Finance
Below are recent studies, reports, magazine articles, and other resources that MRSC has collected regarding local government finance issues.
All links go to external websites. Please note that these links were valid at the time of their original posting, but because websites and addresses may change, we cannot guarantee that all links still work.
Start the Year Off Right – New Best Practices and Tools for Bank Reconciliations! (February 24, 2020)
The State Auditor's Office has developed a list of best practices and tools for bank reconciliations for you to consider and compare to your own government’s current processes. More from The Audit Connection.
When Cities Don’t Accept Cash for Public Services (February 4, 2020)
This year saw a wave of backlash against cashless retail, but what about when cities like Washington, D.C., want to move toward all-digital payments? More from CityLab.
Report: Two Thirds of Big Cities Predict Recession, Midwest in Fiscal Decline (January 13, 2020)
The National League of Cities' (NLC) recently released “City Fiscal Conditions” report finds increasing fiscal uncertainty and trends similar to those that emerged at the start of previous economic downturns.
Washington Department of Commerce Awards $91.6 Million for Affordable Housing Projects (December 19, 2019)
The funds will create 2,423 units of affordable housing for low-income and special-needs residents, including people with chronic mental illness, homeless households and individuals, veterans, farmworkers and first-time homebuyers. More from Washington Department of Commerce.
The Change That Could Shift Public Opinion on Taxes (December 11, 2019)
We’ve been wary of taxation since the Boston Tea Party. New finance ethics rules will help. More from Governing.
For First Time in Seven Years, Cities Anticipate Revenue Decline (December 4, 2019)
For the first time in seven years, cities across the country are collectively anticipating a decline in revenue as rising concerns over trade, weakening economic indicators, and increasing spending pressures are taking their toll on city budgets. More from NLC's CitiesSpeak.
Researchers: 2020 Census Guides $1.5 Trillion in Federal Funding to State, Local Governments (December 2, 2019)
More than $1.5 trillion in federal funding to state and local governments is parceled out according to census data, much more than previously thought, researchers say. More from EfficientGov.
Using Data to Visualize the World of Fire Protection Districts (November 25, 2019)
The State Auditor's Office's #Gov101 series presents an infographic that explores the world of fire protection districts, using their Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT).
How Fire Districts Get and Spend Their Money (November 6, 2019)
Are you curious how fire districts get and spend their money? The SAO's new #Gov101 video on fire districts has the answers.
Commerce Awards $10.5 Million for Vital Infrastructure Projects in 25 Rural Communities (November 4, 2019)
The Washington State Department of Commerce announced that 25 rural cities and counties will receive a total of more than $10.5 million in Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) for 2019. More from the Washington Department of Commerce.
U.S. Department of Transportation Awards Nearly $1 Billion in Airport Infrastructure Grants (October 30, 2019)
On September 23, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced awards of $968 million in airport infrastructure grants to more than 350 airports, many of which are county owned and operated. More from NACo's County News.
2018 Financial Data is Now Available! (October 23, 2019)
The State Auditor's Office Financial Intelligence Tool (FIT) now contains the most recent financial information from nearly 1,800 Washington local governments! More from SAO.
Addicted to Fines (September 23, 2019)
Small towns in much of the country are dangerously dependent on punitive fines and fees. More from Governing.
How Participatory Budgeting Can Help Cities Modernize Services (September 12, 2019)
Participatory budgeting and community engagement are advancing municipal operations by getting digital technologies purchased. More from EfficientGov.
What Crisis? The Case for Not Panicking Over Pension Debt. (July 25, 2019)
New research released this week shows that even pension plans with big unfunded liabilities are likely to survive in the long term. More from Governing.
Giving Local Voters a Say in Tax Policy (July 24, 2019)
When revenues can't cover essential services, public officials would do well to engage residents in a dialogue about what's important to them. More from Governing.
How 3 Innovative Cities Make Budgets Easy (July 11, 2019)
Implementing principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration around a government’s budget offers great return on investment. More from ICMA Blog.
ICMA Podcast: How to Best Your Budget (June 27, 2019)
Budget season can be intimidating. ICMA members share stories of personal resilience while maneuvering the budgeting process. More from ICMA.
A Year After Online Sales Tax Ruling, Are States Reaping More Revenues? (June 24, 2019)
Almost every state has jumped at the opportunity to tax online purchases. More from Governing.
WA Cities Will Get 'Free Money' From the State for Affordable Housing (June 3, 2019)
A new fund will let cities and counties keep $51 million in sales tax revenue for low-income housing construction and maintenance. More from Crosscut.
Financially Stable Capital Planning (April 29, 2019)
To make its budget sustainable, a local government needs to take a long-term view. This is especially true for capital investment. More from Government Finance Review.
Rural Counties Face Challenges and High Stakes in 2020 Census (March 19, 2019)
With nearly $900 billion in annual federal funding at stake, an accurate census is crucial to any county. More from NACo's County News.