Budgets

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

Community banks have played and will continue to play a key role in supporting local economies across the country. Join us in a lively conversation with Dennis E. Nixon, President & CEO of International Bank of Commerce (Laredo, Texas) & Chairman, International Bancshares Corporation and Eddie Aldrete, Senior Vice President at International Bank of Commerce as we discuss: (1) the need for bankers and the business community to become involved in political issues. From minimum wage and issues that affect small businesses to regulatory issues that directly affect the banking industry, banking and business leaders need to be thought leaders in the public conversation and (2) how bankers can play a pivotal advocacy role in the free trade process.

Nine mayors from across the country backed House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s double-barreled strategy to move infrastructure legislation.

That's not a bad idea despite the crumbling condition of a key stretch of the highway, says NYU Rudin Center Director Mitchell Moss.

Deputy budget director David Womack explains what generates investor confidence in the city. Paul Burton and Chip Barnett host. (14 minutes)

The N.C. Local Government Commission approved Wake County's request to finance almost $600 million for school and community college projects and the state’s plan to issue $300 million of GARVEEs for DOT work.

Pitfalls loom despite improved bond ratings and an improving fiscal picture, according to members of the state's fiscal control board.

The district hopes to win back investment grade ratings by raising fund balances, a task that becomes harder after federal coronavirus relief is exhausted.

New York City budget director Jacques Jiha says proactive moves such as building reserves helped the city weather COVID-19 fiscal challenges. Paul Burton and Chip Barnett host. (23 minutes)

Bill Glasgall of the Volcker Alliance and Bond Buyer Northeast Regional Editor Paul Burton will explore how states have balanced priorities during the pandemic, and what challenges await.