#local-government

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fromSan Jose Inside
22 hours ago

Los Gatos Council Moves Ahead with Plans for Gay Pride Flag

The Progress Pride Flag,, adds a chevron on one side of the classic rainbow Pride Flag, to celebrate transgender people, people who died of AIDS and (with a brown stripe) people of color. While the Bay Area served as the setting for the genesis of much of the gay rights movement, Los Gatos has a solid contingent of older, more conservative, residents, people from a variety of faith traditions and Republican voters
LGBT
US politics
fromwww.pressdemocrat.com
1 day ago

Santa Rosa councilmember censured for behavior tied to romantic relationship

Dianna MacDonald was formally censured for violating conduct and anti-harassment policies after negative behavior toward city employees related to a personal relationship with a staffer.
fromComputerWeekly.com
1 day ago

Freshwave, O2 enhance mobile connectivity for Guildford | Computer Weekly

Under an open access agreement with Surrey County Council, neutral host provider Freshwave is deploying 13 new 4G/5G outdoor small cells for mobile operator O2 in Guildford city centre. Open access agreements allow local authorities to retain control of their street assets while working with different mobile network operators (MNOs) and neutral hosts such as Freshwave. The outdoor small cells comprise compact mobile units, which are roughly the size of a shoebox and are designed to improve coverage in areas with high footfall.
Mobile UX
London politics
fromTime Out London
1 day ago

Five London boroughs will hike council tax higher than the rest of the UK in 2026

Five London councils and Windsor & Maidenhead can exceed the usual five percent council tax cap in 2026–27 to offset funding cuts and equalize rates.
#cyber-attack
fromLos Angeles Times
2 days ago

For L.A.'s mayor, a Palisades recovery marked by missteps, reversals and delays

It was supposed to be a speech with a clear message of hope for survivors of the Palisades fire. In her State of the City address in April, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for a law exempting fire victims from construction permit fees - potentially saving them tens of thousands of dollars as they rebuild their homes. Eight months later, the City Council is still debating how much permit relief the city can afford.
US politics
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
2 days ago

Council announces new asylum hotel taskforce

West Northamptonshire Council formed a taskforce to strengthen its legal enforcement case against three hotels used to house asylum seekers.
US politics
fromThe Nation
3 days ago

The Growing Protests Against Rapacious Data Centers

Residents successfully mobilized to stop a proposed sale of city land for a water- and power-intensive data center, citing community and resource harms.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
3 days ago

Croydon mayor refuses to apologise over parking row

Mayor refused to apologise after a disabled parking bay was painted around a legally parked car, triggering four penalty notices that were later cancelled.
#cupertino
#reform-uk
fromwww.theguardian.com
3 weeks ago
UK politics

Reform UK claim to have saved 331m at English councils but do the numbers stack up?

Reform UK's claim of 331m savings across ten English councils lacks shared evidence, contains unexplained shortfalls, and includes questionable attributions of savings.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago
UK politics

What a UK government led by Reform would really look like

Reform UK leads 10 English councils and tops national polls, but internal conflicts and Kent council turmoil challenge its capacity to govern credibly.
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 week ago

Councillors pelted with eggs during asylum seekers debate

A group of councillors were violently intimidated and pelted with eggs at a meeting by people wearing balaclavas in the public gallery, MPs have been told. Swale Borough Council in Kent were debating making their area a District of Sanctuary for asylum seekers in the meeting on Wednesday evening. The council also confirmed that their office was also damaged, with toilets and lifts vandalised and deliberate flooding caused water to pour through the ceiling in several areas.
UK politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 week ago

Litter police fined man for spitting out leaf'

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging. At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground.
US politics
fromAxios
1 week ago

Democrat Eileen Higgins defeats Trump-backed Miami mayoral candidate

Higgins, who was backed by the Democratic National Committee, is also the first woman to be elected mayor of Miami. Zoom in: Higgins and González both ran on anti-corruption platforms following years of political scandal and dysfunction in city government.
US politics
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

