A Unique Time for City Finance

Cities' financial challenges are leading directly to fundamental governance challenges, including questions that are not normally part of budgetary discussions. The consequences for city life and municipal functions may be substantial.

1 minute read

February 18, 2011, 1:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur

Bill Barnes reports from a presentation at a National League of Cities conference. Michael Pagano of the University of Illinois at Chicago, was one of the speakers.

Pagano said "that we are in a 'unique time in the history of public finance,' a time when leaders and citizens can and should broach fundamental issues."

"...the recession and financial fiasco and the political responses to them have combined with, exacerbated, and highlighted long-term trends in the basic 'architecture of public finance.' The result is a combustible and excruciating situation that will linger for at least several more years.

He predicts that, to cope responsibly, communities will have to negotiate 'new social compacts' upon which city finances can be re-constructed."

Thanks to Bill Barnes

FULL STORY: A Unique time in Public finance

Monday, January 17, 2011 in Nation's Cities Weekly

Government / Politics United States Cities Public finance future of cities

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.