Far West

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission is helping victims displaced by the recent mudslide by speeding up the process of applying for housing.

A comprehensive bill introduced by California Sen. Darrell Steinberg seeks to resolve some of the thornier issues involved in winding down redevelopment agencies including what to do about $1.5 billion of bonds issued in 2011 that are stuck in limbo.

Chicago-based William Blair & Co. is bolstering its sales and trading group in Chicago and California and making a push into the Los Angeles market with a new office staffed with veterans from De La Rosa & Co. led by Christopher Tota.

Moody's Investors Service said the deteriorating fiscal situation in North Las Vegas increases the likelihood of state intervention.

California revenues exceeded expectations during the month of March, according to a recent report from State Controller John Chiang.

Tender option bond market participants have two options available to keep those programs viable under the Volcker Rule, though neither is without risk or likely to please everybody with an interest in TOBs.

A flat revenue forecast will not slow Hawaii's efforts to bolster reserves and prepay other post-employment benefits, said the state's finance director, Kalbert Young.

Southern California Edison has snapped up Ron Nichols, who resigned in January from a position as general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.

Desert Hot Springs, Calif., is embroiled in a lawsuit with its police union stemming from a decision to slash police salaries to avert a fiscal crisis and possible return to bankruptcy.

The PFM Group announced Tuesday that it is developing its K-12 education practice in California with three new hires in its San Francisco office.