Governance & Finance
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a proposal on Wednesday to simplify procedures for state transportation departments and railroad companies to lease land along highways, railroads, or utility tunnels to lay critical utilities such as power lines, fiber optics, and water pipes. The initiative, named "corridors of commerce," will be advanced through public-private partnerships and accelerated by an interagency federal working group. Lease revenues can be used for repairs and upgrades of roads, bridges, tunnels, and railroads. DOT's Build America Bureau will manage the program and initially select up to five priority corridors. A Request for Information (RFI) was issued on August 18, with public comments due by September 12.
Job site Indeed released its first "Best Cities for Jobs in 2026" report on August 25, comprehensively scoring 233 U.S. metropolitan areas with populations over 200,000. Boston, Washington, D.C., and Burlington, Vermont, ranked in the top three. The report noted that large coastal cities excel in wages and career mobility, while smaller cities in the North and Midwest offer more work-life balance opportunities.
Four local governments sued the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Monday over new FEMA grant conditions that require states and localities to alter election procedures to receive full public safety funding. The lawsuit, filed in federal court, contends the requirements exceed agency authority and threaten anti-terrorism preparedness.
As more residents pay city bills online, municipalities face challenges in convenience, security, and back-office efficiency. Drawing on insights from Santa Barbara finance officials and industry experts, this article outlines eight key considerations—ranging from cybersecurity and vendor partnerships to fee structures and digital wallet support—to help cities design better online payment systems.