Letters: Rishi Kumar is best pick for Assessor's Office

Rishi Kumar is a tax reformer and experienced local official advocating efficiency, modernization, and a statewide property-tax exemption for homeowners aged 60 and over.
US politics
fromABC7 San Francisco
1 week ago

Immigrant rights groups protest, demand Marin Co. Sheriff's Office stop cooperating with ICE

Marin County protesters demand the sheriff end cooperation with ICE, withdraw from the State Criminal Alien Assistance Program, and stop publishing booking logs.
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 week ago

Leader of Reform-run council accused of authoritarian' attempt to silence opposition

The letter, seen by the Guardian, demanded Kimberley stop publishing or sharing videos, posts or commentary about the Reform leader and the wider Reform party. It also claimed Kimberley's videos contained content that misrepresents Monk and contributed to her harassment by members of the public. Kimberley denied the claims and told the Guardian there was no legal basis for the demands, adding the letter was written as if someone fed into ChatGPT write me an angry legal letter'.
UK politics
fromwww.standard.co.uk
1 week ago

West London Labour councillor suspended for employing illegal worker in her home

She should've been suspended when the ruling was made in January, it is a serious offence and she should have been suspended pending an investigation. It beggars belief that she was then re-selected for the elections. They knew that she had [a judgement made against her] in January, and in May this year they put her forward for Chair of the Environment and Scrutiny Panel
London politics
US politics
fromThe Mercury News
1 week ago

Former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy dies

Former San Leandro Mayor Stephen Cassidy, a devoted public servant, died; his leadership advanced education, economic development, civic innovation, broadband infrastructure, and community engagement.
California
fromsfist.com
1 week ago

Sunday Links: Trump Takes MLK Jr. Day Off National Parks' List of Free Days, Adds His Birthday

Foraged mushrooms have caused 21 amatoxin poisonings in California, including one death and at least one liver transplant, residents urged to avoid eating wild fungi.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 week ago

Assemblymember Ahrens hosting inaugural Holiday Open House

Community events include Assemblymember Patrick Ahrens' Holiday Open House, monthly free food distributions providing about 100 lbs. per family, and winter/spring adult education registration.
fromStreetsblog
1 week ago

Weekend Roundup: Caltrain Bike Advisors, Advocates Reach out to Supervisor Wong... - Streetsblog San Francisco

Caltrain is seeking four Caltrain riders to apply for its Bicycle & Active Transportation Advisory Committee (BATAC), which serves as the primary venue to integrate the interests and perspectives of customers who primarily use active transportation - bicycling, scootering and other related modes of transportation - to access to the Caltrain system into the planning processes. Caltrain needs the following: One representative of a public agency from San Franciso County One public agency representative from San Mateo County
Alternative transportation
Portland
fromPortland Mercury
1 week ago

Good Morning, News: City Afraid of 'Big PR Problem' Over Unspent Funds, Attorney Caught Filing Fake Case Law in AI Briefs, Trump/Hegseth Doing More War Crimes (Spotify CEO Votes With His Dollar)

Former housing director Helmi Hisserich alleges she was blamed for unspent funds, told not to disclose them, and was pushed out after promoting social housing strategies.
fromTechCrunch
1 week ago

New streaming channel launches to give viewers a peek into city council meetings | TechCrunch

Back in 2022, he ran for city council in a small California town. He lost, but the moment forever changed the way he saw the place - and local governments, for that matter. "I was trying to become a better candidate," he recalled to TechCrunch. "I wanted to understand how my city actually worked, what decisions had been made, why, who said what. And I couldn't figure it out. It's a total black box, and almost intentionally opaque."
US politics
fromwww.standard.co.uk
2 weeks ago

Major London council receives damning report from auditors

Many of the weaknesses which we have reported here in the report are not new. They are long-standing issues that have persisted, some of which over many years. The pace of improvement has not matched in some cases the scale of the challenge facing the authority around a number of these matters. Without urgent and sustained action and clear accountability the council risks remaining in a cycle, in my view, of statutory intervention and limited assurance.
London politics
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Nigel Farage urged to sack Reform council leader accused of racism

