The landscape of property taxes in the United States is witnessing significant shifts triggered by rapid growth and demographic changes across various regions. As property values soar, many homeowners are confronting rising tax bills that are contributing to a growing discontent among taxpayers, raising concerns about the sustainability of municipal finance and bond issuance. Jared
Politics
The upcoming federal elections are set to unleash a wave of transformative changes across Congress, fundamentally redefining priorities in federal policy that will impact various sectors across the United States, including taxation, infrastructure, and financial markets. As pivotal Senate and House races conclude, the broader implications for key Congressional committees cannot be overstated. In a
The municipal bond market, valued at approximately $4 trillion, plays a crucial role in financing public projects across the United States. However, this market has long been criticized for insufficient transparency and disclosure practices. Investors have expressed frustrations regarding the limited information provided by issuers, which range from counties and cities to states. In recent
In the context of increasing natural disasters, the recent aftermath of Hurricane Milton highlights significant financial implications for the state of Florida, particularly concerning the Hurricane Catastrophe Fund (CAT fund). While state revenue and disaster management initiatives come under scrutiny, a deeper exploration is warranted to understand the challenges that lie ahead. Hurricane Milton has
In a significant announcement, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) revealed a substantial investment of $2.4 billion allocated for rail projects spanning 41 states and the District of Columbia. This funding initiative, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), aims at not only upgrading the rail infrastructure but also enhancing job creation and fostering community development.
As voters prepare to head to the polls next week, a remarkable array of over 300 transportation-related measures will be on their ballots, amounting to a staggering collective value of more than $70 billion. This extensive list of proposals represents an opportunity for communities to reshape their infrastructure landscape and improve transportation systems, thereby enhancing
The Oklahoma Treasurer, Todd Russ, alongside his office and key aides, is facing litigation over alleged non-compliance with transparency laws tied to the state’s contentious Energy Discrimination Elimination Act of 2022. This legislation is emblematic of the broader national debate regarding environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment practices. Critics and proponents alike have been scrutinizing
In a groundbreaking initiative, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander has publicly endorsed a strategic shift in how the city’s pension funds manage their investments, specifically regarding fossil fuel infrastructure. This decisive movement marks a critical juncture in the financial landscape, positioning these pension funds as pioneers in sustainable investment. With a total asset management
The Chicago City Council has made headlines recently with the approval of a comprehensive strategy to refinance an astounding $1.5 billion in debt. This decision follows a previous postponement during an Oct. 9 meeting and is aimed at addressing the city’s ongoing financial challenges. With plans to issue bonds in the fourth quarter of 2024,
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) has announced plans that signal a proactive approach to reforming the municipal securities market. During its recent quarterly board meeting—held from October 23-24, 2023—critical discussions were centered around various strategies to enhance the rate card fee-setting process, among other pressing issues. These initiatives are vital, given that the efficacy