Sweeping state limits — or eliminating the tax altogether — are politically appealing. But cuts in property tax rates combined with targeted state tax relief are less disruptive to local finances.

With oil prices spiking at a time when voters are focused on affordability, states could find it even harder to pay for transportation needs.

With 17 percent of office space vacant and remote work reshaping demand, developers are pivoting toward residential construction that could help ease the region’s housing shortage.

Grants once slated for trail networks and pedestrian improvements are being canceled or delayed, leaving state and local ...