#local-government-preparedness

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New York City
fromwww.amny.com
8 hours ago

NYC government has nearly 14,000 job vacancies. Is City Hall better off not filling them amid a budget crisis? | amNewYork

City Council and City Hall are addressing a $5.4 billion budget shortfall with creative solutions and proposed tax measures.
Mission District
fromMission Local
4 hours ago

Mayor Lurie moves S.F. homeless street-outreach teams to health department

San Francisco is shifting street-outreach teams to the Department of Public Health to better address homelessness and addiction through health care.
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
10 hours ago

Op-Ed | CityFHEPS can save lives if the city lets it | amNewYork

Housing is a basic necessity and right, yet many face unsafe conditions and lack of support in New York's shelter system.
London
fromwww.aljazeera.com
1 day ago

Nothing left': Hong Kong fire survivors return to burnt homes

Survivors of the Hong Kong fire return to their homes five months later, finding little left intact after the tragedy.
NYC real estate
fromCity Limits
1 day ago

Opinion: The Cost of Delay, And Why SEQRA Reform Matters For New Yorkers

The State Environmental Quality Review Act often hinders housing development, increasing costs and delays that negatively impact New Yorkers' access to affordable housing.
#data-centers
Online Community Development
fromTruthout
2 days ago

Want to Resist a Data Center? These Organizers Share How They Did It.

Local communities in the U.S. are resisting the construction of data centers due to environmental concerns and corporate influence.
US politics
fromFuturism
3 days ago

City Council Wrecked in Voter Bloodbath After Allowing New Data Center

Residents in Festus, Missouri ousted half their city council after approving a $6 billion data center against public will.
Online Community Development
fromTruthout
2 days ago

Want to Resist a Data Center? These Organizers Share How They Did It.

Local communities in the U.S. are resisting the construction of data centers due to environmental concerns and corporate influence.
US politics
fromFuturism
3 days ago

City Council Wrecked in Voter Bloodbath After Allowing New Data Center

Residents in Festus, Missouri ousted half their city council after approving a $6 billion data center against public will.
Philosophy
fromPsychology Today
1 day ago

Education to Improve the Planet's Health, and Our Own

Nature enhances human health, but environmental degradation now negatively impacts well-being, necessitating education reform for Planetary Health.
#california
California
fromLos Angeles Times
3 days ago

What to plant (and what to remove) in California's new 'Zone Zero' fire-safety proposal

California proposed new landscaping regulations for fire-prone areas, creating a 1-foot 'Safety Zone' around homes where no burnable materials are allowed.
LA real estate
fromLos Angeles Times
3 days ago

They lost their homes to fire. Now they're rebuilding with all-electric.

Many fire survivors in California choose to rebuild all-electric homes for health, cost savings, and climate concerns despite policy rollbacks allowing gas connections.
California
fromLos Angeles Times
3 days ago

What to plant (and what to remove) in California's new 'Zone Zero' fire-safety proposal

California proposed new landscaping regulations for fire-prone areas, creating a 1-foot 'Safety Zone' around homes where no burnable materials are allowed.
LA real estate
fromLos Angeles Times
3 days ago

They lost their homes to fire. Now they're rebuilding with all-electric.

Many fire survivors in California choose to rebuild all-electric homes for health, cost savings, and climate concerns despite policy rollbacks allowing gas connections.
Environment
fromFuturism
4 days ago

Man at City Council Meeting Makes Devastating Case Against Proposed Local Data Center

Growing public anger over data centers' environmental impact and resource consumption is prompting calls for moratoriums on new constructions.
#homelessness
Public health
fromHarvard Gazette
4 days ago

How 3 mayors are combating homelessness - Harvard Gazette

Homelessness in the U.S. has increased by 18%, affecting public safety and health, prompting mayors to seek collaborative solutions.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

How I overcame homelessness to help others

Darren Skeete, a former rough sleeper and addict, now helps others facing similar challenges in west London through a council service.
Environment
fromLos Angeles Times
5 days ago

More than 200,000 lost their homes in the L.A. County fires. For people already on the streets, the damage ran deeper

