In our latest episode we discuss property taxes with Professor Christopher Berry from Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago. The differences between the levy and rate systems and how data analytics can be used to improve accuracy in property valuations.

This week Jordan Haedtler discusses FIAR plans as an insurance tool against events caused by the climate crisis. We examine how FAIR plans are used in different states over the years and how new legislation may affect them. Recommendations from the report "Insurers of Last Resort: Why Today's FAIR Plans Need a Redesign to Address the Home Insurance Crisis." show how FAIR plans can be better regulated to keep up with the changing scope of how they may be used.

In episode 5 of PMP we interview Tom Kozlik, Head of Public Policy and Municipal Strategy at Hilltop Securities where we discuss the results of the Public Finance Leaders' Survey and the consequences of AI on Muni Bonds - from yields to infrastructure.

In episode 4 our guest is Andrew Kim who is a Director at PTMA Financial. We discuss financing state and local debt through bond issuance, delve deeper in to negotiated and competitive sales, and underappreciated and overemphasized credit risks by rating agencies. We also discuss financial challenges local governments would face in the coming decade.

In episode 3 of Public Money Pod, we interview Mark McAvoy, city administrator of Liberty Lake, Washington. A young city but old problems persist. In the interview we discuss how Liberty Lake is using the "Readiness Assessment" tool to approach its budgeting and planning as it approaches its first major infrastructure replacement cycle. The episode also explores the using surveys to get feedback from constituents in the quality of services provided by Liberty Lake.

In our second episode of season 4, we're in DC for the at the GFOA conference. We discuss topics in cyber risk in state and local governments and effects on the muni bond market. We are here with our guest David Erdman, who is managing director of Baker Tilly Municipal Advisors, LLC and been on the public finance industry for more than three decades. David is an active advocate and leader for municipalities in the municipal bond market and was a past member of the GFOA's Committee on Governmental Debt Management,

In our season 4 premier, we're in DC for the at the GFOA conference. In this episode we discuss challenges and opportunities around performance budgeting, cost allocation, getting buy-in for some of the challenging issues. Joined by panelists Laura Larsen who became Baltimore’s Budget Director in September 2022 leading a fifteen-member team responsible for developing and implementing Baltimore’s $3.3 billion operating budget and currently serving on the Budget Committee for the Government Finance Officers Association. Michael Mastrobuoni, the current Budget Director for the City of Somerville, Massachusetts responsible or managing the city's annual operating budget and works. Karen Rhodes-Whitley director of budget & research, City of Plano, Texas leading the City of Plano's $1.2 billion operating and capital budget and serves as chair of GFOA's Committee on Retirement and Benefits Administration. And Richard Greene, principal of Barrett and Greene, Inc. who was also the moderator of the panel.

In our Season 3 finale, we're speaking with Massachusetts Treasurer Deborah Goldberg. We asked Treasurer Goldberg about some of her state's programs to address economic mobility, including the Office of Economic Empowerment, which Treasurer Goldberg founded. We also talked about how financial education is being taught statewide, how the current interest rate environment affects her approach to investing and reserve funds, and of course, we hear about some of the Treasurer's best unclaimed property stories, including one involving a Red Sox legend! In Ripped from the Headlines, we discuss a story about efforts in Jackson, Mich. to replace lead pipes, and how states and localities around the country are funding programs like these.