Far West

California is off to a strong start for fiscal year 2014-15 as July revenues came in above estimates, according to State Controller John Chiang.

A recently announced increase in state-run health insurance rates is a positive for California's non-profit hospitals, according to a report from Fitch Ratings.

Susan Collet, who until recently worked at the Bond Dealers of America, is launching her own government-relations advisory firm focused on municipal securities, tax policy and not-for-profit electric utilities.

President Obama signed a 10-month, $11 billion bailout of Highway Trust Fund that ensures federal reimbursements continue to state transportation projects.

Hawaii Sen. Brian Ige defeats Incumbent Gov. Neil Abercrombie in Saturday primary election.

The California Economic Summit is urging state lawmakers to enact a new law that would give local governments broader authority in creating infrastructure financing districts.

Hawaii plans to sell $150 million in bonds in November to fund a program that will provide low-interest loans targeting residents with poor credit or low income who want to install energy savings devices like solar panels on their homes.

Portland, Ore. priced $290 million of revenue bonds this week to fund capital improvements to its sewer system and refund outstanding debt.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti announced that he is conducting his second annual review of every city department as part of his commitment to improve accountability and performance measurement in city government.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx is urging voters to press lawmakers for a long-term solution to federal highway funding before the end of 2014, but industry experts don't expect Congress to take action until spring 2015 at the earliest.