States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wash. State Utilities & Transportation Commission: State Regulators Approve PacifiCorp Tariff Updates and a New Cost-Sharing Plan
OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 24 -- The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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State regulators approve PacifiCorp tariff updates and a new cost-sharing plan
LACEY, Wash. -- On Dec. 22, 2025, the Utilities and Transportation Commission approved updates to Pacific Power & Light Company's (PacifiCorp) electric service tariff. This power cost-only rate case (PCORC) was required by a prior order to reset the company's baseline power costs and remove coal from Washington customer rates by Jan. 1, 2026.
A key part of PacifiCorp's proposal
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Dec. 24 -- The Washington State Utilities and Transportation Commission issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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State regulators approve PacifiCorp tariff updates and a new cost-sharing plan
LACEY, Wash. -- On Dec. 22, 2025, the Utilities and Transportation Commission approved updates to Pacific Power & Light Company's (PacifiCorp) electric service tariff. This power cost-only rate case (PCORC) was required by a prior order to reset the company's baseline power costs and remove coal from Washington customer rates by Jan. 1, 2026.
A key part of PacifiCorp's proposalwas a plan to share costs among all six states the company serves, called the 2026 Protocol, to replace the Washington Interjurisdictional Allocation Methodology (WIJAM). The commission found the new plan to be equitable and reasonable, noting that using the 2026 Protocol reduces costs for Washington customers by about $68 million versus the status quo. This cost difference is in addition to the commission's finding that the 2026 Protocol better positions PacifiCorp to meet the requirements of the state's Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA).
The commission also approved changes to PacifiCorp's net power costs and the removal of coal from Washington rates, with conditions. These conditions include requiring additional information about wind curtailments, temporary hedging practices, and current safeguards continue to prevent significant increases in customer costs without commission review and approval.
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Background
In April 2025, PacifiCorp filed a proposal with the commission for a revenue increase of about $33.9 million, or 7.9%. The commission suspended the tariff revisions to allow for a full review. The commission held a virtual public comment hearing on Dec. 12, 2025, where many customers raised concerns about how recent rate increases were affecting their households and businesses. On Dec. 16, 2025, Public Counsel shared a summary of these comments, with most of them focused on affordability and the financial burden of rising rates.
The commission recognized these concerns and stated that it will work to lessen rate impacts and avoid larger increases in the future.
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About the UTC
The UTC regulates investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities in Washington. The commission ensures regulated companies provide safe, equitable, and reliable service to customers at reasonable rates, while earning a fair profit.
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About PacifiCorp
Portland-based PacifiCorp is owned by Berkshire Hathaway Energy, which is headquartered in Des Moines, Iowa. PacifiCorp operates through its Pacific Power division, providing electric service to over 137,000 customers in Southcentral and Southeastern Washington.
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Original text here: https://www.utc.wa.gov/news/2025/state-regulators-approve-pacificorp-tariff-updates-and-new-cost-sharing-plan
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli: NYC Facing Larger Budget Gaps Amid Slowing Economic Growth and Rising Costs
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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DiNapoli: NYC Facing Larger Budget Gaps Amid Slowing Economic Growth and Rising Costs
City Should Look for Cost Savings, Prepare for Federal Uncertainty
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New York City's budget gaps may reach as high as $10 billion in FY 2027 and grow to $13.6 billion by FY 2029, based on risks including slowing economic growth, rising costs and the restructuring of the funding relationship between the federal government, states and their localities, according to a
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 (TNSbrep) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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DiNapoli: NYC Facing Larger Budget Gaps Amid Slowing Economic Growth and Rising Costs
City Should Look for Cost Savings, Prepare for Federal Uncertainty
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New York City's budget gaps may reach as high as $10 billion in FY 2027 and grow to $13.6 billion by FY 2029, based on risks including slowing economic growth, rising costs and the restructuring of the funding relationship between the federal government, states and their localities, according to areport released today by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli on the updated financial plan released by the city in November (November Plan).
"In recent years, New York City has used better-than-projected revenues to balance its budgets, but this revenue trend may be coming to a close," DiNapoli said. "If the city faces even a mild recession, it is unlikely tax revenues alone would be able to close budget gaps. The city should look to identify new efficiencies to generate additional savings if the need arises, as well as prepare for potential federal funding cuts down the road."
