In the world of public administration, transparency and accountability are cornerstones of effective governance. However, recent events surrounding Oklahoma Treasurer Todd Russ and his office seem to challenge these principles. The treasurer, along with his chief of staff, Jordan Harvey, faces a lawsuit filed by FOIA Professional Services, LLC, an organization dedicated to managing public
Politics
Recent developments in New York City’s financial governance signal a transformative approach to investment strategies, particularly concerning climate risks. In a bold stance against fossil fuel investments, City Comptroller Brad Lander has championed an initiative that excludes fossil fuel infrastructure from city pension funds. This decision aligns the city with a growing global movement recognizing
The Chicago City Council’s recent decision to approve a plan for refinancing $1.5 billion in city debt marks a significant step in the municipal government’s financial strategy. Following a postponed action on October 9, the council’s 35-12 vote reflects a continued effort to manage the city’s fiscal liabilities. As Chicago aims to reduce its average
The Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) is embarking on a critical phase of regulatory enhancements and stakeholder engagement, as indicated by discussions from its recent quarterly board meeting held on October 23-24. This meeting marked a pivotal moment under the new leadership of Chair Warren “Bo” Daniels, who is positioned to guide the board through
North Carolina is on the brink of launching its most significant transportation endeavor to date, the expansion of the Interstate 77 corridor, with the potential backing of a public-private partnership (P3). Following a pivotal vote by the Charlotte City Council and the Charlotte Regional Transportation Planning Organization (CRTPO), the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
The Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) of 2022 represents a significant shift in regulatory policies affecting the municipal securities market. As this extensive law progresses through various stages of implementation, stakeholders from across the municipal landscape have voiced a plethora of concerns regarding its implications. Enacted in December 2022, the FDTA mandates that disclosures pertaining
The recent investor conference hosted by Houston Controller Chris Hollins unfolded under a cloud of political controversy, culminating in the notable absence of important city officials. The friction surfaced following concerns raised by Mayor John Whitmire, who demanded scrutiny over potential conflicts of interest stemming from corporate sponsorships linked to the event. The mayor’s apprehensions
Houston, as the fourth-largest city in the United States, finds itself wrestling with profound fiscal challenges exacerbated by the impacts of natural disasters. Recent developments reveal how fiscal management remains precarious, underscored by the aftermath of two significant storms that have put pressure on city budgets. The release of state funds is a temporary relief
As the support from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) begins to diminish, municipalities across the United States are confronting a significant fiscal reckoning. City officials are not only tasked with managing the aftermath of federal funding but also with strategizing their financial futures in the face of mounting obligations. This scenario underscores the broader
In the vibrant city of Houston, tensions have escalated dramatically between Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins over the organization of an upcoming investor conference that has raised eyebrows. At the heart of the controversy lies the solicitation of sponsorships from municipal bond firms, with amounts ranging from $10,000 to $100,000. While sponsorships