The Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA) of 2022 has emerged as a point of contention within the municipal securities market. As the deadline for public comment approached on October 21, participants across the spectrum—including issuers from local governments to regulatory bodies—voiced their apprehensions regarding the law’s implications. Primarily, critics argue that the FDTA represents an
Politics
The recent investor conference held in Houston, hosted by Controller Chris Hollins, has been mired in controversy following allegations raised by Mayor John Whitmire regarding improper corporate sponsorship practices. This tension reflects deeper political divides and concerns about transparency in government fundraising initiatives, highlighting the complexities of funding municipal events while maintaining ethical standards. Mayor
In recent years, natural disasters have wreaked havoc on Houston’s financial landscape, creating a daunting fiscal environment for the nation’s fourth-largest city. The recent storms, including a derecho windstorm in May followed by Hurricane Beryl in July, have exacerbated existing budgetary challenges. These storms left behind significant debris, necessitating extensive cleanup efforts that have placed
As cities across the United States emerge from a period of relative ease, characterized by the influx of funds through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), they now face a sobering reality—the fiscal landscape is shifting. The once-reliable federal support is fading, and municipalities find themselves in a precarious position, balancing existing reserves while contemplating
The recent conflict between Houston Mayor John Whitmire and City Controller Chris Hollins has shed light on issues of governance, ethics, and accountability in municipal finance. The controversy erupted as Whitmire accused Hollins of potentially compromising city integrity by soliciting sponsorships from municipal bond firms for an investor conference. The mayor voiced concerns that such
Puerto Rico’s toll roads have recently transitioned under a public-private partnership (P3) model, offering both opportunities and challenges in the face of the territory’s ongoing economic struggles. The arrangement primarily involves the Wisconsin-based Public Finance Authority which is poised to sell $286.2 million in senior revenue bonds on behalf of Puerto Rico Tollroads, LLC. This
The Intermountain Power Agency (IPA), established in 1977 as a political subdivision of the state of Utah, has been a significant player in the region’s energy landscape. Over the years, it has managed various power projects and contracts on behalf of its 23 member municipalities. However, as environmental concerns grow, the need to transition from
In the face of an ongoing affordable housing crisis, advocates are increasingly vocal about the need for legislative action that could dramatically reshape housing finance in the United States. The push is being spearheaded by organizations like the Affordable Housing Tax Credit Coalition (AHTC), which are urging the House Committee on Ways and Means to
A recent judicial decision in Utah has cast a shadow over the state’s educational funding landscape. The proposed Amendment A, intended to modify the allocation of income tax revenue, was struck down by Judge Laura Scott of the Third Judicial District Court. This amendment aimed to provide greater flexibility within the state budget, potentially allowing
As concerns around affordable housing intensify in urban areas, the spotlight is being cast on innovative strategies to address this pressing issue. Recent discussions in political circles, epitomized by Vice President Kamala Harris’s advocacy for transit-oriented development (TOD), reveal a concerted effort to integrate housing and transportation planning. This approach aims to not only alleviate