Uncertainty from Washington
New York City modified its FY 2026 budget to $118.2 billion, $2.3 billion higher than at adoption. However, this total excludes $3.8 billion of FY 2026 expenses that were prepaid in FY 2025. After adjusting for all surplus transfers and prepayments, the November Plan assumes the city will spend $122 billion in FY 2025. While the plan shows that FY 2026 remains balanced, the city did not take significant steps to prepare for or provide clarity on the fiscal challenges it faces nearing the middle of the fiscal year - electing not to set aside additional reserves.
While personal income tax (PIT) revenues remain robust, business tax collections - which had well exceeded expectations in recent years and saw projections increased last year - are now expected to be $378 million lower than the city's projections at budget adoption. Preliminary employment figures also suggest the city may have lost jobs entering this fiscal year, an issue that impacts the collection of tax revenues and can cause increased demand for social services.
DiNapoli's report notes that total projected revenues for the city in FY 2026 include more than $28 billion in state and federal categorical grants, largely for education and social services. While these sources of funding may not be significantly impacted in the current fiscal year, they are at risk of being altered in the coming years based on recent choices made in Washington.
The November Plan largely adjusted spending in the current year only, adding some funding for under-budgeted items and state and federally supported social services programs. The city did add funding in the out-years for additional police officers. In tandem with slightly better short-term revenue projections, out-year gaps were left little changed.
Underestimated Budget Gaps
The city's stated out-year gaps now total a combined $17.3 billion from FY 2027 to FY 2029. Measured as a share of revenues the city collects on its own, the out-year gaps average 6.3%. Existing budget contingency items to manage cost overruns totaling $1.45 billion in each fiscal year could be used to narrow the gaps to an average of 4.7% of revenues, if they are not necessary to fund other unanticipated spending.
However, DiNapoli's office anticipates the published out-year gaps are understated because the city assumes an unlikely decline in costs for social services, education, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subsidies, and overtime costs. Trends in the provision of social services, such as public and rental assistance, as well as overtime, suggest these costs will continue to rise. In addition, the city's expense projections for MTA subsidies do not align with the authority's projections. Facing widening gaps, the city should be transparent about how it will control costs or align its budget with historical trends in recurring program areas to more accurately forecast actual costs going forward.
In addition to federal risks that could directly impact the city's budget, payments to individuals, households and other entities reliant on federal grants and contracts, including the city's semi-autonomous agencies (New York City Health + Hospitals, the New York City Housing Authority and the City University of New York) may impact demand and revenue sources for city services. Federal policy on tariffs and immigration could also hurt local economic activities, given the city's role as a center for global commerce and a magnet for international talent.
To prepare for possible impacts to federal, state and locally derived revenues, DiNapoli recommends that the city identify funding sources for new discretionary spending. New cost saving actions would also help make resources available for changes to the city's spending priorities. In recent years, where more substantial savings programs were necessary to balance the city's budget, staffing reductions from changes to hiring policies and continued attrition have adversely impacted some city services. Adoption of these approaches may help reduce the impact of staffing or service cuts.
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Report
Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York (https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/osdc/pdf/report-18-2026.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/12/dinapoli-nyc-facing-larger-budget-gaps-amid-slowing-economic-growth-and-rising-costs
Md. Agriculture Dept. Announces Revised EVSE Charger Registration Updates
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Department Announces Revised EVSE Charger Registration Updates
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the registration deadline for EVSE chargers in the State of Maryland has been extended to July 1, 2026. This decision has been made to allow ample time for stakeholder engagement and the implementation of necessary amendments that will ensure the program effectively meets the evolving needs of the industry and the community.
In conjunction with the
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Department Announces Revised EVSE Charger Registration Updates
The Maryland Department of Agriculture has announced the registration deadline for EVSE chargers in the State of Maryland has been extended to July 1, 2026. This decision has been made to allow ample time for stakeholder engagement and the implementation of necessary amendments that will ensure the program effectively meets the evolving needs of the industry and the community.
In conjunction with thedeadline extension, the department is also clarifying and introducing several key exceptions and definitions regarding the registration of charging equipment.
The following categories of charging equipment are not required to be registered under the program:
* Private Residence Chargers: Charging equipment located at private residences and exclusively used for personal purposes. These chargers are explicitly not considered commercially available.