Reform UK council leader Ian Cooper faces calls to resign over racist social media posts targeting migrants, public figures, and a black British lawyer.
California
fromThe Mercury News
2 weeks ago

Bay Area mayor accused of not living in the city she governs

Fairfield Mayor Cathrine Moy may face a Quo Warranto challenge over allegations that she does not reside within Fairfield city limits.
US politics
fromThe Mercury News
2 weeks ago

Vallejo mayor also a professor at Pleasant Hill's Diablo Valley College

Andrea Sorce balances duties as Vallejo mayor and DVC economics professor, using teaching to advance government transparency, accountability, and civic engagement.
fromwww.eastbaytimes.com
2 weeks ago

Vallejo mayor also a professor at Pleasant Hill's Diablo Valley College

At 39, she divides her time between shaping young minds as an economics professor at the Pleasant Hill campus of Diablo Valley College (DVC) and steering the city of Vallejo toward transparency, accountability and trust. It has been a challenge balancing the dual roles, especially because there is a lot of work to do in Vallejo, said Sorce, who says she wishes she had 40 hours in a day.
Education
US politics
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 weeks ago

Pittsburg appoints new mayor, vice mayor

Dionne Adams, a Pittsburg native, was unanimously appointed mayor; Angelica Lopez became vice mayor; Adams prioritizes safety, housing stability, youth opportunities, and responsive city government.
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 weeks ago

Rochdale council accused of sitting on finding that CEO touched and grinded' on junior colleague

The disciplinary inquiry was launched by Manchester city council, where Binks was then assistant chief executive, last summer after complaints by young female employees about sleazy and creepy behaviour on a night out last November. Binks took over as chief executive in Rochdale in April. The investigation by the law firm Weightmans LLP upheld a complaint that Binks had inappropriately touched and grinded on a junior female employee at Manchester council in a city centre bar.
UK politics
Privacy professionals
fromTheregister
2 weeks ago

Kensington and Chelsea Council confirms data breach

Kensington and Chelsea Council confirmed attackers copied and removed data during a cyber incident, prompting residents to monitor accounts and communications closely.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
2 weeks ago

New Cupertino mayor, vice mayor to be named on Dec. 11

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... The public is invited to the annual election of mayor and vice mayor by the Cupertino City Council, followed by the oath of office, on Thursday, Dec. 11, at Cupertino Community Hall, 10350 Torre Ave. Doors open for the Mayor Initiative Wrap-Up and Reception at 5 p.m., and the ceremony begins at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be provided.
California
Miscellaneous
fromIrish Independent
2 weeks ago

'I have problems with the Crown' - Galway councillor launches extraordinary criticism of British Ambassador's visit to county

A councillor objected to the British ambassador's Galway visit citing historical occupation; colleagues rebuked him and stressed respect for diplomatic relations.
Public health
fromwww.bbc.com
2 weeks ago

Council to support workers with endometriosis

Redcar and Cleveland Council became the first endometriosis-friendly local authority in northern England, joining a national employer scheme to support staff with endometriosis.
fromFuturism
2 weeks ago

Waymo Forced to Halt Overnight Operations As Punishment for Causing Nonstop Ruckus

Waymo might be expanding its autonomous taxi services to northern cities like Minneapolis and Detroit, but back in Santa Monica, the company's strained relationship with local residents has reached a breaking point. According to the Santa Monica Daily Press, the city council has issued a formal demand that Waymo end overnight operations at two charging facilities there. City counselors unanimously approved the measure, which doesn't mention Waymo by name, but instead orders two lots the company uses to charge and dispatch vehicles to cease nighttime operations.
Tech industry
Information security
fromTheregister
3 weeks ago

