Cities Are Not Nations: The Hard Budget Reality of Brainerd, Minnesota

Despite assertions to the contrary, a city's budget is almost exactly like a family budget.

MarohnCharles MarohnApril 7, 2025transparent local accounting, Finance Decoder, minnesota, debt, finance

Two Views, One Budget: Why Houston’s Financial Story Isn’t as Simple as It Looks

Houston’s new Popular Annual Financial Report tells a reassuring story of short-term growth and recovery, but it ignores the city's long-term financial trends. If things are going to improve, public officials need to confront reality.

Top StoryCharles MarohnApril 3, 2025texas, transparent local accounting, municipal finance, debt, financial solvency, Finance Decoder

The Growth Ponzi Scheme Revisited: Houston as a Case Study

Cities across North America are financially imploding—not because of a lack of growth, but because of the pattern of growth itself. Few cities illustrate this pattern as vividly as Houston, Texas.