city government

Coalition negotiations in Berlin are being closely watched not only for the city's next government but for their effect on the Bundesrat, Germany's upper chamber, in 2026. Commenters note that at the start of 2026 the Union still supplied eight of the sixteen state premiers, all men, and argue the wrangling is largely about shifting national power balances between parties rather than purely local politics.

Maryland lawmakers are considering expanding the tax authority of local governments, a proposal that would give counties and cities more room to raise revenue. Housing advocacy groups are pushing back, arguing that broader local tax powers would drive up housing costs and price prospective buyers out of the market. Supporters see it as a way to fund local services; critics warn it could worsen the state's affordability crisis.

Some Dallas officials are calling for stronger safeguards and oversight around the deployment of new technologies in the city. The discussion centers on ensuring emerging tools are adopted with appropriate accountability and protections for residents. Details on which technologies or specific policy measures are involved remain limited, but the push reflects a broader debate among local governments about regulating innovation.

A court has again rejected Baltimore's attempt to block the city inspector general from accessing government records, upholding the watchdog's authority to review city documents. The ruling means the inspector general can continue investigations without interference from city hall. It marks the latest setback for city officials who have repeatedly sought to limit oversight of their operations.