Scottish council still reeling from 2023 ransomware attack

Comhairle nan Eilean Siar lacks full cyber resilience two years after a November 2023 ransomware attack, with critical systems and key recommendations still unimplemented.
#cyberattack
#cybersecurity
Miscellaneous
fromIrish Independent
3 weeks ago

Government 'look down' on local authorities, claims Tipperary councillor in stinging attack

National Government looks down on and neglects local authorities, favoring major cities and leaving places like Tipperary unsupported, which makes council work harder.
US politics
fromThe Oaklandside
3 weeks ago

Feud between Oakland councilmember and city staffer escalates into ethics complaints

Councilmember Ken Houston filed an ethics complaint against Public Works director Josh Rowan amid a dispute over a withdrawn $10.4 million paving contract and alleged false comments.
fromIrish Independent
3 weeks ago

Government has allocated no dedicated funding to decarbonising zones since their introduction

Under the government's Climate Action Plan 2019, councils were mandated to select an area of their county where methods to reduce carbon emissions are trialled, known as a Decarbonising Zone. These include energy efficiency, biodiversity and other low-carbon initiatives which, if successful, could be rolled out on a wider scale. Designated zones include the Aran Islands in Galway, the Dingle Peninsula in Kerry, and Ballymun and Ringsend/Poolbeg in Dublin.
Environment
London politics
fromwww.standard.co.uk
3 weeks ago

Hounslow councillor under investigation after Lamborghini seen parked in disabled bays

A Hounslow councillor's Lamborghini was photographed parked in disabled bays at council offices without a visible blue badge, prompting a Labour investigation.
fromwww.bbc.com
4 weeks ago

Green politician quits party to 'protect free speech'

I've taken this step because I feel that I need to protect free speech.
UK politics
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
4 weeks ago

Future of local democracy out for consultation

The government proposes replacing 15 Essex councils with three to five unitary authorities, with multiple models released for public consultation.
US politics
fromBoston.com
4 weeks ago

As rent control gains momentum, Wu shows skepticism of blanket statewide cap

Statewide rent control would tie annual rent increases to cost-of-living with a 5% cap; Boston's mayor supports local control rather than a statewide blanket cap.
fromPortland Mercury
4 weeks ago

Good Morning, News: Taco Bell Saves Thanksgiving, a Potential Snag in Epstein Files Release, and Who Will Be Portland's Next Manager?

Portland is close to selecting a city administrator to replace Michael Jordan, who's served in the role since January and will retire at the end of the year. The city administrator is largely responsible for overseeing the city's budget and daily operations, with the help of a team of deputy city administrators who run the city's bureaus. The top three finalists include former Mayor Ted Wheeler's first chief of staff, and two other candidates from Colorado and Texas.
US news
California
fromThe Mercury News
1 month ago

Pittsburg councilmembers to get a pay bump for first time in 30 years

Pittsburg will raise city council pay from $500 to $1,600 per month, effective Dec. 6, 2026, following the next general election.
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

Opinion: San Mateo County shows why we shouldn't be electing sheriffs

A sheriff wields enormous power and position on a local level, yet we elect them in the same political fashion as we do city councilmembers and school boards. But today's sheriffs oversee multimillion-dollar agencies, manage jails and set enforcement priorities that shape entire communities. In theory, this allows informed and nuanced voters to split their ballots, allowing them to vote in the sheriff they feel is best qualified regardless of political affiliation while otherwise voting down the party line.
US politics
SF politics
fromMission Local
1 month ago

Sunset pet store owner tried repeatedly to warn Mayor Lurie on District 4 pick

Mayor Lurie's office failed to act on complaints about former pet store owner Beya Alcaraz despite evidence of severe animal neglect discovered by new owner.
#immigration-enforcement
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

Opinion: Saratoga's story is one of steadiness, vigilance

Saratoga experienced community joys and difficult challenges—student and elder insecurity—while gratitude for public service and neighbor engagement shaped priorities toward kindness and safety.
US politics
fromSun Sentinel
1 month ago

Proposed referendum to change Broward's name to Lauderdale draws opposition, suffers setbacks