Over 75% of homeless residents affected by the 2025 wildfires reported injuries or major life disruptions, highlighting the link between climate disasters and homelessness.
Public health
fromHarvard Gazette
4 days ago

How 3 mayors are combating homelessness - Harvard Gazette

Homelessness in the U.S. has increased by 18%, affecting public safety and health, prompting mayors to seek collaborative solutions.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
6 days ago

How I overcame homelessness to help others

Darren Skeete, a former rough sleeper and addict, now helps others facing similar challenges in west London through a council service.
Environment
fromLos Angeles Times
5 days ago

More than 200,000 lost their homes in the L.A. County fires. For people already on the streets, the damage ran deeper

Over 75% of homeless residents affected by the 2025 wildfires reported injuries or major life disruptions, highlighting the link between climate disasters and homelessness.
#brooklyn
Brooklyn
fromBrooklyn, NY Patch
4 days ago

Here Are The Key Takeaways From Brooklyn's State Of The Borough Address

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso announced new investments in education, immigrant services, and cultural programs during his 2026 State of the Borough address.
New York City
fromHoodline
2 days ago

FDNY Activity Snarls Traffic Near Myrtle And Adelphi In Brooklyn

Heavy emergency activity in Brooklyn is causing traffic delays, road closures, and mass transit disruptions; commuters are advised to use alternate routes.
#climate-change
Boston
fromBoston.com
4 days ago

'That comes with a price tag': How snow removal is busting town budgets

Massachusetts municipalities face severe budget shortfalls due to record snowfall and climate change-related extreme weather events.
Environment
fromFast Company
1 week ago

This new interactive map shows which NYC blocks are most vulnerable to flooding

Climate change threatens New York City with flooding, as over one-fifth of the city is identified as vulnerable 'Blue Zones'.
SF politics
fromSan Jose Spotlight
5 days ago

Op-ed: Public safety and fairness are not expendable budget items - San Jose Spotlight

Budget cuts in Santa Clara County threaten the effectiveness of the District Attorney's and Public Defender's Offices, impacting public safety and legal representation.
fromLos Angeles Times
4 days ago

L.A. clears homeless encampment long plagued by crime, drug use in North Hollywood

"It's been in continuous disrepair and derelict circumstances. There were reported firearms, individuals walking out onto the street with assault rifles, drug paraphernalia that you can even find today, a lot of drug use."
Los Angeles
Europe news
fromArchDaily
6 days ago

Reimagining the Complete Neighborhood through Urban Renaturing

ReGreeneration project aims to transform European cities to remain livable amid climate change.
UK politics
fromComputerWeekly.com
1 week ago

Flood warning: How citizens' AI agents will swamp public services | Computer Weekly

AI has the potential to transform public services by reducing user friction and improving access for citizens.
Design
fromArchDaily
6 days ago

What Lies Beneath: 10 Projects Reshaping the Ground Level

Architecture's pursuit of lightness often leads to fragmented public spaces rather than continuous, accessible ground areas.
East Bay (California)
fromKqed
6 days ago

Oakland Passes Controversial Policy Easing Restrictions on Encampment Sweeps | KQED

Oakland City Council enacted a new encampment policy allowing immediate removal of tents and towing of RVs occupied by unhoused residents.
fromStreetsblog New York City
18 hours ago

Tuesday's Headlines: Cops Are Doing It Wrong Edition - Streetsblog New York City

A state judge has ruled that every red-light ticket written to a cyclist under the state's vehicle and traffic law since 2019 is bogus. The city legalized the practice of biking through a red light on a pedestrian 'walk' signal, yet NYPD cops have been wrongly writing tickets for cyclists who go through the 'red' on the walk signal.
New York City
US news
fromStreetsblog USA
1 day ago

When Traffic Violence Hits The Same Family Twice - Years Apart, On Exactly the Same Street - Streetsblog USA

Traffic fatalities at the same intersection highlight the urgent need for traffic calming measures in communities.
NYC politics
fromwww.amny.com
4 days ago

Mamdani's DOI pick wins Council approval after questions over independence | amNewYork

City Council approved Nadia Shihata as head of the Department of Investigation despite concerns over her independence from Mayor Mamdani.
Silicon Valley
fromFast Company
1 week ago

