Politics

States are increasingly turning to public-private partnerships with developers to create new workforce housing so residents can afford to live where they work.

The public finance industry has been tracking the growth of the IRS budget with concerns that funding boosts would translate into higher audit rates for bond transactions.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass aimed high in her State of the City speech just days before she will release a budget that needs to close a nearly half-billion-dollar deficit.

"We believe in this," Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said.

The city may have to make deeper cuts next year if voters don't approve two tax increases headed for the November ballot, if the City Council approves.

The most recent open solicitation period, last October, yielded three proposals.

BABs can offer value for investors who can stomach the call risk, said municipal strategists.

"The financial and engineering industries need to align to get the owners to do what it is they need to do to make sure it's a durable asset," said Maria Lehman, immediate past president of ASCE.

Gary Hall, President of the Infrastructure & Public Finance Division at Siebert Williams Shank & Co., joins Bond Buyer Executive Editor Lynne Funk to talk about the importance of the muni industry in financing the country's extensive infrastructure needs -- from ports and airports to bridges and energy solutions.

Celebrating Ohio's "highest possible credit rating," Gov. Mike DeWine delivered his State of the State address to the General Assembly in Columbus.