At a time when the slow pace of economic recovery and continuing reductions in state and federal assistance underscore our need for strong leadership in financial management, this volume offers a deeper understanding of financial theory and practice for its own sake.

City governments are going bankrupt. Even the ones that aren’t are often stuck in financial chaos. It is easy to blame pensions, poor leadership, or a bad economy. But the problems go much deeper. With decades of experience in local government, author Mark Moses showcases the inside world of the city decision-making process that has spawned these crises. It becomes clear: City governments are maxing out their budgets because they are trying to maximize services. This book, likely the most ambitious attempt by someone who has worked in government to radically examine the delivery of municipal services since 'Reinventing Government' was published more than 25 years ago, explores why city governments pursue an open-ended mission and why bailouts and trendy budgeting processes will be, at best, only temporary solutions. Of interest to current and future city council members, regional and state government officials, those covering city government, financial analysts, city management, and individuals and organizations interested in influencing city policy, this book argues that cities won’t thrive until city hall is disrupted.

This book tells a fascinating story on municipal finances for local government practitioners with rich examples, global practices, and good and bad experiences the authors gained in decades of field work.

Written for all practitioners of local government finance, ICMA¿s Management Policies in Local Government Finance has long been considered the most comprehensive, most on-target text for local government managers, finance directors, and economic development planners and directors.Now in its fifth edition, this classic on financial management will help you: Develop new revenue sources Design a budget process that includes performance reporting Conduct strategic economic development Understand debt management and bond sales Use modern information systems to improve financial decisions Meet the day-to-day challenges of financial management, from procurement to labor negotiations. Completely new chapters in this revised edition address school finance, cost-benefit analysis, enterprise resource management systems, procurement, cash and investment management, and risk and insurance management. All chapters have been thoroughly updated to reflect changes in federal and state practice, new professional guidelines, and underlying changes in global and national economies.

A 50 State Survey of: (1) Rights and Remedies Provided by States to Investors, (2) State Supervision and Oversight Mechanisms of Financially Distressed Local Governments and (3) State Authorization of Municipalities to File Chapter 9 Bankruptcy

Finance for City Leaders presents an up-to-date, comprehensive, and in-depth analysis of the challenges posed by rapid urbanization and the various financing tools municipalities have at their disposal.