Against a backdrop of its Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing, Detroit is at a crossroads; but a sound Recovery Plan and reinvestment into infrastructure and government services can help bring the Motor City back, and position it for a brighter future.
Employment/Human Resources
Less is More: Lessons Learned from Detroit Bankruptcy’s Unfunded Pension Battles
Participants in the Detroit bankruptcy are presently considering the legal and metaphysical question of whether a state constitutional provision can mandate that, unlike other contracts, unfunded pension obligations must be paid in a municipal bankruptcy without any impairment or reduction. Unfortunately, bankruptcy is the land of broken promises and impaired contracts but, regardless of the outcome of the legal debate, there may be practical answers emanating from the case for all those who are watching Detroit.
MuniNet Medley: 1/23/12 – Louisville Performance Improvement, Harrisburg’s New Treasurer, Premont Cuts Sports, Rochester & Kodak
Louisville aims to improve government performance with private-sector strategies ….. Harrisburg voters elect new (young) city treasurer ….. Premont ISD cuts sports to save school ….. Kodak moments or memories in Rochester
Recession Exerts Pressure on Public School District Budgets
Public school district budgets are feeling the impact of the economic downturn
MSRB Weighs in on Popular New Build America Bonds
Build America Bonds are taxable municipal bonds, and subject to standard MSRB rules for municipal securities
Guest Feature: Build America Bonds Likely to Increase Activity in Taxable Municipal Market
Michael J. Ross comments on the potential impact of BAB on the taxable municipal market
Retaining Public Safety Workforce is Essential Even (Especially) in Tough Economy
Layoffs of local police and fire employees can place cities at risk, resulting in even higher costs
Pensions, Privatization, Municipal Bankruptcy Top GASB Research Priorities
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board has a full agenda for 2009
Nevada Posts Biggest Percentage Gain in Education Jobs
Employment in the public education sector rose 35% in Nevada between 2002 and 2007
Whitman, Quinn Share Insights at Women in Public Finance Conference
Speakers address economy, energy crisis, and challenges faced by women in politics, government, and municipal finance