by James Spiotto On December 1, 2015, the United States Senate Committee on the Judiciary held a hearing on whether and how best to assist Puerto Rico and its related municipalities and public corporations now facing severe financial challenges and economic distress....
Municipal Finance – General
Assessing the Credit Quality of America’s Cities – Part Three: Long-Term Liabilities beyond Pensions
By Richard A. Ciccarone City Financial Challenges Beyond Pensions When Assessing the Credit Quality of America's Cities, pensions aren't the only big long term liability facing America's cities. Add to the list bonded indebtedness, other post-employment benefits...
Assessing the Credit Quality of America’s Cities – Part Two: The Achilles Heel to the Fiscal Condition of Cities – Public Pensions
In the second part of our series on city credit quality, the spotlight shifts to the Achilles heel for many cities: public pensions. by Richard A. Ciccarone Governmental credit quality is a byproduct of both the underlying economy and the cumulative...
Does Municipal Bond Credit Quality Impact Annual Audit Times?
Increased attention on local government fiscal stress and Chapter 9 bankruptcy filings has heightened concerns over municipal bond credit quality in wider circles than ever before. But while the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires certain issuers of...
Detroit’s Bankruptcy and Pension Solution Depends More on its Planned Recovery and Rebirth – Not Just Cutting Costs
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.
Leading by Example: Syracuse University Is Fastest Municipal Borrower to Complete Financial Audits
Syracuse University is known for many things: its Orangemen, its hilly campus, and its famous alumni, including Joe Biden, Dick Clark, and William Safire. But perhaps one of its lesser known accolades is that it is a leader in timely financial reporting among...
Most Municipal Audits Still Slow, Despite Push for Timely Transparency
In the corporate bond market, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires that annual audit reports be submitted within 60 to 90 days of the close of the fiscal year. While the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) has said that it would like to have...
SPECIAL! Select Cities Lead the Pack in Providing Investor Relations Content
Trailblazing cities recognized for excellence in providing online information for municipal investors
Addressing State Budget Shortfalls: A Balancing Act
In order to avoid having to make drastic cuts, states need to increase revenues
MuniNet Guide Top Picks – Investor Relations for State Municipal Bond Issuers
These state websites emerge as leaders in providing municipal bond investor relations content