* Single Fleet Chargers: Chargers used exclusively to fuel a private or proprietary fleet of vehicles, where no commercial transactions for charging occur with outside parties.
* Multi-Family Dwelling (MFD) Resident Chargers: Chargers installed on the property of a multi-family housing community may be exempt if all the following requirements are strictly met:
- The equipment is physically installed on the property of the housing development.
- The charger is not located on a public street, in a public parking lot, or within a public parking garage.
- The charger is secured and cannot be accessed by the general public, including casual visitors or non-residents of the community.
- The equipment is designated and used exclusively for the residents of the community.
- Permanent signage must be clearly posted at the charging location stating, "Not a Public Charger - Residential Use Only."
- The charging location and equipment must be explicitly removed from being listed on any publicly available electric vehicle charging network websites or applications.
- If MFD chargers are listed on public websites as an available location, or if any fees (beyond the cost of electricity) are assessed for their use, they will be required to register.
* Free Chargers: Any charging station where the vehicle operator incurs absolutely no cost or fee of any kind for the charging session. "Free" means free. If a fee of any kind is established--even if nominal--registration will be required. Any established fee must be in addition to the kilowatt-hour dispensed to fuel the vehicle.
* Workplace Chargers - Private Use: Chargers intended for the exclusive use of a company's fleet and/or its employees are exempt, provided the following conditions are met:
- The chargers are strictly available for fleet and employee charging purposes only.
- The charging area is in a restricted area, such as behind a secure fence or within a controlled-access building, and is not accessible to the general public.
- The chargers are not listed or made available on any public electric vehicle charging networks or platforms.
"The decision to extend the registration deadline to July 1, 2026 will allow the department to facilitate more extensive and meaningful dialogue with the electric vehicle charging industry, local governments, and the community at large," said Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. "This extended timeline will allow us to incorporate critical feedback and make the necessary formal amendments to the program's structure and regulations, ensuring the program is effective, fair, and supportive of the state's electric vehicle adoption goals while meeting the practical needs of all stakeholders."
For more information about the EVSE charger program please visit mda.maryland.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2025/12/23/department-announces-revised-evse-charger-registration-updates/
ICYMI: Pa. State Board of Higher Education Posts Its First Ever Strategic Plan for Postsecondary Education for Public Comment
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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ICYMI: State Board of Higher Education Posts Its First Ever Strategic Plan for Postsecondary Education for Public Comment
The 21-member board will collect input on the draft plan for 30 days.
The plan aims to increase postsecondary attainment, ensure there are affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, support the economic and workforce development needs of Pennsylvania, strengthen the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector, and more.
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Last
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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ICYMI: State Board of Higher Education Posts Its First Ever Strategic Plan for Postsecondary Education for Public Comment
The 21-member board will collect input on the draft plan for 30 days.
The plan aims to increase postsecondary attainment, ensure there are affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, support the economic and workforce development needs of Pennsylvania, strengthen the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector, and more.
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Lastweek, the 21-member State Board of Higher Education (SBHE) unanimously approved the posting of the Commonwealth's first ever draft strategic plan for postsecondary education in the Commonwealth. The plan, Driving a Prosperous Pennsylvania: A Statewide Agenda for Higher Education, aims to increase postsecondary attainment, ensure affordable pathways to postsecondary credentials, support the economic and workforce development needs of Pennsylvania, strengthen the fiscal health and stability of the higher education sector, and more.
This year, the SBHE gathered input from more than 1,200 individuals via regional hearings, small group meetings and an online survey to inform the development of the draft strategic plan. The plan will be available for public comment until January 20, 2026, at which point the SBHE will work to finalize its first ever plan for higher education
On Thursday, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on the draft plan's approval for posting.
Excerpts from the article:
"The plan outlines the challenges facing the higher education sector including another coming decline in the high school population, financial constraints, and the lack of coordination among institutions. Student debt averages more than $40,000 per student in Pennsylvania, the plan notes.
[The plan] emphasizes expanding funding for dual credit programs and enrollment in those programs to streamline the path from high school to college and allow students to accumulate more credits before they graduate high school. In addition, the plan proposes studying how to improve retention rates and focusing on reenrolling adults who started college but didn't finish; there are more than 1.1 million Pennsylvanians with some college.
