Southwest

The state's Republican governor and legislative leaders ordered 3% cuts for the next biannual budget as they announced their priorities for the 2027 session.

The city's issuer rating was raised a notch to Aaa and ratings for other debt, including for its water and wastewater utility system, were also upgraded.

Increased use and size of the economic development tool led to the exemption of about $1.1 billion in property taxes between 2010 and 2024.

Ramirez & Co. is expanding its public finance group in Texas with the addition of Dennis Covington, who previously served as a chief financial officer for school districts in Texas and other states.

The combined utility system's commercial paper program capacity was increased to $1.5 billion and an up to $345 million cash flow borrowing was set for August.

The appointment of Don Huffines, a former state senator who won the March 3 Republican primary election for comptroller, takes effect Aug. 1.

Some Southwest states and local governments are reassessing data center developments amid public backlash and litigation against the proliferating projects.

The rating agency confirmed the Texas city's A1 bond ratings, ending a review for potential downgrade spurred by an impending water supply crisis.

The nation's two largest crude oil producing states are reporting revenue increases in the wake of the Iran conflict, which began Feb. 28.

A lawsuit filed in federal court comes as the turnpike was seeking approval from a state oversight council for $1.5 billion of revenue bonds.