In a country that prides itself on innovation and resilience, receiving a C grade from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) should ring alarm bells. The evaluation highlights not merely the deteriorating conditions of bridges, roads, and tunnels, but the stark reality that America is at a critical crossroads regarding infrastructure investment. The glaring
Politics
North Carolina’s recent appointment of Jeff Poley as the interim director of the State and Local Government Finance Division comes at a time of significant upheaval in fiscal governance. While the announcement by Treasurer Brad Briner highlights Poley’s extensive experience and successful previous initiatives, such as the Hurricane Helene Cashflow Loan Program, there are critical
The legal battle unfolding between the American Securities Association (ASA) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) represents more than just a technicality in regulatory law; it unveils a troubling tendency toward governmental overreach that threatens to undermine the principles of free-market capitalism. The crux of the ASA’s
In recent years, a significant influx of government spending has catalyzed a much-needed enhancement of America’s aging infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its latest report card, revealing that the nation’s cumulative GPA has risen to an encouraging ‘C’ for the first time in history. This incremental improvement, up from a ‘C-‘
Kansas finds itself at a precarious financial junction, as evidenced by S&P Global Ratings’ recent downgrade of the state’s outlook from positive to stable. This decision marks not just a financial assessment but also highlights the broader implication of federal policy uncertainty on state economies. With the backdrop of looming federal changes, particularly under the
In the political landscape we currently inhabit, discussions surrounding tax reforms and exemptions are not merely academic; they have profound implications for municipalities across America. Municipal bonds and private activity bonds (PABs) serve as fundamental tools for local governments to fund essential infrastructure and community projects. However, with Congress deliberating over a significant tax reform
As we step into an era where the Biden administration’s funding blitz for transit systems begins to taper off, cities across the United States are facing a daunting reality check. In a troubling shift, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s recent communications underscore a new era marked by stringent bureaucratic demands and an urgent call for
In a move that transcends mere budgeting, Utah’s recent legislative session culminated in the passage of an ambitious, $30.8 billion budget for the fiscal year 2026. This figure reflects not only a substantial financial commitment but also an undeniable boldness in tackling pressing infrastructure issues and future growth needs. It’s noteworthy that amidst an environment
The recent assessment from Moody’s Ratings regarding the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) sounds the alarm on what can only be described as a grim predicament for one of America’s major urban transit systems. By downgrading the CTA’s outlook from stable to negative while affirming its A1 rating on $1.9 billion in outstanding bonds, Moody’s paints
In a significant shift, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced plans that prioritize straightforward federal funding for infrastructure projects, moving away from the previous administration’s stringently environmental approach. This redirection comes under the leadership of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, who has asserted that infrastructure should focus on tangible needs, such as