A small city just voted on AI and the result could ripple nationwide

Port Washington voters passed a measure requiring community approval for future data centers, reflecting local opposition to big tech's expansion plans.
LA real estate
fromLos Angeles Times
6 days ago

Hundreds of affordable housing units funded by new L.A. County agency

L.A. County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency approved over $100 million for affordable housing, aiming to simplify funding and expedite construction.
#new-york-city
NYC real estate
fromwww.amny.com
6 days ago

Expert Analysis | Creating housing from public library and city-owneddevelopment rights | amNewYork

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin advocates for proactive land use planning to address housing and affordability issues.
NYC real estate
fromwww.amny.com
6 days ago

Expert Analysis | Creating housing from public library and city-owneddevelopment rights | amNewYork

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin advocates for proactive land use planning to address housing and affordability issues.
Boston
fromBoston.com
6 days ago

After budget letdown, hundreds rally for new Jackson Mann community center in Allston

Councilor Liz Breadon demands $65 million for Jackson Mann Community Center to ensure serious investment in Allston-Brighton.
Washington DC
fromStreetsblog USA
2 weeks ago

How To Push A Livable Streets Project Forward - Even in the Era of Federal Clawbacks - Streetsblog USA

Christopher Coes is leading AmericaFWD to advance sustainable transportation projects in U.S. communities, especially those affected by funding cuts.
US news
fromwww.npr.org
2 days ago

Communities launch cleanup after severe weather and tornadoes churn across Midwest

Severe weather and tornadoes caused significant damage across the Upper Midwest, impacting homes and power supply, but no fatalities or serious injuries were reported.
Mission District
fromLos Angeles Times
1 week ago

Commentary: On the blight side, a stroll around City Hall provokes the question: Can't we do better?

The Frank Putnam Flint fountain symbolizes neglect and failed leadership in Los Angeles, raising concerns about city maintenance and public space care.
UK politics
fromwww.bbc.com
1 week ago

Greens launch local election campaign with focus on housing

Green Party leader Zack Polanski criticizes the government for failing to build affordable housing and calls for rent controls in London.
NYC politics
fromGothamist
5 days ago

In Mamdani's NYC, sewer socialism is out. Pothole politics is in.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani emphasizes 'pothole politics' to address city issues directly and practically, focusing on tangible improvements for New Yorkers.
Public health
fromThe Nation
1 week ago

Public Health Needs to Get Off the Laptop and Into the Streets

Transformational experiences in South Africa with TAC emphasized the importance of community engagement and effective communication in health education.
Philosophy
fromApaonline
1 week ago

Promoting Civic Friendship: The Transformative Power of Public Spaces

The neighborhood in Lisbon faces challenges due to population growth, infrastructure strain, and a need for community-driven solutions like SAAL.
NYC politics
fromPOLITICO
5 days ago

Eric Adams' zombie effort to change NYC Charter roars to life with first public hearing

Public input is welcomed as the commission seeks to modernize city government and enhance democratic involvement.
London politics
fromwww.bbc.com
3 weeks 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.
World politics
fromThe Cipher Brief
4 weeks ago

National Security Starts at Home - Not on the Battlefield

National security relies on enduring internal capacity rather than just accumulated hard power or visible instruments of power.
fromPhilosophynow
2 weeks ago
Philosophy

The Collective City

Islamic philosophy invites plurality and coexistence, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and the acceptance of error in understanding.
fromInvestigative Post
2 weeks 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
Berlin
fromwww.berlin.de
1 month ago

Berlin plans to strengthen civil defense

Berlin's Senate commits to strengthening civil defense through appointing coordinators in each department and increasing crisis drills to enhance population protection and crisis resilience.
fromwww.bbc.com
4 weeks 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
fromState of the Planet
4 weeks ago

Centering Community in Climate Resilience and Disaster Preparedness

I watched my mom and the attitude she takes to life. She always believes there is a 'better' coming; even if you can't see it now, it is coming soon.
Online Community Development
San Francisco
fromSFGATE
1 month ago