Among its plans for addressing affordability are support of policies that 'expand financial aid and forgive debt for in-demand, high-quality credentials,' take advantage of new federal Pell grants for workforce programs and boost access to 'open educational resources' to reduce the cost of course materials.
The report also discusses the intent to 'maximize the impact of research universities,' recruit out-of-state students to broaden the talent pool and increase access to paid work experiences for students.
To promote fiscal health, the plan recommends identifying and promoting best practices for fiscal efficiency and cost savings, and developing resources and an advisory group to help financially struggling colleges.
After the public comment period and final adoption of the plan, the board intends to report progress toward the goals annually and consider revisions in the plan every five years."
Quotes about the plan:
"This plan is intended to be dynamic and enable the Board and its partners to be nimble and meet the challenges and opportunities as they crop up." - Cindy Shapira, SBHE Board Chair
"As this plan rolls out, there is a strong emphasis on partnership and coordination, which is completely in line with the mission and spirit of the board." - Dr. Kate Shaw, SBHE Executive Director
"The focus is on prosperity in Pennsylvania. I think we can all get behind that." - Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe
"We had over 1,200 people share their thoughts on higher education, and I think that really shows you how important higher education is to the people of Pennsylvania." - Kevin Washo, University of Pittsburgh
"I think it's going to take a lot of collaboration to meet the goals of the plan. But we are headed in the right direction." - Mary Louise Esten, Temple University
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/icymi-state-board-of-higher-education-posts-commonwealths-first-ever-strategic-plan-for-postsecondary-education-for-public-comment
Colo. Agriculture Dept.: Small Grants, Big Impact - Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 24 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Small Grants, Big Impact: Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program is opening its first funding opportunity for urban producers in Colorado. The Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is accepting applications from urban agriculture operations seeking to complete small-scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressing
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 24 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Small Grants, Big Impact: Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program is opening its first funding opportunity for urban producers in Colorado. The Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is accepting applications from urban agriculture operations seeking to complete small-scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressingother common challenges.
"Urban producers play a critical role in resilient local food systems across Colorado," said Evanne Caviness, Director of CDA's Conservation Services Division. "Farming in an urban interface poses unique challenges to urban producers, and here at CDA, we recognize the importance of investing in their innovation and resilience."
For the purpose of this grant program, urban agriculture means the cultivation and distribution of farm products in and around urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, specifically to serve the local community. These operations can also be a tool for education, community engagement, and raising awareness about agriculture and food production.
Urban growers throughout the state of Colorado are encouraged to apply, including any producer whose primary market includes community members and/or businesses local to their operation. Operations do not need to be based in a major metropolitan area to be considered.
A total of $20,000 is available for projects that support Colorado's urban farms through actionable improvements, capacity building, and community engagement. Grant awards may not exceed $5,000 for a single entity application. Applications are due by January 26, 2026.
The Urban Agriculture program staff will host an informational webinar about the microgrant on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9 am. You can find the registration link and other information about how to apply on the Urban Agriculture Program webpage.
Urban agriculture is an area of focus for CDA as part of the agency's Strategic Plan. It falls into multiple strategic directions, such as Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience, People and Community, as well as Market and Economic Productivity.
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Original text here: https://ag.colorado.gov/press-release/small-grants-big-impact-funding-available-to-strengthen-local-food-systems
Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Monroe County
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Monroe County
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NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Eric Davis, who died on December 19, 2025 following an encounter with members of the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in Rochester, Monroe County.
At approximately 10:23 p.m. on December 19, two RPD officers responded to a house in Rochester following
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- New York Attorney General Letitia James issued the following news release:
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Attorney General James' Office of Special Investigation Opens Investigation into Civilian Death in Monroe County
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NEW YORK - The New York Attorney General's Office of Special Investigation (OSI) has opened an investigation into the death of Eric Davis, who died on December 19, 2025 following an encounter with members of the Rochester Police Department (RPD) in Rochester, Monroe County.
At approximately 10:23 p.m. on December 19, two RPD officers responded to a house in Rochester followinga 911 call reporting a man attempting to break in. Two officers saw Mr. Davis standing at the side of the house and told him to show his hands. Mr. Davis fired at the officers with a handgun, striking them, and at least one of the two officers fired at Mr. Davis.