Proposal to rename Broward County to Lauderdale faces strong opposition from state lawmakers and county commissioners over cost, optics, and historical controversies.
UK politics
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 month ago

Mahmood to scrap failed experiment' of police and crime commissioners

Police and crime commissioners in England and Wales will be abolished in 2028, saving at least £100 million and transferring duties to mayors and councils.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

New twist in a decades-long public-access fight over Bay Area roadway

Alameda County transferred control of a 0.2-mile section of Morrison Canyon Road to rancher Christopher George, who installed a gate now contested by the city of Fremont.
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

No divide in Reform over WFH, insists council boss

Lincolnshire Council cannot afford £5 million to return all staff to offices and will maintain hybrid working, while the mayor mandates office-only for new hires.
New York Mets
fromStreetsblog
1 month ago

Thursday's Headlines: Seeing Daylighting Clearly Edition - Streetsblog New York City

Universal daylighting at intersections improves visibility and safety for drivers and pedestrians and lets local leaders prioritize the most dangerous locations.
East Bay (California)
fromThe Oaklandside
1 month ago

Oakland corruption case: San Leandro official pleads not guilty. Will he cooperate with the feds?

San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo pleaded not guilty to federal charges alleging he accepted a $2,000 bribe and lied to law enforcement.
LGBT
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 month ago

Parents demanded that a trans child be banned from sports. The town rejected their request. - LGBTQ Nation

St. George, Maine select board voted 3-2 to continue complying with the Maine Human Rights Act, permitting a transgender grade-schooler to play on a girls' recreational basketball team.
UK politics
fromBBC News
1 month ago

Andrea Jenkyns tells new staff working from home is not an option - BBC News

All newly hired staff at the Greater Lincolnshire combined authority will be required to work in the office; remote work for new hires has ended.
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Councillors in England face suspensions for misconduct as part of government overhaul

Mayors and councillors in England face suspensions of up to six months for serious misconduct and repeated rule breaches as the government seeks to overhaul standards in local government. Under plans unveiled on Tuesday, local authorities will be handed powers to suspend rule-breaking councillors and mayors, including those found guilty of bullying and assault, and to withhold their allowances. Ministers said the changes, which will be introduced via parliamentary legislation, would help improve public confidence in local government.
UK politics
Brooklyn
fromBrooklyn Paper
1 month ago

Your nabe, your voice: Reynoso invites Brooklynites to apply for community board seats * Brooklyn Paper

Brooklyn residents age 16+ can apply to serve two-year volunteer terms on local community boards influencing liquor licenses, housing development, public transit, budgets, and services.
LGBT
fromLGBTQ Nation
1 month ago

GOP official rages at "demonic" Christmas drag show because kids might be near the building it's in - LGBTQ Nation

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier urges Pensacola to shut down an adult-only holiday drag show, calling it demonic and harmful to children.
Education
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

Residential special school to close in December

Bradstow School, a residential school for autistic children in Kent, will close on 31 December due to Wandsworth Council financial pressures and DfE rejection of academisation.
California
fromSFGATE
1 month ago

A Calif. town found a mistake on its official seal. Changing it brings tears.

South Lake Tahoe council pursued a geographic correction to the 60-year-old city seal amid recent local scandals and strong emotional reactions.
fromwww.bbc.com
1 month ago

'Necessary steps' to be taken to shut asylum hotel

"undocumented bogus asylum seekers in many cases", which was "an affront to the people of Broxbourne"
UK politics
Artificial intelligence
fromThe Mercury News
1 month ago

What can AI do for you? San Jose announces 'AI for All' partnership with Google, OpenAI and Anthropic

San Jose launched the "AI for All" initiative with Google, OpenAI, Anthropic and the Bay Area Council to provide free AI training and tools to residents.
#recall
fromKqed
1 month ago
US politics

