North Carolina is poised to undertake its most ambitious transportation initiative yet, a project that reflects both the growing needs of its urban regions and the complexities of modern infrastructure funding. Recent approvals from the Charlotte City Council and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO) signal the green light for the North Carolina Department
Politics
The recent discussions surrounding the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) of 2022 highlight the tensions between federal regulation and municipal market participants. As issuers voice their concerns regarding the potential overreach of this legislation, the implications for smaller municipalities and related entities are coming into sharper focus. Stakeholders across the municipal landscape question whether the
The recent investor conference organized by Houston Controller Chris Hollins has sparked tension in the city’s political landscape, following Mayor John Whitmire’s public concerns regarding potential ethical lapses in corporate sponsorships for the event. Whitmire has initiated a call for an investigation, highlighting what he terms as “pay-to-play” dynamics that could undermine public trust. This
Houston, a bustling metropolis and the fourth-largest city in the United States, is currently navigating a treacherous fiscal landscape. The recent decision by Texas officials to allocate state funds aimed at alleviating the financial burden of storm-related clean-up efforts has provided a temporary reprieve. While this influx of $50 million may help stave off immediate
The financial landscape for cities in the United States is undergoing a major transformation as funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) diminishes. This situation poses significant challenges for municipal governments, which must now manage limited resources while addressing substantial infrastructure needs and burgeoning public safety demands. As municipalities reevaluate their fiscal strategies, it
The landscape of municipal governance can often be tumultuous, especially when financial accountability comes into question. Recently, Houston’s Mayor John Whitmire publicly criticized City Controller Chris Hollins over the recent solicitation of sponsorships from municipal bond firms for an upcoming investor conference. With sponsorship fees ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, Whitmire’s allegations hint at a
In a major development amidst Puerto Rico’s recovery from its tumultuous financial past, the public-private partnership that recently acquired the territory’s toll roads is poised to initiate a new round of municipal bond sales. Spearheaded by the Wisconsin-based Public Finance Authority, this initiative aims to raise $286.2 million in senior revenue bonds to fund continued
Utah’s Intermountain Power Agency (IPA) stands at a crucial juncture, navigating its ambitious transition from coal to cleaner energy sources. With the recent announcement of a $114.6 million bond sale, IPA seeks to secure funding essential for this transformative project. This article explores the background, implications, and potential challenges of IPA’s transition, alongside the legislative
The conversation surrounding the accessibility and affordability of housing in the United States has reached a critical juncture. As many cities grapple with rising living costs and stagnating wages, housing advocates are pushing for legislative reforms aimed at addressing these systemic issues. Recently, the House Committee on Ways and Means has become a focal point
In a significant legal decision, a Utah judge has invalidated a proposed constitutional amendment, known as Amendment A, slated for the November 5 statewide ballot. The amendment sought to amend the allocation of state income tax revenue, which had been principally dedicated to K-12 public education since the early 1930s. If the amendment had succeeded,