Budget Planning
How Cities and Counties Are Thinking Big With Their ARPA Plans
Across the country, some local governments are using federal aid from the American Rescue Plan to launch "transformational" projects in areas like affordable housing, public safety and ridding homes of lead—things that will endure long after the money is spent.
This Federal Committee Is Watching Over Your Pandemic Funds Spending
The Pandemic Response Accountability Committee is on the lookout for fraud and other issues with trillions in federal Covid aid. But the watchdog is also assembling a wealth of data on programs the money is going to.
Trump Wades Into One State's Budget Discussions
The former president says Pennsylvania's spending plan should be "tied" to controversial elections legislation.
How One State Used Its Giant Budget Surplus
Idaho this year had extra revenue that was equal to nearly half the amount of its general fund revenues, and that was on top of federal aid. Here's what lawmakers did with the money.
Infrastructure Tops Mayors’ Concerns for 2nd Year
The National League of Cities’ analysis of local leaders’ speeches finds renewed interest in maintenance and construction projects, and worries about how they will handle billions in new federal dollars.
Booming State Budget Growth is Headed for a Slowdown
Governors are calling for a 4.2% increase in general fund spending, compared to 13.6% this year, according to a new report.
The Big Debate Around Statehouses: What to Do With Budget Surpluses
States had another year of exceptional revenue growth driven by a number of factors, but the conversation around how to reward taxpayers is complicated.
The States That Could be Headed for a ‘Fiscal Cliff’
Three of them, in particular, may see difficulties in the years ahead as federal aid runs dry, according to a good government group.
The New Digital Products and Services Proving Difficult to Tax
States and localities may have to update policies if they don't want to miss out on revenue.
Local Governments Vie for New Round of Congressional Earmarks
The revival of what critics deride as "pork" yielded $2.7 billion for localities this year. Now they're looking to secure even more of the federal cash. “We've had dozens of communities across our district submit requests,” says one House lawmaker.
The Outlook for States and Localities if a Recession Hits
One leading economist puts the odds of a mild downturn at one in three over the next year. But experts who spoke at a Volcker Alliance event described factors states and local governments have in their favor.
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