Research and Publications
Research reports and publications from all areas of NLC, including the Center for Research and Innovation and the Institute for Youth, Education and Families.
City Fiscal Conditions in 2011 (September 2011)
The nation's cities are cutting personnel and infrastructure projects as the economic downturn continues to take its toll on city finances according to the National League of Cities' (NLC) 26th annual City Fiscal Conditions report.
Community Development Block Grants: Impacts on Metro Economies (March 2011)
IHS Global Impact analyzed the economic impact of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) on US communities. This preliminary report finds that from 2003-2008, CDBG helped create 147,000 jobs annually and contributed $13.1 billion in gross domestic product.
City Fiscal Conditions in 2010 (October 2010)
The nation's city finance officers report that the fiscal condition of the nation's cities continues to weaken in 2010 as cities confront the effects of the economic downturn. Local and regional economies characterized by struggling housing markets, slow consumer spending, and high levels of unemployment are driving declines in city revenues. In response, cities are cutting personnel, infrastructure investments and key services.
A joint report between NLC, the National Association of Counties and the United States Conference of Mayors shows that local governments are facing a fiscal crisis that will force job losses approaching 500,000 and significant cuts in much needed public services.
State of America's Cities Survey on Jobs and the Economy (May 2010)
This survey finds that 75% of city officials report that overall economic and fiscal conditions have worsened over the past year.
State of City Leadership for Children and Families (October 2009)
This report identifies the nation's most cutting-edge city innovations to help children and families thrive, focusing on trends in early childhood success, education, afterschool, youth in transition, youth violence prevention, community wellness, youth civic engagement, family economic succes and local "infrastructure." This report was written by NLC's Institute for Youth, Education, and Families.
Cities and State Fiscal Structure (May 2008)
This report examines state-local fiscal structures and the way in which state fiscal regimes do or do not create a fiscal environment that makes it difficult for municipalities to effectively fund their own activities - including those that contribute to economic development at the local and regional levels.
For more NLC research and publications, visit the Find City Solutions section.
