Moody's Talks - Muniland

Oct 09 2024 48 ep. 16 mins 12

Moody's Talks - Muniland Podcast artwork

Hosted by Nick Samuels of the US Public Finance team, Muniland delves into the latest developments impacting the credit environment for states, local governments, healthcare, higher education and more. In each episode, Moody’s analysts join Nick in exploring the ramifications of the pandemic, climate change, cyber risk, federal policy, pension burdens and other deep-seated challenges.

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Rising insurance costs indicate growing climate risk for state and local governments

Oct 09 2024 17 mins

The availability and affordability of home insurance is declining as damage from hurricanes and wildfires becomes more frequent. That could have negative implications for property values and tax revenues, particularly in the most disaster-prone states.

US public schools grapple with depleted federal aid, rising salaries and falling enrollment

Sep 11 2024 14 mins

The operating environment for K-12 districts is getting tighter as $190 billion in pandemic support ends, employee costs climb, and declining birthrates reduce the school-age population.

Ballooning stadium subsidies amplify risk for US states and local governments

Aug 07 2024 12 mins

Stadium projects are often less financially beneficial than projected for the governments subsidizing them, though a shift toward multipurpose facilities brings the potential for enhanced returns.

NCAA settlement and declining enrollment shift the higher education landscape

Jul 10 2024 12 mins

Higher expenses after a $2.78 billion agreement on student athlete payments pose a credit risk for smaller colleges, which already face rising competition from larger, cheaper institutions.

Revenue shortfall leaves California facing a budget squeeze

Jun 12 2024 15 mins

Spending cuts of $25 billion will ease the deficit, though out-migration of high earners remains a drag on revenue. K-12 education will avoid significant cuts, but is vulnerable if the economy slows.

Insurance crisis poses credit risks for hurricane-prone Florida and Louisiana

May 08 2024 15 mins

As climate issues mount, residents face escalating property insurance costs and, in some cases, difficulty obtaining coverage at all, which threatens to hurt the economy and curtail tax collections.

Graying of America poses financial risks for many local governments

Apr 10 2024 11 mins

Local governments face a loss of economic vitality and tax revenue as the working-age population declines. Meanwhile, a tighter labor supply remains a chronic issue for the hospital sector.

Intensifying droughts turn up the heat on US state and local governments

Mar 13 2024 11 mins

As water shortages threaten to curb economic growth, governments in many parts of the country are stepping up investment in water management and conservation.

Red Sea disruptions reshape cargo dynamics on America's East and Gulf Coasts

Feb 07 2024 12 mins

Suspension of commercial shipping in the Suez Canal and reduced activity in the drought-afflicted Panama Canal have the potential to reduce revenue at key US ports.

Major US cities’ pension risks are easing, but far from retired

Jan 10 2024 14 mins

Pension liabilities for large local governments are falling because of higher interest rates. This dynamic — and greater contributions — bodes well for credit quality, though investment risk lingers.