Understanding Municipal Fiscal Health: A Model for Local Governments in the USA

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) survey provides a comprehensive analysis of the fiscal health of cities across the U.S., offering valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 330 pages
Publication date: 01 February 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Fiscal Health of Cities Across the United States: An In-Depth Assessment

The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) survey serves as a unique and highly accurate data source for analyzing the fiscal health of cities throughout the United States. This comprehensive assessment provides valuable insights into patterns of fiscal health, offering a solid basis of empirical evidence to help practitioners better understand the environment in which they operate and the policy tools they need to advocate for change.

The report covers a range of trends and presents quantitative case studies to illustrate the diverse fiscal challenges and opportunities faced by cities. It explores factors such as revenue generation, expenditure patterns, debt levels, and financial reserves, providing a comprehensive picture of the fiscal health of cities across different regions and demographic groups.

One of the key findings of the assessment is that cities face a significant fiscal challenge due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many cities have experienced revenue declines and increased expenditure needs, particularly in areas such as healthcare and public safety. However, the report also highlights examples of innovative approaches and strategies that cities have employed to address these challenges, such as implementing cost-saving measures, leveraging federal funding, and promoting economic development.

The assessment also emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability in city finance. It suggests that cities should adopt best practices in financial reporting, such as providing regular updates on their financial status and implementing performance metrics to measure the effectiveness of their policies and programs. This can help build trust with residents and stakeholders and promote informed decision-making.

In conclusion, the Fiscal Health of Cities Across the United States: An In-Depth Assessment provides a valuable resource for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers interested in understanding the fiscal challenges and opportunities facing cities. By analyzing patterns of fiscal health using a unique and accurate data source, the report offers a solid basis of empirical evidence to help advocate for change and promote sustainable fiscal management.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032055428