Topic - Municipal Finance Archive

Financing Energy Efficiency: Options And Issues to Consider

Efforts to finance energy-efficiency projects benefit from thinking ahead about the pros and cons of different options.

By Yvonne Hunter

GASB's New Defined Benefit Pension Standards: Sunshine or Rain for Cities?

The Governmental Accounting Standards Board’s release of new defined benefit pension standards could not have come at a better time or a worse time, depending on one’s point of view.

By Eric S. Berman

Make Volunteer Programs a Financial Asset, Not a Liability

As cities implement deeper budget cuts, volunteers are performing more physically and intellectually demanding functions.

By Helene Leckman Leichter

San Carlos Adopts Innovative Contracting Techniques to Maintain Service Levels

Like many California cities, San Carlos has faced some serious budgetary challenges in recent years.

Focusing on Economic Development

In an era of tight economic resources, how can we best promote the economies of our cities and California as a whole?

by Bill Bogaard

The Next Generation of Economic Development Tools: Community Development Corporations

Cities throughout California are seeking ways to help create jobs and revitalize neighborhoods.

By Kevin Payne

Reflecting on Our Progress and Moving Forward

The League has met the challenges of the past year, and much work remains to be done.

by Mike Kasperzak

Regulating Lobbying Activities

This article examines common elements of lobbying laws and how these laws typically regulate lobbyist behavior.

by Daniel D. Purnell

Creating Economic Development at the Local Level

The City of Alhambra took action early this year on an innovative plan to stimulate economic development and identified a range of tools to help finance new projects.

By Julio J. Fuentes and Joseph Montes

What Comes Next?

In the wake of the elimination of redevelopment agencies, city officials and legislators are wondering, “What comes next?”

By Chris McKenzie