Mr. Davis fled on foot. A third officer saw him a few blocks away from the house and told him to stop and show his hands. Mr. Davis fired a gun at the officer, striking him, and the officer fired at Mr. Davis. A fourth officer arrived and ordered Mr. Davis to get on the ground and fired at him. Mr. Davis was struck by gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers recovered a handgun near Mr. Davis, at the scene.
The three officers and a civilian who sustained injuries during the encounter were hospitalized and are being treated for their injuries. One officer has been discharged. All are expected to recover.
Pursuant to New York State Executive Law Section 70-b, OSI assesses every incident reported to it where a police officer or a peace officer, including a corrections officer, may have caused the death of a person by an act or omission. Under the law, the officer may be on-duty or off-duty, and the decedent may be armed or unarmed. Also, the decedent may or may not be in custody or incarcerated. If OSI's assessment indicates an officer may have caused the death, OSI proceeds to conduct a full investigation of the incident.
These are preliminary facts and subject to change.
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Original text here: https://ag.ny.gov/press-release/2025/attorney-general-james-office-special-investigation-opens-investigation-38
Ala. Commerce Dept.: Korean Economic Development Advisors Visit Alabama, Tour Key Sites
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Dec. 24 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Korean economic development advisors visit Alabama, tour key sites
Representatives for Alabama's economic development interests in the Republic of Korea visited the state earlier this month as they launch their new assignment.
Sean Blakeley and Carol Yelim Choo are leading Alabama's new foreign business development office in Seoul.
The Alabama Department of Commerce announced the office in October, along with a Japan office in Tokyo, as a way to strengthen business ties in key
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Dec. 24 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Korean economic development advisors visit Alabama, tour key sites
Representatives for Alabama's economic development interests in the Republic of Korea visited the state earlier this month as they launch their new assignment.
Sean Blakeley and Carol Yelim Choo are leading Alabama's new foreign business development office in Seoul.
The Alabama Department of Commerce announced the office in October, along with a Japan office in Tokyo, as a way to strengthen business ties in keyglobal markets.
The new offices will help raise Alabama's profile in the region and build on solid, longtime relationships in both South Korea and Japan, said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair.
"We are looking forward to cultivating new partnerships while also attracting additional foreign direct investment and expanding markets for exports," McNair said. "Hosting Sean and Carol here in Alabama is one of the first steps in spreading the message in Seoul and beyond that we are ready for new business opportunities in the country."
During their visit to the state, Blakeley and Choo made stops in Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika and Chambers County, where they toured key sites and held meetings with local and state business leaders.
Their agenda included the Port of Mobile, Brookley Aeroplex, AIDT Maritime Center and Hyundai's auto assembly plant in Montgomery.
"This was their initial visit to Alabama, and the goal was to familiarize them with some of our assets," said Hollie Pegg, Assistant Director of Commerce's Recruitment and Retention Office in charge of Asian strategy. "They will primarily work from Seoul, but they will visit here periodically, and we will continue to visit South Korea."
Blakeley explained that "this was an excellent opportunity for us to really understand the Alabama offering and meet the talented people in the business ecosystem who would support potential new Korean investors."
In addition, they participated in an Economic Development Partnership of Alabama forum in Montgomery.
Pegg said Alabama has been successful in attracting significant Korean investment, particularly automotive companies, due to Hyundai's operations in Montgomery.
"The goal now is to diversify our Korean footprint. There are several industrial sectors that are good fits for our workforce, and we look forward to welcoming additional Korean investment into Alabama," she said.
Choo agreed, adding "with Korean investment into the U.S. set to increase, Alabama is well placed to attract investors from a variety of sectors including defense tech, shipbuilding and biotech."
Blakeley and Choo are with Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC Korea), the firm selected by the Commerce Department to serve as Alabama's business development representative in South Korea. As the country's largest professional services firm, Samil PwC has more than 50 years of experience helping both public and private sector clients achieve their investment and trade goals.
The team is focused on identifying and cultivating Korean inbound investment opportunities, supporting Alabama exporters and trade development efforts and organizing participation in high-level engagements such as trade shows and missions.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2025/12/korean-economic-development-advisors-visit-alabama-tour-key-sites/
