Vacant office buildings create a tax revenue problem for cities

Feb 16, 2024
Take Boston. Over the next five years, that city could face a tax revenue shortfall to the tune of $1.2 to $1.5 billion, according to a new study from the Boston Policy Institute.
Over the next five years, Boston could face a tax revenue shortfall of up to $1.5 billion.
Billie Weiss/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images

Tax revenue vs. temptation: Legalized online sports betting creates a dilemma for problem gamblers

Sep 6, 2022
Where mobile betting is legal, it accounts for 90% of all wagers, one expert says. Do the pros outweigh the cons?
“Americans have always bet on sports," says John Holden of Oklahoma State University.
Roslan Rahman/AFP via Getty Images

Why are some states experiencing a tax revenue surplus?

Jun 7, 2021
More than half of U.S. states took in as much or more in tax revenue between March 2020 and February 2021 than they did the year before.
In some states — including Utah, Idaho and Colorado — tax revenue went up at least 8%.
George Frey/AFP via Getty Images

How smokers have boosted state tax revenue during the pandemic

Mar 16, 2021
Some states got an unexpected bump from tobacco taxes. The number of people smoking has declined steadily, except in 2020.
A fair amount of money gained from "sin taxes" on products like tobacco helps fund antismoking campaigns.
China Photos/Getty Images

State and local governments pinched as pandemic hits tax revenue

Apr 30, 2020
Many will be forced to tap rainy-day funds or turn to the bond market to make ends meet.
Union Station in Los Angeles. States and municipalities may turn to the bond market to support transportation systems and other facilities.
Mario Tama/Getty Images

Garbage won't pile up during this government shutdown

Jan 19, 2018
A few lessons were learned in Washington, D.C., from the 2013 closure.
Mark Wilson/Getty Images