Why SF's emergency sirens will stay silent even amid Iran drone threat

San Francisco's emergency sirens have remained silent since 2019 due to unrepaired hardware and security issues, leaving the city reliant on alternative alert methods despite potential security threats.
fromNebraska Examiner
1 month ago

3 states and New York City join global disease response network * Nebraska Examiner

GOARN, which includes more than 310 national public health agencies, United Nations agencies, academic institutions, and nongovernmental groups, helps identify and manage infectious disease outbreaks worldwide. Since it was established in 2000, GOARN says it has helped manage more than 175 global health emergencies across 114 countries.
Public health
#emergency-management
Online Community Development
fromNextgov.com
1 month ago

When disaster strikes, census data can help show who is in harm's way

The U.S. Census Bureau's OnTheMap for Emergency Management tool helps officials quickly estimate population and workforce data in disaster-affected areas to guide emergency response and recovery efforts.
Online Community Development
fromNextgov.com
1 month ago

When disaster strikes, census data can help show who is in harm's way

The U.S. Census Bureau's OnTheMap for Emergency Management tool helps officials quickly estimate population and workforce data in disaster-affected areas to guide emergency response and recovery efforts.
New York City
from99% Invisible
1 month ago

Service Request #1: What Happens When I Call 311? - 99% Invisible

311 non-emergency lines transformed urban civic services by consolidating thousands of municipal protocols into centralized systems, enabling operators to efficiently handle millions of calls annually while relieving pressure from emergency dispatch.
Mental health
fromSilicon Canals
1 month ago

People who stay calm during emergencies but fall apart over minor inconveniences aren't fragile. Their system was calibrated for catastrophe, and it genuinely doesn't know how to scale down to a traffic jam or a lost set of keys. - Silicon Canals

Accumulated small daily frustrations can trigger greater stress responses than single major crises in people whose nervous systems were calibrated for survival under chronic danger or high-stakes conditions.
NYC politics
fromPBS News
1 month ago

NYC Mayor Mamdani launches community safety office

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani launched a new office for community safety to reduce police involvement in mental health emergencies.
Artificial intelligence
fromFast Company
1 month 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.
Psychology
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

How to Help Communities Rebound from Crisis and Disaster

Disaster psychology provides an empirically-based framework for building community resilience and growth during crises through understanding predictable psychological phases and natural recovery mechanisms.
New York City
fromHoodline
1 month ago

FDNY Leaders Questioned Over Overtime And Firehouse Repairs

FDNY faces budget pressures with 69% of overtime budget already spent, aging firehouses needing repairs, and low EMS pay amid Mayor Mamdani's citywide efficiency mandate requiring $5.4 billion in savings.
Gadgets
fromNextgov.com
2 months ago

When every second counts: government tech helps first responders' lifesaving missions

Indoor-capable drones and indoor location-tracking technologies significantly improve first responder situational awareness and reduce risk in hazardous interior environments.
fromInside Higher Ed | Higher Education News, Events and Jobs
2 months ago

Flood the Zone

As the Class of 2026 prepares to enter the workforce this summer, they-like last year's graduates and those already in the job market-are facing what economists now call a "low hire, low fire" economy. Whether this is driven by AI or other economic factors remains hotly debated, but the causes are beside the point for new grads looking for jobs postgraduation in an economy marked by a pullback in early-career hiring.
Higher education
Alternative transportation
fromStreetsblog
1 month ago

Mamdani's FDNY Spews Anti-Street Safety Talking Points at Bizarre Council Hearing - Streetsblog New York City

FDNY officials claimed protected bike lanes obstruct emergency response without evidence, contradicting the Mayor's traffic safety initiatives and DOT officials present at the hearing.
fromtherealdeal.com
2 months ago

Builders get their remedy, and some cities tweak their defenses

Cedar Street just came out victorious in a multi-year saga with the city of La Canada Flintridge, winning the first successful builder's remedy case in California Superior Court for its 80-unit mixed-use project at 600 Foothill Boulevard and setting a path for other developers to build. But the fight may have left its scars, in time, stress and now soured relationships with some officials.
Real estate
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
Mental health
fromPsychology Today
1 month ago

Navigating the Messy Middle of Disaster Recovery

Disaster recovery extends beyond the initial crisis phase; year two brings psychological challenges including chronic stress, financial strain, and bureaucratic delays that impair functioning and compound trauma.
#emergency-preparedness
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

