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
Politics
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
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
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