Author Archive
Bill Lucia
Finance
This Week in Federal Funds
This week, we talk with Eryn Hurley of the National Association of Counties about county-city collaboration for investing the relief funds and look at the guaranteed income programs that are gaining traction.
Tech & Data
'This Is 21st Century Infrastructure'
The pandemic highlighted gaps with internet service. But governments are pursuing innovative solutions—and there’s new federal money available for upgrading networks.
Finance
This Week in Federal Funding
In the latest edition, we talk with urbanist Bruce Katz about ways local governments can strategize to take full advantage of new federal dollars and why he made a comparison between pandemic aid and the Amazon HQ2 competition.
Finance
This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 20 edition we check in with the state and local lead for the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee, a federal watchdog overseeing ARPA programs. Also: the outlook for broadband spending and updates from Massachusetts and Maine.
Finance
The Many Flavors of 'Transformative' State and Local ARPA Spending
Transformative government projects using American Rescue Plan Act funds can run the gamut from improving a local park, to spending tens of millions to alleviate homelessness.
Finance
Why There’s Rising Interest in Giving More Updates to Bondholders
Investors and others would like to see more timely information about developments with municipal borrowers’ finances. “Voluntary disclosure” can help, experts say.
Finance
This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 13 edition we talk with Erie County, New York executive Mark Poloncarz about plans there for $124 million in recovery spending. And we have a roundup of ARPA action in Alabama, Virginia, Milwaukee and St. Louis.
Management
Shared Desks, Cubbyhole Storage: States Look to Shrink Office Space
The prospect of remote work beyond the pandemic has state officials seeking ways to cut real estate, while reimagining how government workspaces look and function.
Finance
This Week in Federal Funding
In the July 6 edition we look at how states have approached their American Rescue Plan Act allotments so far.
Finance
Judge Sides With Ohio in Fight Against ARPA Tax Cut Restrictions
The ruling curtails Treasury's ability to enforce the so-called "tax mandate" in the American Rescue Plan Act, but only applies to the Buckeye State. Similar legal disputes are pending in other courts.
Tech & Data
A 50-year-old Unemployment System (Finally) Nears an Overhaul
Wisconsin officials have said the outdated computer technology contributed to problems processing claims during the pandemic. Now they’re looking for bids to revamp it.
Featured eBooks
Finance
This Week in Federal Funding
In the June 29 edition we give an update on the Treasury Department guidance for the American Rescue Plan Act aid to states and localities.
Finance
Introducing Route Fifty's New Federal Funds Newsletter
A weekly update on the recovery dollars flowing from Washington, D.C. to states and local governments.
Finance
A Welcome Challenge for a Rural County: Deciding How To Spend $1.8M
In Clear Creek County, Colorado, federal relief dollars could go toward addressing long-term challenges in areas like housing and economic development.
Infrastructure
Segregation Has Grown Worse in Most Big Metros, Analysis Finds
"These findings were as startling as they were disturbing," says one of the study authors.
Finance
Financial Service Providers Focused on Distressed Areas See $1.2B Influx
Community development financial institutions, which operate in low-income and underserved markets, have gained access to record levels of federal funding over the course of the pandemic.
Infrastructure
What Over 400 Local Leaders Want to See in an Infrastructure Deal
A new survey of mayors and other local elected officials reveals nearly universal support for certain types of investments. Others, including some Biden administration priorities, aren't as popular.
Infrastructure
Cities Struggle With Housing Pressures As Pandemic Wanes
Local officials are highlighting affordable housing as a leading concern, according to a new National League of Cities report. “The median price for a single family unit is over $700,000, which is a 30% increase in less than a year," says one mayor.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure Talks Between GOP Senators and White House are Dead
The Biden administration will now turn to working with a different bipartisan group to try to come up with a package.
Health & Human Services