Public Debt Management: Strategy and Evidence (Under Contract). Cambridge University Press
Abstract: Effective public debt management can save millions of taxpayer dollars, ensure that needed infrastructure is delivered in an efficient and equitable way, and bolster trust in state and local government. When done poorly, it can squander taxpayers’ dollars and their goodwill. Given the tremendous complexity and careful scrutiny now surrounding municipal bonds, it’s more challenging than ever for public officials to get it right. As such, the goal of this book is to equip public debt management officials with a base of evidence to guide their strategic, policy, and tactical choices as they navigate the evolving municipal market landscape.
"Evaluating State Tax Preferences: Challenges and Opportunities." In Progress.
Abstract: States and localities forego nearly as much own-source revenue as they collect. That revenue is foregone through exemptions, abatements, credits, deductions, differential rates, and other “tax preferences.” Several states and localities have launched efforts to evaluate the effectiveness of those preferences. One approach to that effect is to subject tax preferences to regular program audits. In this paper I consider the veracity of this approach. Preliminary findings – based on a review of more than 250 tax preference evaluation reports and other documents from Washington State – suggest three primary challenges to this approach. Of particular concern is that many tax preferences have no stated intent, or their intent is to deliver targeted political benefits. But despite those drawbacks, this approach has considerable merits. I describe those merits and potential adjustments going forward.
"ESG Factors in Municipal Securities Disclosures: Toward a Materiality Concept." Northern Illinois University Law Review 44(3)(2024): 195-222.
"Diversification and Stability in Illinois Local Government Revenues" (with Wesley Janson). Illinois Municipal Policy Journal 8(1) (2023): 70-89.
"Local Lodging Taxes Before, During and After the Pandemic" (with Tom Hazinski). Municipal Finance Journal 44(1)(2023): 45-64.
"Aptitude, Accountability, and Adaptation: Research Themes for Public Budgeting, Finance, and Financial Management," In the Routledge Handbook of Public Administration, 4th ed. (2022), eds. Bart Hildreth, Ev Lindquist, and Gerald Miller (New York: Routledge).
"Stories and Sentiment in State and Local Government Finance." State and Local Government Review 53(3) (2021): 248-259.