private sector is doing fine. Where we’re seeing weaknesses in our economy have to do with state and local government, oftentimes cuts initiated by, you know, … Continue reading →

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