Oklahoma County is currently embroiled in legal challenges surrounding the establishment of a new, bond-financed jail facility. This arises from a contentious dispute with Oklahoma City over a special use permit denial for the proposed jail site located on the city’s outskirts. The ordeal has placed county officials in a position where they must weigh
Politics
As the United States braces for a transformative phase in infrastructure funding, the focus appears firmly set on upgrading transportation networks, particularly roads and rail systems. This strategic direction is underscored by recent proclamations from the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Sam Graves, the newly appointed chairman, expressed an unequivocal commitment to boost infrastructure development,
Washington D.C. is entrenched in a complex fiscal landscape as city leaders push for increased federal funding due to arising security exigencies. The District’s budget request for the fiscal year 2025 stands at a staggering $932 million, marking a $142 million uptick from previous allocations. Such appeals are not merely procedural; they stem from critical
The California high-speed rail project has emerged as a contentious battleground where politics meets public infrastructure woes. Once envisioned as a groundbreaking endeavor to connect major cities across the Golden State, this project has increasingly come under fire—particularly as significant political shifts loom. With the looming inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and the endorsement of
Connecticut is gearing up for a significant increase in transportation borrowing in the coming years, as indicated by the state’s latest fiscal accountability report. Representative Maria Horn, co-chair of the Connecticut House Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee, has emphasized the strategic goal of harnessing available federal resources to make substantial investments in the state’s neglected
The landscape of U.S. fiscal policy is becoming increasingly contentious, marked by an escalating deficit, ambitious tax reform proposals, and the growing influence of wealthy individuals determined to reshape government spending. As municipal leaders watch these developments with growing concern, the threat to the crucial tax-exempt status of municipal bonds looms larger. With promises of
In a significant move for the Tampa Bay Rays, the St. Petersburg City Council has approved a bond initiative totaling $333.5 million aimed at constructing a new baseball stadium and revitalizing an adjoining area. This decision, reaching a narrow 4 to 3 vote, signals a stepping stone for the team that has long sought a
In the fluid landscape of U.S. financial policy, the independence of the Federal Reserve remains a topic that garners significant attention, especially during politically charged transitions. Recently, the Fed Chair Jerome Powell addressed concerns about potential challenges to his authority during the Trump administration. This article explores Powell’s insights regarding his role, the anticipated relationship
The Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA), which was enacted in December 2022, has become a critical point of contention among municipal bond issuers. This legislation mandates that disclosures for municipal securities be transformed into a machine-readable format, ostensibly to enhance transparency and accessibility for regulators and stakeholders. However, this requirement is viewed by many in
The recent announcement of Brightline’s $3.2 billion recapitalization marks a significant milestone in the realm of U.S. infrastructure financing. This innovative move, recognized as the Deal of the Year by The Bond Buyer, not only stands as the largest private-activity bond issuance in U.S. transportation history but also serves as a pioneering model for high-speed