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Does Springfield receive its fair share of municipal aid? : implications for aid formula reform in Massachusetts

Author

Listed:
  • Marques Benton
  • Lynn E. Browne
  • Prabal Chakrabarti
  • DeAnna Green
  • Yolanda Kodrzycki
  • Ana Patricia Munoz
  • Richard Walker
  • Bo Zhao

Abstract

This paper examines the distribution of unrestricted municipal aid in Massachusetts, which has been a major concern to civic leaders and elected officials of many communities, including Springfield. The paper develops a measure of the municipal fiscal gap indicating the relative need of municipalities for state aid. The analysis shows that in recent years, unrestricted municipal aid has not been distributed in proportion to the gap measure among the 10 largest cities in Massachusetts. For example, despite having the largest municipal gap, Springfield received almost the lowest per capita amount of Additional Assistance -- a key component of municipal aid. This pattern is the result of deep and uneven aid cuts in the past that distorted the distribution of municipal aid. This paper therefore suggests that state government consider adopting a formula that provides more aid to communities facing larger municipal gaps. To avoid disrupting local budgets, the state could consider holding existing aid harmless, and using the gap-based formula to distribute new aid. The simulations show that if the state commits to reasonably large increases in municipal aid, this new approach can be both equalizing and beneficial to a majority of municipalities in the Commonwealth within a relatively short time period. The paper provides various formula evaluations and policy recommendations that could support efforts to reform state aid in Massachusetts.

Suggested Citation

  • Marques Benton & Lynn E. Browne & Prabal Chakrabarti & DeAnna Green & Yolanda Kodrzycki & Ana Patricia Munoz & Richard Walker & Bo Zhao, 2010. "Does Springfield receive its fair share of municipal aid? : implications for aid formula reform in Massachusetts," Public and Community Affairs Discussion Papers 2010-2, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    • Handle: RePEc:fip:fedbpc:2010-2
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    File URL: http://www.bostonfed.org/commdev/pcadp/2010/pcadp1002.pdf
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Marques Benton & Lynn E. Browne & Prabal Chakrabarti & DeAnna Green & Yolanda Kodrzycki & Ana Patricia Munoz & David Plasse & Richard Walker & Bo Zhao, 2009. "Greater Springfield employment challenges: findings of employer survey and interviews," Public and Community Affairs Discussion Papers 2009-04, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    2. Bo Zhao & Katharine Bradbury, 2009. "Designing state aid formulas," Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(2), pages 278-295.
    3. Yinger, John, 1986. "On fiscal disparities across cities," Journal of Urban Economics, Elsevier, vol. 19(3), pages 316-337, May.
    4. Marques Benton & Lynn E. Browne & Prabal Chakrabarti & DeAnna Green & Yolanda Kodrzycki & Ana Patricia Munoz & David Plasse & Richard Walker & Bo Zhao, 2009. "Towards a more prosperous Springfield, MA: what jobs exist for people without a college education?," Public and Community Affairs Discussion Papers 2009-02, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    5. Yolanda Kodrzycki & Ana Patricia Munoz, 2009. "Lessons from resurgent cities," Annual Report, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, pages 9-31.
    6. Marques Benton & Lynn E. Browne & Prabal Chakrabarti & DeAnna Green & Yolanda Kodrzycki & Ana Patricia Munoz & David Plasse & Richard Walker & Bo Zhao, 2009. "Reinvigorating Springfield's economy: lessons from resurgent cities," Public and Community Affairs Discussion Papers 2009-03, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.
    7. Bradbury, Katharine & Zhao, Bo, 2009. "Measuring Non–School Fiscal Disparities Among Municipalities," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 62(1), pages 25-56, March.
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    Keywords

    Municipal finance - Massachusetts;

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