Credit downgrades, budget shortfalls, & federal relief — with Liz Farmer
In this episode, Kevin speaks with Liz Farmer about the current economic situation and how it compares (so far) to the 2008 recession. They discuss the magnitude and impact of unemployment, recent credit downgrades for cities and states, and the ramifications of projected budget shortfalls for Medicaid, pensions, and infrastructure. They also delve into the Federal Relief Bill and what it covers, as far as state and local agencies go. And finally, Liz gives her thoughts on what recovery looks like, plus some advice for local leaders while navigating this crisis.
Liz Farmer is a fiscal policy expert and journalist whose writing centers on the ways state and local governments spend taxpayer money. Her areas of expertise include budgets, fiscal distress, tax policy, and pensions. In the past, you may have read her excellent work for Governing (including the Finance 101 series); nowadays, you can find all of her writing at Farmers Field.
Want to discuss this further?
If you're in local government or part of a local agency, sign up for our FREE online community—the Community Cultivators Network. Join us and like-minded peers across the country to talk about the biggest challenges you face. We're discussing new things every week, and the experience only gets better with more awesome change agents taking part!
The newsletter you’ll actually look forward to
Would you like to get updates on new podcasts as well as a weekly digest of our favorite reads from the week (with nice little accompanying write-ups)—delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up right here.
The Go Cultivate! podcast is a project of Verdunity.
Like this one? Want to find more episodes? Head over to our podcast archives or subscribe in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, or anywhere else you find podcasts.
