"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will heal their land."

Chris DeCardy, president of the Heinz Endowments. That foundation, along with others in Pittsburgh, has helped the city change its economic focus to robotics, AI, life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Pittsburgh is one of several major cities where foundations are pushing economic development strategies in parallel with city governments themselves. (Governing – Jan. 2, 2025)

Maryland Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. He backs an effort to expand alcohol sales beyond liquor stores, allowing sales in grocery stores and perhaps other retailers. Some legislators worry that increased competition could hurt small business owners, but surveys show overwhelming support for allowing such sales, which would bring Maryland in line with laws in adjoining Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.(Maryland Matters – Dec. 11, 2024)

Weld County, Colo., Commissioner Kevin Ross. The county is seeing its assessed value drop from nearly $25 billion last year to less than $20 billion this year, but its budget remains in fairly good shape. That’s in part due to a property tax rate increase but also for finance decisions made over time to take into account the county’s boom and bust sectors, particularly energy. (Denver Post – Dec. 15, 2024)

Alderman Anthony Beale. He was complaining about Mayor Brandon Johnson’s budget, which increases spending from last year and includes accounting gimmicks to avoid a property tax increase. Beale was among a group of 15 aldermen (there are a total of 50 on the board) who called on the mayor to cut spending by an additional $824 million. (The Center Square – Dec. 16, 2024)