Fairfax Recall of Mayor, Vice-Mayor Appears Poised to Fail, Early Returns Show | KQED

fromKqed
1 month ago
US politics

Fairfax Recall of Mayor, Vice-Mayor Appears Poised to Fail, Early Returns Show | KQED

LGBT
fromAdvocate.com
1 month ago

This small Pennsylvania town just elected the state's first-ever out transgender mayor

Eria Deuso, a trans woman and Democrat, won Downingtown's mayoral race with 64% of the vote, becoming Pennsylvania's first openly transgender mayor.
UK news
fromwww.independent.co.uk
1 month ago

Village told it cannot have Christmas lights unless England flags taken down

Local council requires removal of flags from lampposts, including St George's flags, as a condition for erecting Christmas lights due to safety and cost concerns.
fromwww.standard.co.uk
1 month ago

'It's disgusting around here': The west London neighbourhood plagued by fly-tipping

Dumped fridges, a felled tree left to rot, and household waste floating in the breeze perhaps not what a tourist would expect to see when they arrive in London, after leaving its most famous airport. But that's exactly what greets people as they drive past Heathrow's northern perimeter on their way towards Central London. Last week I headed out to Harlington near Hayes to interview residents, after hearing things were getting out of hand with fly-tipping in their cul-de-sac.
UK news
fromPortland Mercury
1 month ago

Councilor Dan Ryan Breaks From Colleagues, Says "No" to Parks Levy

In an email newsletter last week, Portland City Councilor Dan Ryan came out against the ballot measure that would create a new, increased levy to help fund the city's parks system. In the newsletter, Ryan-who oversaw Portland's parks bureau for a period of time prior to the city's government transition-said he supports the city's parks. Still, he made the "hard decision" to vote "no" on the levy.
US politics
California
fromSFGATE
1 month ago

California mayor arrested, faces 7 years in prison

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez faces felony and misdemeanor perjury and conflict-of-interest charges, pleaded not guilty, and could face prison time and lifetime ban if convicted.
fromThe Local France
1 month ago

More French towns hike taxe d'habitation bills on second homes

Almost half of the 3,690 town and village councils in France that have the authority to raise the rate of taxe d'habitation bills on second homes have done so, according to official figures. Taxe d'habitation bills will start dropping into the letter boxes of second home owners in the next few days - and some may well be in for an unpleasant surprise.
France news
California
fromPadailypost
1 month ago

Longtime assessor supports Fligor as his successor

Neysa Fligor, an attorney and county official, seeks Santa Clara County Assessor emphasizing continuity, accurate assessment rolls, computer modernization, and enhanced public access.
#four-day-week
fromLGBTQ Nation
8 months ago

Community rallied against MAGA councilman who tried to ban the pride flag. The result was shocking. - LGBTQ Nation

This is not what America's about. We have a president that is proclaiming executive orders trying to erase trans people from existence, and you say that the American flag includes everyone. For over 100 years, the American flag stood for slavery, and we had a war to fix that. For 90 years after that, it stood for segregation, and people took to the streets to get rid of that.
US politics
UK politics
fromwww.theguardian.com
1 month ago

Reform councillor defects to Tories after party's policies left him uncomfortable'

Councillor James Buchan defected from Reform UK to the Conservatives citing discomfort with anti-immigration policies and concerns about ending indefinite leave to remain.
US politics
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

San Mateo County board clashes over how to fill sheriff seat, now backs appointment

San Mateo County supervisors voted 3-2 to pursue an appointed replacement for ousted Sheriff Christina Corpus instead of holding a special election, with a fast timetable and set qualifications.
fromBoston.com
1 month ago

Boston City Council District 1 race: Gabriela Coletta Zapata

Rents are too high, homeownership feels out of reach, and too many families are being pushed out of the communities that raised them. Over the past three years, we've expanded affordable homeownership, funded more housing vouchers, and saved 114 units in East Boston from speculation which kept hundreds of neighbors in their homes. But the work isn't finished. I'll continue pushing for innovative housing solutions that build for the inclusion of all families while strengthening community voices in every stage of development.
US politics
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