Trust is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy. When citizens believe their local government is working in their best interests, they are more engaged, supportive and cooperative. But when they feel gov't is insular and ignoring citizen will, the center cannot hold. Diligent.com explores how local gov't can build accountability by regaining lost trust.
Read MoreJames Lehman, MSW, says blame-casting and acceptance of excuses by parents empower bad behavior by children--and stop kids from learning responsibility and goal-setting. A lesson for SV voters? From empowering parents.com
Read MoreAndré Carlos Busanelli Aquino argues in Taylor & Francis online that local government reform--by definition--is ground zero in the movement for democratic accountability globally. But it goes beyond simple success metrics: bots, fake news, and digitalization make it such that accountability needs to be fully baked into everything that happens in city and county government.
Read MoreA global run on the dollar could force SV cities into a state of “chaotic austerity” as inflation spikes and borrowing becomes nearly impossible. So says economist Mike ter Maat, in an Opp Now exclusive Q&A. He argues that financial officers should assume markets will only get worse from now on, and plan accordingly: frontload borrowing, fully fund the pensions, and insulate your town from swings in revenue.
Read MoreUtah’s “Truth in Taxation” system forces property-tax hikes into the sunshine—something California school boards and special districts could do well to voluntarily adopt. With parcel-tax renewals looming, Silicon Valley voters deserve clear mailers and public hearings, not silent surcharge slips—right?
Read MoreMandated solar panel installations. Regional building quotas that are neither restrained nor reasonable. Gov’t experts Mark Moses and Susan Kirsch assert that cities like SJ can improve affordability—it just might require applying some pressure at the state level. An Opp Now exclusive in an ongoing roundup.
Read MoreCounty Assessor finalist Rishi Kumar surveys the post-election pro-Measure A infighting, and wonders, “Was this a bait-and-switch?” {From a No on A press release, Rishi Kumar (County Assessor candidate finalist), chair.}
Read MoreWhether you're a Silicon Valley housing provider, a start-up restaurant, a medium-sized services firm, or even a big tech concern--get ready for the one-two punch of bureaucratic micromanagement and sky-high levies.
Read MoreLocal housing providers tell a bracing story regarding how local gov'ts (inc. City of San Jose) impose not only a voluminous array of regulations, but how those regulations make it increasingly impossible to sustain, fund, build, and grow our local housing stock. Which of course leads to increased rents and prices across the board. Irene Smith of United Housing Alliance and commenters on Featured.com elaborate.
Read MoreNobody doubts that regulations, when properly constructed, can help implement the laws passed by Congress to improve quality of life and promote competitive and free markets. But too many--and too many poorly formulated--regs can have a chilling effect on growth and innovation. U.S. Chamber of Commerce explores where gov't goes wrong.
Read MoreHere's the reality: big business can absorb regulatory time and cost the easiest of all businesses, due to scale. And while the regulations may seem most onerous to small biz, start-ups, it's really the medium-sized businesses who carry the biggest burden--and get the least incentive to grow. Fortune explains.
Read MoreEdward Ring of the California Policy Center explains how hyper-regulation in SV cities and counties favors Big Business, is anti-competitive, and usually ends up hurting low-income residents.
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