Nextgov

Bipartisan Cadre of Lawmakers Call for Permanent Telehealth Expansion

Telehealth has proved vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more than four dozen lawmakers want to see maximized moving forward.

Management

Viewpoint: Move to Politicize the Career Civil Service is an Insider Threat to the Country

Two former-high-ranking intelligence community officials issue a stark warning about President Trump’s order creating a new category of federal employees.

Insights

Centering the Customer in Critical Services

A Research Report on Digital Customer Experience in Government

Management

Transition Roundup: Biden Asks Fauci to Stay; USAID Watchdog Probes Possible Records Violation

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Management

While Biden’s Cabinet Is Important, Watch the Sub-Cabinet

The skills and background needed for managerial positions are significantly different than those for policy positions.

Route Fifty

With New Funding Elusive, a Governor Turns to Planning to Address Flood Hazards

Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf outlined a three-pronged initiative this week. “It’s the best we can do right now,” he said.

Route Fifty

Mayors Pessimistic About Cities' Prospects for Post-Covid Rebound

Concerns highlighted by the Menino Survey of Mayors include possible deep cuts to local education and the changing economic landscape for local businesses.

Route Fifty

Mayors and Governors Apologize for Violating Their Own Covid Suggestions

STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Auditor finds Chicago has not been enforcing recycling laws … Health officials say vaccination cards will be issued to those who get Covid shots … Provo City Council votes to preserve a popular waterfall.

Workforce

Federal Meat Inspectors Decry Lack of Access to COVID-19 Tests, Working Through Exposures

“They don’t want to know,” one employee says of his agency's attitude toward coronavirus.

Management

Good Government Group Urges Feds to Lobby Congress Against Schedule F

In a rare move, the Partnership for Public Service asked the public to contact lawmakers to muster opposition to the Trump administration’s effort to politicize the federal civil service.

Oversight

OSC Finds ‘Substantial Likelihood’ of Wrongdoing at Global Media Agency

The ongoing investigation centers on CEO Michael Pack’s six-month tenure.

Workforce

How Dozens of Trump’s Political Appointees Will Stay in Government After Biden Takes Over

Documents show that officials appointed by Trump who’d otherwise lose their jobs under Biden have been approved for permanent positions in federal agencies.

Nextgov

Senate Passes Bill to Stop Scams and Fraud Around Student Debt Relief

It makes some of these sorts of malicious moves punishable by fines or prison.

Route Fifty

Electric Cargo Bikes Are Debuting in City Fleets

Under a pilot program, parks employees in Portland, Oregon will conduct trail maintenance using zero-emission bikes that were specifically designed for municipal employees.

Pay & Benefits

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Retirement Benefits

Advice on assessing the options available to you.

Management

Transition Roundup: Biden Focuses on Non-Senate Confirmed Positions; Fauci to Meet with Biden Team

There's a lot to keep track of. Here’s today’s list of news updates and stories you may have missed.

Route Fifty

How to Fairly Use Algorithms to Make Tough Decisions

COMMENTARY | With computer power increasingly used to guide policies adopted by states and local leaders, governments need to take steps to ensure the underlying algorithms aren’t biased.

Insights

The Telework Stress Test

A Research Report on Remote Cybersecurity

Insights

Digitization: the New Normal

A Research Report on Digital Services in State and Local Government

Defense

US Has Achieved ‘Modicum of Success’ in Afghanistan, Top General Says

But years of military stalemate make negotiating with the Taliban the only option, Gen. Mark Milley says.