Public Money Pod

We discuss how local government finance managers are responding for the first time in a long time to two big challenges: inflation and the massive influx of federal government money. Jeff White from Columbia Capital Management joins us for a deep dive on how these challenges are reshaping local government borrowing. Extra Credit: Cindy asks "How much money should a local government keep in its rainy day fund?"

We look at who's leaving the local government workforce, and how municipalities are using federal dollars to stem the tide. Joshua Franzel from the Mission Square Research Institute shares some recent findings on the local government workforce of the future, how we'll pay for it, and why everyone should study budgeting and finance. Extra Credit: Almendra asks, “Why do state and local budgets not talk about return on investment?"

We discuss the many ways small and rural local governments are investing their influx of federal cash in climate adaptation, economic development, and infrastructure projects. Mark Funkhouser from Funkhouser & Associates opines on economic development and local government finance in Appalachia, and makes a bold statement on the Backyard Brawl. Extra Credit: Allison asks, “What’s a TIF District, and why are they so controversial?”

We discuss what the "Big 3" recent federal laws mean for state and local finance. Emily Brock from the Government Finance Officers Association helps us unpack the Inflation Reduction Act (i.e. the Climate Bill), including the next big trending topic – #NOFO_FOMO. Extra Credit: Mary from Wisconsin asks, “Why do state and local governments take so long to produce their financial statements?”