Recent Publications

Local Leaders Must Prepare Now for Potential Federal Budget Impact

Author: Anne Bovaird Nevins, Benjamin Weiser, Bruce Katz, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl

As federal funding shifts from investment to cuts, local governments must act now. Conducting “stress tests” will help assess risks, engage stakeholders, and develop response plans. Proactive planning ensures communities can adapt and protect essential services amid fiscal uncertainty.

A Housing Action Plan for States and Localities

Author: AJ Hermann, Benjamin Preis, Bruce Katz, Mary Ellen Wiederwohl, Michael Saadine

The National Housing Crisis Task Force has released tools to help communities tackle the housing crisis. The State and Local Housing Action Plan highlights innovative strategies in land use, capital, construction, regulation, and governance. With reduced federal support, state and local leaders can use these tools to boost housing production and affordability. Initial tools focus on zoning reforms, tax incentives, and modular construction.

Designing a Municipal Stress Test: Early Signals from NYC

Author: Benjamin Weiser, Bruce Katz

The Trump Administration’s policy shifts have created financial uncertainty for cities and states. NYC’s Comptroller analyzed the city’s reliance on federal funds, highlighting risks to entitlement programs, public services, and infrastructure. This model can help other municipalities assess their fiscal exposure. With federal cuts now a reality, local governments must prepare for the impact.

A Housing Reality Check

Author: Benjamin Preis, Bruce Katz, Michael Saadine

The U.S. housing system, long supported by consistent federal policies, faces unprecedented uncertainty due to recent government shifts. While programs like the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and Housing Choice Vouchers have historically underpinned affordable housing, new administrative actions threaten to disrupt this stability.

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About the Nowak Lab

To contact the Nowak Metro Finance Lab or any of our staff, please email nowaklab@drexel.edu or lindyinstitute@drexel.edu.