Budget Planning

House proposes slashing $4B from the EPA

The GOP funding cuts, passed along party lines, would significantly impact state and local efforts to improve drinking water and reduce water pollution. Additional cuts would severely hamper environmental justice projects.

Interest rates are rising, but states aren’t worried yet. Here’s why.

State and local governments generally use bonds to finance major infrastructure projects. But higher rates won’t bust budgets just yet. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

Blue and red states slash taxes despite warnings of hard times ahead

Since 2021, half the states have cut personal income tax rates.

Building trust in local government with better budgeting

A more transparent, collaborative and data-driven budget process can help municipalities implement real change.

The threat of another government shutdown looms

National, state and local government associations have warned their members that “fractious issues” could derail any efforts to meet a November deadline, affecting key housing and transportation funding.

Disaster recovery projects stall nationwide as FEMA runs out of money

The agency has paused $2.8 billion in spending as it braces for a looming government shutdown.

With the farm bill set to expire, Congress is still months away from a new version

A looming government shutdown has slowed the process even more. Among the key areas of disagreement is the SNAP program, a huge spending portion of the bill that helps low-income families buy food.

Funding for WIC food assistance remains uncertain amid budget fight 

As food costs increase, more women than expected have been signing up for the program. Without increased funding, states may have to turn women and their children away. 

Should states and localities be worried about the U.S. downgrade?

Or about the possibility of another one amid the budget showdown in Congress? Fitch Ratings’ decision to knock the federal government’s credit rating down a notch last month doesn’t directly affect state and local credit quality. But it’s a warning shot.

How one city is looking to future-proof its budgeting process

Nationwide, cities are attempting to improve their budgeting. But none appear to be taking more dramatic steps than fast-growing Fort Worth, Texas.

States put buying power to work for local governments

When states drive cooperative procurements, local agencies can take advantage of volume discounts, experienced contracting officers and a streamlined process.

Cities explore making budgeting, long-term planning transparent

Several localities are marrying up their strategic planning and budget process to be more nimble and better measure performance.

Five years after the Wayfair ruling, states' reliance on the sales tax grows

But while the sales tax has brought in billions of dollars for state and local governments, businesses find the patchwork of rules burdensome.

The Real Impact of State Tax Cuts

COMMENTARY | The debate over tax cuts that’s happening in statehouses across the country is about much more than revenues and spending. It’s a fight over whether we will have an inclusive democracy where everyone—all races in all places—can thrive.

Cities Stare Down Huge Budget Gaps

Growing expenses and lagging downtown recoveries are straining city finances as federal pandemic relief funds run out.

State & Local Roundup: Bank Collapses Add to Worries for State and Local Officials

Plus: Lawmakers want to tighten SNAP work requirements; Conservatives continue DEI assault; A potential labor strike in L.A.; and more news you can use from around the country.

The Case for More Federal Oversight of State and Local Budgets

An influential good government group is calling for tighter standards and is out with new recommendations for how Congress and regulators can begin taking action.

The Outlook for State Budgets Heading Into 2023

Many states are on solid footing and expect to enjoy surpluses. But a couple are staring down sizable budget gaps.

New State and Local Government Financial Reporting Requirements Headed to Biden’s Desk

State and local advocates opposed the provisions, which were attached to a massive defense bill and call for financial data to be standardized, searchable and machine-readable.

Should the Deadline to Spend ARPA Dollars be Extended?

Some local officials involved in managing American Rescue Plan Act aid describe a 2026 cut-off to use up all of the money as uncomfortably close.