LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Albany Steers Nearly $100 Million in 2026 Pork Barrel Spending
Albany steered $97.2 million to 206 local projects during the first half of 2026 in the newest batch of state discretionary grants, according to records the Empire Center obtained under the state Freedom of Information Law.…
Texas DOGE 2.0
According to recent polling, 84% of Texans consider property taxes to be a “major burden” on themselves and their families. This heavy strain exists because local governments are spending at rates that consistently outpace…
Higher Taxes on the Horizon: City of Kemp
Many city, county, and school district officials are right now deciding where to set tax rates for the next fiscal year. In some cases, these local decisions will push property taxes higher, creating new challenges for…
Cary case is a wake-up call to combat local government secrecy, waste, and corruption
A state auditor’s report found that, under the leadership of Town Manager Sean Stegall, the town of Cary was rife with improper spending and corrupt practices Even though Cary’s corruption was caused by the hired town…
Capping school district budget growth (and property taxes) the Massachusetts way
With the passage into law of House Bill 1300, voters this fall will have the opportunity to cap their local school district budget increases and administration spending. How would this work? Josiah Bartlett Center President…
Texans Want Local Government on a Short Leash
If you’re tired of watching your property tax bill (or your rent!) climb every year, then you’re not alone. A new poll of registered voters in Texas shows that everyday Texans are fed up with runaway local government…
Laconia beats Boston to launch first social district in New England
On March 21, Laconia launched New England’s first social district, a designated area where drinking is allowed in public under tightly regulated conditions. With Motorcycle Week looming, critics on social media mockingly…
Law, not executive order, is the fix for housing shortage
Gov. Josh Stein’s housing executive order correctly identifies North Carolina’s housing shortage as a major driver of rising housing costs Although the order improves coordination and expands housing funding programs, it does…
RGF talks to KOAT 7: What ever happened to taxpayers-subsidized Unser Crossing?
New Mexico has a long history of spending taxpayer dollars on failed developments that don’t pan out. Going back nearly 20 years to the Unser Crossing development (originally slated for Unser and Central) was one such plan.…
RGF in Las Cruces Sun News: Las Cruces overspent. It’s time to cut | Opinion
The following appeared in the Las Cruces Sun-News on April 26, 2026. After years of overspending the City of Las Cruces, like Albuquerque, faces a budget deficit. Unlike Albuquerque which has lost people, Las Cruces…
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