In an effort to explain the major fiscal challenges that Worcester and every other community in the Commonwealth faces in FY12, and how they have been addressed, The Research Bureau presents answers to ten key questions about the City's budget.

How is a bond rating for a municipality determined? Have Worcester's borrowing costs gone up or down in the current volatile municipal bond market?

This report reviews the City Manager's FY11 budget.

This report discusses the significance of bond ratings for a municipality's financial well-being and examines seven indicators of municipal fiscal health that are key determinants of a municipality's bond rating.

This report, produced annually, reviews the City Manager's FY10 budget.

This report discusses the significance of bond ratings for a municipality's financial well-being and examines seven indicators of municipal fiscal health that are key determinants of a municipality's bond rating.

This report, produced annually, reviews the City Manager's FY10 budget.

This report discusses the significance of bond ratings for a municipality's financial well-being and examines seven indicators of municipal fiscal health that are key determinants of a municipality's bond rating.

This report examines six indicators of municipal fiscal health that are key determinants of a municipality's bond rating.

Suggestions for addressing projected budget shortfalls through cost controls, restructuring services, and increasing revenues.