Cities and States Large Borrowing Causes Concern

As the economic downturn has caused many states and municipalities to borrow large amounts of money, some worry there may be a glut of them going bankrupt.

1 minute read

October 18, 2010, 6:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg

Municipalities and states have borrowed far more this year than in the recent past, which is fueling concern.

"Where is all this tension about municipal bankruptcy and muni bond defaults coming from, and why? It's true that state and local debt is at an all time high. State and local governments have borrowed $2.4 trillion as of mid-2010, according to the Federal Reserve. That's an increase of 35 percent in the past five years. It's also true that several European countries, such as Greece and Ireland, have been on the verge of defaulting on their loans. Does that mean it can happen here?"

FULL STORY: Are Municipal Bankruptcies Imminent?

Thursday, October 14, 2010 in Governing

Community / Economic Development Government / Politics United States Cities Bankruptcy States Municipalities Borrowing View More

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