Finance
More states are planning for the coming retirement surge
Increasingly, states are turning to automated savings programs to help their constituents—and budgets.
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Eliminate Manual Processes Route and Approve Invoices from Anywhere
Today’s finance teams carry a heavy burden, supporting everything from growth strategies to long-term planning – all while continuously delivering monthly and quarterly numbers and keeping cash flowing. But even as demands on finance departments grow, many still spend excessive time using paper, spreadsheets, and e-mails to process vendor invoices, approvals, and payments.
How tougher regulations on short-term rentals can boost revenue for state, local govs
Some short-term rental properties go undetected by authorities, but a new report offers tips on how officials can crack down on unregulated rental units to boost revenue and reduce their negative impacts on communities.
Going into 2025, cities plan for leaner budgets
A survey of city finance officials found that at least half are wary of the coming year and are forecasting more conservative revenue estimates.
Ensuring resilient water infrastructure requires creative financing
COMMENTARY | Federal support is key to ensuring water systems are safe. But state and local governments have a critical role to play, too.
Oregon could become the first state to tax big companies and send the cash to all residents
Some opponents say the rebate will drive up consumer costs far more than sales taxes would.
State, local guaranteed income programs set the stage for federal action
A growing body of research shows that local-level cash assistance initiatives can improve financial, housing and other outcomes for recipients. Federal lawmakers are taking notice.
A recipe for getting the finances right
COMMENTARY | Cities across the country are currently finalizing their budgets. But budgeting is just one ingredient in a city's financial success.
Soda tax revenues are falling in some cities. That can be a good and bad thing.
Tax soda, and people drink less of it. But successful soda taxes can create problems for the public health and development programs they support.
Biden pledges federal help for states in the Southeast stricken by catastrophic storm
Biden will travel to North Carolina later this week.
US disaster relief funding is running dry as Helene roars through
Congress opted not to replenish the FEMA disaster fund before it left town this week. It’s not the first time lawmakers have left the emergency management agency short of cash.
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Congress averts a shutdown, setting up a lame duck fight in December
A stopgap funding bill is heading to Biden's desk as Congress staves off a pre-election shutdown.
Tax the sale of guns and ammo? Voters in this state are set to decide.
A ballot measure in Colorado is the only one on guns before voters this year. The effort is part of a broader trend to expand excise taxes.
Bipartisan deal looks to punt shutdown threat into December
States and cities don't need to fear federal worker furloughs in the near future.
Ballots in two cities aim to keep soda taxes from falling flat
Taxing sugary drinks can raise cities’ revenue and improve people’s health, according to research. But state restrictions and industry pushback have stalled such taxes. Can two ballot measures change that?
In an unprecedented move, Ohio is funding construction of private religious schools
The state is giving millions in taxpayer dollars directly to private schools to help them renovate and expand their campuses. It may be the next frontier in the push to increase the use of school vouchers, proponents say.
What the Federal Reserve’s policy shift means for state and local budgets
The Federal Reserve intended for its first rate cut in four years to stimulate the broader economy, but the decision will also gradually effect state and local budgets.
Water system upgrades could require more than $1 trillion over next 20 years
Studies show how aging infrastructure and climate change are creating huge financial obstacles for cities and water utilities.
Inside the tricky politics of special legislative sessions
Governors in several states are trying to get their priorities passed before the November election.
A $100 fine should never equal jail time
COMMENTARY | Several states have begun to change their laws to remove unjust or inequitably implemented fines and fees. It's a start, but states need to do more.
Public voices often ignored in states’ opioid settlement money decisions
People, including those who have lost loved ones to the opioid crisis or are dealing with it daily, are routinely shut out of having a meaningful say in how the settlement windfall can be best used to address the damage.
