Budgets

The city’s timing is good as long as market demand for municipals, especially higher yielding paper, stays on track, municipal bond investors say.

Its deep water and access to dollars position it well, a climate expert said.

If commuters continue to work from home more often than in the office, their normal spending patterns on things like coffee and lunch will shift and impact business districts, neighborhoods and ultimately tax revenues.

Brad Lander and Daby Carreras jostled over whether the city's move is a sound investment and effective against climate change.

Options for the beleaguered transit authority include expanding its commuter rail base and cracking down on fare evasion.

The full Chicago City Council will cast a final vote on a $4.4 billion bonding authorization and 2022 budget in the coming days.

The mayoral candidates faced off in their first televised debate in advance of the Nov. 2 election.

Wisconsin reported healthier-than-expected fiscal 2021 results that should benefit a new money deal planned for next month.

The proposed budget taps one-third of Cook's $1 billion in federal COVID relief, makes a supplemental pension contribution and holds the line on taxes and fees.

Congress this week will take up bills closely watched by the muni market, including infrastructure, budget and debt ceiling measures.

As two women compete for the city's top office, a ballot measure with big ramifications for its finances will also shape its future.

New leaders could create a joint blueprint while sidestepping another fiscal cliff, said Peter Goldmark, a major player when the city nearly went bankrupt.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot wants to use $1.3 billion of the city's $1.9 billion in coronavirus relief aid to make up for lost revenues.

The government is also hoping an outside company will take over the Limetree oil refinery in St. Croix.

Majority Leader Steny Hoyer said Friday the House will vote next week on the debt ceiling as well as a must-pass stopgap spending measure.

The “tool kit” legislation expands powers of the Local Government Commission, including a last-resort legal process for voluntary or involuntary dissolution.

Moody's says Guam needs to be ready to respond to shortfalls.

While the city has a long history of coping with disasters including the Sept. 11 attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic is a work in progress.

Other post-employment liabilities are more material problems for one in ten state and local governments, according to Moody's Investors Service.

Tom Kozlik, head of municipal strategy and credit, Hilltop Securities