The impact of inflation on local government fiscal health
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 20201852 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Christine R Martell (0000-0003-1807-2232, University of Colorado Denver, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2024 |
| Volume | 36 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 234-252 |
| Publication date | 2024-04-11 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Journal of Public Budgeting Accounting & Financial Management (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 1096-3367 • E-ISSN: 1945-1814 |
| Publisher | Emerald (PUBLISHER) |
| DOI | 10.1108/jpbafm-09-2023-0171 |
| OpenAlex | W4390704129 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 2 |
| References cited | 22 |
Purpose Inflation and federal monetary efforts to control it with interest rate hikes have very real and overwhelmingly negative consequences on US local governments following the onset of COVID-19. This study explores the post-pandemic inflationary environment of US local governments; examines the impacts of inflation and high interest rates on local government revenue, operating costs, capital costs, and debt service; reviews local government inflation management strategies, including the use of intergovernmental revenue; and assesses ongoing threats to local government financial health and financial resilience. Design/methodology/approach This study uses trend and literature analysis to comment on current issues local governments face. Findings The study finds that the growth of property values and resulting stability of property tax revenue has been important to local government revenues; that local governments bear very real burdens as operating and capital costs increase; and that the combination of high inflation and interest rates affects local government debt issuance by negatively affecting credit quality and interest costs, leading to municipal market contraction. Local governments have benefitted tremendously from intergovernmental revenue, but would be ill-advised to rely on it. Practical implications Vulnerabilities owing from revenue mismatch with the economy; inadequate affordable housing, inequality, and social issues; a changing workforce and tight labor market; climate change; and federal fiscal contraction—all of which are exacerbated by high inflation and interest rates—require local governments to act strategically, boldly and collaboratively to achieve fiscal health and financial resilience, and to realize positive returns of investments in people and capital. Originality/value This work is unique in addressing the post-pandemic impact of inflation and interest rates on local governments
Business · Economic policy · Economics · Government revenue · Interest rate · Local government · Monetary economics · Revenue · Fiscal Policies and Political Economy · Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth · Local Government Finance and Decentralization · Finance
| Citations per year | 2 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2025 - 2026 (2) |
| Highly cited | No |