Politics

The California High Speed Rail Authority's focus has shifted to state funds and private capital.

Fiscal 2027 budget proposals are being rolled out against a backdrop of unclear impacts from federal tax cuts and policy changes.

All eyes will be on the next surface transportation bill, which the House plans to unveil in early 2026.

An election year for Congress adds a deadline clock to questions about budget reconciliation, tax policy, and politics while bond issuers ponder challenges and opportunities.

Analyst remain positive about the economic outlook next year, although some have reservations and volatility is possible.

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson unveiled a supplemental budget with GOP-opposed bond plans, as he preps a rain-soaked and flood-damaged state for more deluges.

The municipal advisor area "remains a heavy focus of both the commission's Division of Examinations as well as the Division of Enforcement," Andrew Kintzinger, counsel at Hunton Andrews Kurth, said.

Chicago's city council passed its alternative budget over the weekend. Mayor Brandon Johnson hates it, but said he would not veto it.

State tax policy is playing a role in the location of data centers which have turned into a lightning rod attracting debt financing, local opposition, and federal involvement.

The Kansas City Chiefs will leave Missouri for Kansas, where sales tax and revenue bonds will help finance a $3 billion domed stadium expected to open in 2031.

The governor announced $2.1 billion for road and bridge maintenance and flood repairs, financed with bonds backed by revenue measures in last year's budget.

States and cities in the Northeast will have to balance economic challenges and federal cuts driven by the Trump administration and congressional GOP.

 In 2024, legalization states collectively generated a record-setting $4.4 billion in cannabis tax revenue from adult-use sales.

In a move cheered by public power companies, the House passed a bill that would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to keep power plants open if their closure threatens reliability.

The larger story could be that some of the larger issuers are asking water lobbyists and lawmakers to push the EPA because of worries the administration may tamper with or even eliminate the program, said a WIFIA expert.

The House Finance Committee is making good on a promise to address housing affordability by advancing a bill that increases the public welfare investment cap to 20% from 15%.

A looming government shutdown marks an uncertain future for the country as economists and muni leaders point to the positive effects of stubborn inflation on state tax revenues.

Federal Reserve Gov. Christopher Waller said monetary policy must remain insulated from political pressure, arguing that communication with the White House should be limited. Waller is slated to meet with President Trump Wednesday afternoon.

Dallas and police and fire pension officials approved a funding agreement that ends litigation filed by the retirement system last year.

Democratic Sens. Chris Van Hollen from Maryland and John Fetterman from Pennsylvania are reintroducing a bill to aid the public transit sector, a funding reduction target under Trump's administration.