Saratoga evacuation seminar helps residents prepare for emergencies

Saratoga city officials organized a community seminar featuring multiple public safety organizations and nonprofits to educate residents about evacuation preparedness and emergency response procedures.
California
fromwww.mercurynews.com
1 month ago

Saratoga evacuation seminar helps residents prepare for emergencies

Saratoga city officials organized a community seminar featuring multiple public safety organizations and nonprofits to educate residents about evacuation preparedness and emergency response procedures.
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.
US politics
fromSlate Magazine
2 months ago

ICE Will Come to Your City, Suburb, or Town. Here's How to Prepare.

Immigration enforcement in Minnesota has expanded into suburbs and rural areas, targeting residents at random and causing deaths and arrests.
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.
Public health
fromThe Mercury News
2 months ago

Campbell hosts CERT Academy winter training

Local community offers CERT disaster-preparedness training, a Lunar New Year celebration, and recognizes the Open Space Authority for governance transparency.
fromwww.dailynews.com
1 month ago

In Palisades, a Rick Caruso-led tour with San Jose's Mayor Matt Mahan becomes forum for fire recovery challenges

Nearly 6,000 properties sit in various stages of insurance dispute, debris clearance, redesign or financing limbo. What has stalled progress, residents say, is not a lack of will, but a lack of coordination, capital flow, clear accountability and the critical question around insurance.
California
US politics
fromABC7 San Francisco
2 months ago

San Francisco leaders say city must be ready if federal agents deploy

San Francisco prosecutors declare readiness to investigate and potentially prosecute federal agents for unlawful use of force during federal operations.
Public health
fromPadailypost
2 months ago

Community urges council to close train crossing after deaths

Close the Churchill Avenue Caltrain crossing to prevent further student suicides near Palo Alto High School.
fromLos Angeles Times
2 months ago

South El Monte residents ordered to shelter in place as warehouse buildings burn

"It's going to be an incident that goes throughout the night because of the materials involved," Navarre said. "We have heavy equipment here that's going to help us break down the building and continue to put the fires out."
California
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
fromBuzzFeed
2 months ago

First Responders Are Calling Out The "Fatal" Safety Mistakes You Should Never, Ever Make

If you are choking and are alone, try to get yourself into a high-traffic area, such as a hallway in a building or outside your house. If you pass out, you're way more likely to be found as opposed to being in a room in a building or your house. Call 911 even though you can't speak. Someone will be sent to your location by dispatch.
Public health
New York City
fromPOLITICO
2 months ago

NYC mayor, though battered, weathers his first major storm

Mayor Mamdani faces operational criticism after a severe winter storm that caused trash removal failures, dangerous ice, infrastructure corrosion, and expected cold-related deaths.
fromwww.theguardian.com
2 months ago

Up to the task: Mamdani passes first winter storm test as New York mayor

Winter storms have historically been a landmine for New York City's mayors, with every inch of snow bringing the potential for public criticism over unglamorous issues such as plow deployment and salt distribution. There's a long history of experienced mayors getting it wrong. But Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected New York City leader, appears to have passed his first test with flying colors. During the two-day storm that dumped nearly a foot of snow on New York, Mamdani was everywhere, shovelling snow, appearing in children's
NYC politics
New York City
fromInc
1 month ago

140 Cities in Maine, L.A.'s Olympic Committee, and NYC: The Urban Tool That's About to Change Everything

MIT researchers created the first complete pedestrian activity model for New York City, revealing movement patterns and crash vulnerabilities, applicable to any U.S. city and enabling better infrastructure funding allocation.
fromBrooklyn Eagle
2 months ago

Borough Park fire injures one firefighter, six civilians

BOROUGH PARK - A fire inside a Borough Park building left six civilians and one firefighter injured on Wednesday, Jan. 28. The blaze started at 8:50 a.m. on the second floor of the building. FDNY said 21 units and 79 firefighters and EMS workers were at the scene. The fire was put out at 10:10 a.m. One person is in critical condition while five civilians and a firefighter sustained minor injuries.
New York City
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