On the third anniversary of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the Biden administration made a significant announcement: a fresh allocation of $3.4 billion in grants aimed at advancing national infrastructure initiatives. This announcement, made by Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, underscores the administration’s commitment to utilize the funds effectively within the remaining months of
Politics
The recent vote by the Chicago City Council to reject Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax increase highlights a critical moment in the city’s fiscal governance. This decision was taken without debate, signaling an urgent demand for fiscal responsibility amidst rising financial pressures. The council’s unanimous resistance came just days after Kroll Bond
The recent passage of Proposition U, aimed at enhancing public safety funding, has ushered in a pivotal moment for Dallas, with significant repercussions on the city’s financial outlook. The measure, which seeks to stabilize the city’s public safety personnel and ensure sufficient pension funding for police and firefighters, highlights the complex interplay between local governance,
Oklahoma County is currently navigating a multitude of challenges surrounding the urgent need for a new jail facility. The quest for a replacement stems from longstanding issues within the existing detention center, which has been criticized for its conditions and capacity to meet contemporary correctional needs. In light of increasing construction costs and crystallizing setbacks
Chicago finds itself at a critical juncture as Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA) places its A-rated general obligation bonds on a “Watch Downgrade.” This comes just days before the City Council heads into a pivotal vote on a proposed $300 million property tax increase included in Mayor Brandon Johnson’s 2025 budget. The concerns from KBRA
The controversial initiative of congestion pricing remains at a critical crossroads in New York City, especially in light of recent electoral outcomes that may interfere with its future. At the forefront of discussions are notable figures such as New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, who has voiced concerns about the implications of Donald Trump’s presidency
The landscape of U.S. tax enforcement is noticeably shaped by the fluctuating budget allocated to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). As new political agendas take shape, the battle over IRS funding escalates, which directly impacts the audit landscape for municipal issuers. The correlation is clear: an increase in the IRS’s budget typically results in a
The recent bond referendums in the Southeast United States have unfolded a revealing narrative about the priorities and concerns of local populations. Voters in cities like Nashville, Charlotte, and Fairfax County displayed an eager willingness to invest in infrastructure and community development, while residents in Cary, North Carolina, and Lancaster County, South Carolina, expressed substantial
The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA) has recently taken significant steps towards advancing the ACCESS Oklahoma expansion program, a project that has become both a financial behemoth and a focal point for public debate. With an estimated budget that has soared to an eye-watering $8.2 billion from the original projection of $5 billion, the expansion initiative
The recent political landscape has been shaken up significantly, with Former President Donald Trump seemingly poised for a comeback while Republicans make substantial gains in the Senate. The dynamics of control between the two major parties are not only crucial for the national political environment but also weigh heavily on financial markets, particularly the municipal