New forecasting efforts aim to help policymakers anticipate emerging budget risks before they evolve into major deficits or funding crises.
Local governments face mounting costs to repair aging pipes, treatment plants and water systems.
Cities and states are struggling to keep up with road repairs as infrastructure costs outpace revenues.
They say they’re tightening their belts. But survey optimism and budget balance tell you little about longer-term structural fiscal health.
Economists say retirements and demographic shifts are driving one of the steepest labor force declines in decades.
Local leaders are testing new strategies to revive downtowns as office vacancies threaten tax bases.
Most jurisdictions don’t know how much they spend on fuel and electricity across the enterprise. Figuring it out is a prerequisite for managing volatile prices.
A bill to revive guaranteed retirement benefits now heads to the governor after years of debate.
Benefits have dropped sharply over the past decade as regulators adopt policies critics say favor employers and insurers.
Errors in grant programs are everywhere — but they don’t fall along party lines.
Changing federal priorities are forcing states to revise spending plans and rethink policy decisions across key programs.
The departure of a community’s major employer is about more than job losses. Finance managers need a fiscal strategy.
State officials estimate $174 billion is needed over the next 50 years as drought and demand strain supplies.
A new report finds the state depends more heavily on local property taxes than any other, shaping how public services are funded.
Agreements with three unions deliver major raises while raising new concerns about the district’s long-term financial stability.
Legal challenges, unclear rules and costly implementation leave counties uncertain when or if tax relief will take effect.
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