Girard Miller

States can compensate with vehicle and odometer taxes, but local governments can harness new data technologies — including GPS, 5G and AI — to meet the need for more than states' hand-me-down dollars.

Pandemic money from Washington stimulated the economy but arguably ended up feeding inflation. Before the next downturn, governors, mayors and public financers need to be part of the conversation about how to open the countercyclical aid spigot quicker — and when to shut it off.

As a recent study documents, federal fiscal stimulus created a budget windfall for states. Most cut taxes, and some now must scramble to make up for shortfalls. Congress is likely to impose tighter restrictions on future countercyclical aid, so it’s a time for all levels of government to get their…

They've mostly benefited real-estate developers. Here's how to redeploy these tax incentives to grow new businesses and boost employment while leveraging state and local expertise and attracting a broader investor base.

Given tax-exempt financing and other advantages, continued municipal ownership would seem the way to go. But other pressing public needs can make cashing out these valuable assets seem attractive. A new wave of privatization efforts will give localities a lot to think about.

After a decade of increasing popularity among endowment funds and pensions, its use in investment decisions is coming under increasing political attack. Financial analysts — and perhaps AI — may be able to point the way to a safer middle ground.

His second presidency could recolor the landscape for federal spending, with ramifications for states, local governments, schools and public pensions. Governors and mayors will need to try to discern where the political wind is blowing — and what to watch out for.

'Tis the season: State politicians love to proclaim temporary tax respites, but they rarely achieve their stated objective of boosting economic activity. Poor timing, poor design — or just a bad idea?

The taming of inflation was the main financial story. Bond and capital markets were cooperative, even if voters upset about property taxes were not. Governors, mayors, finance directors and pension pros may soon look back wistfully at 2024's business-as-usual atmosphere.

Governors, mayors and finance officers are treading water, awaiting the outcome and impact of a new Washington regime’s vows to slash federal spending and taxes. Meanwhile, state and municipal budgeters and debt managers will need to make intelligent guesses and pay more attention to their…