MUNICIPAL FINANCE CHALLENGES

AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

In addition to drawing from hopefully healthy rainy-day funds, Lucy Dadayan, a principal research associate with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute, offered these best practices for raising municipal revenue without directly raising property tax millage:

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are increasingly used to finance, build and operate major infrastructure projects. The private sector provides upfront capital and assumes cost overrun risks in return for future revenue.

Community Redevelopment Agencies (CRAs) fund local revitalization by capturing and reinvesting increased property tax revenues within designated zones, particularly in underserved areas.

MUNICIPAL FINANCE CHALLENGES

AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Lucy Dadayan, a principal research associate with the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center at the Urban Institute, offers these standard belt-tightening measures:

• Hiring freezes/not filling vacant positions, suspending or reducing pay increases, furloughs and layoffs.

• Delaying or canceling infrastructure upgrades.

• Across-the-board or targeted spending cuts in both non-essential and sometimes critical services.

• Selling surplus assets or utilizing government-owned real estate for revenue generation.

• Redirecting already-obligated funds to ensure that legally committed projects can proceed.

MUNICIPAL FINANCE CHALLENGES

AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Ask a municipal financing and policy guru and they will say there is no magic bullet.

But plenty of thought leaders have notions on how local government can improve quality of life while reconciling belt tightening needed as a result of stimulus and infrastructure dollars from the previous administration drawing down while the present administration very intentionally wants to shrink federal spending.

The challenge is how to fund a municipal budget with room for everything.

 

 

 

MUNICIPAL FINANCE CHALLENGES

AND POTENTIAL SOLUTIONS

Every constituent of every elected official wants a better quality of life in their community.

Priorities shift among demographics, but great parks, pedestrian safety, quality hous[1]ing, good schools, safe streets and protection against dangers top just about everyone’s list.

The challenge is how to fund a municipal budget with room for everything from social services to huge infrastructure projects aimed at both sustainability and mitigation against ever-increasing natural disasters.

The task becomes even more challenging when the cost of services and materials is soaring, while the federal government — and its myriad programs that traditionally disburse billions to municipalities — is shrinking.

DOWNTOWN MIAMI = LEAST WALKABLE URBAN CORE IN THE USA

CITY IGNORES CENTURY-OLD SIMPLE SCAFFOLDING THAT COULD KEEP SIDEWALKS OPEN AND SAFE DURING CONSTRUCTION

How is it that the bankrupt Cleveland Ohio of my youth could maintain pedestrian and wheelchair access via simple scaffolding more than a half century ago?

But Miami destroys pedestrian safety in the name of development that blocks all sidewalks downtown.

This soul-killing photo shows urban policy that is unacceptable/illegal according to ADA.

Both sides of NE 6 St. west of NE 1st Ave. blocked for years of construction.

There is zero provision of legally required temporary pedestrian/wheelchair accessible pathway.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

There are restaurants and bars within walking distance of Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma.

But it is located on a super quiet street -- great for sleeping.

The thing to remember about Kyoto is its famous shrines, temples, historic zones, etc. are spread out.

If you visit for more than a day, you will be riding buses and trains to see the famous sites.

So, this is a good and affordable central location.

There also is a large, beautiful bookstore/cafe very near the hotel.

Sotetsu Fresa certainly is more sedate than some spots in Gion -- where the tourists walk the streets and partake of the bars well past midnight.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

There is a 7-11 24 hour konbini 2 minutes away and a subway station 5 minutes from Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma.

The pleasant hotel’s location is more in the downtown.

The beloved Gion and Pontocho tourist areas are about a 20-minute walk -- but there is an inexpensive bus to get you there in minutes.

The Daimaru department store's famous basement luxury food hall -- one to rival Harrods -- is 5 minutes way.

The touristy but delicious Nishiki Market and its fresh and diverse street food is 10 minutes away on foot.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

Long before arriving at Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma, I make a polite request for 2 extra flat sheets.

I got a terse note saying that could not be honored in advance, so I would have to remember to take it up with the desk staff on arrival.

Despite specific verbal and written notes to the staff, on cleaning day -- one of my flat sheets disappeared during the housekeeping visit.

I got back late and was stressed waiting for them to send a new sheet up -- while I remade the bed the way I had done up to my needs.

 

 

 

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

When I booked, I contacted Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma to request a quiet room -- away from elevators, bars and street noises.

When I arrived, I got a room far enough from the elevators, but next to the stairway of one of the dingiest apartment buildings in all of Kyoto.

I tried to rest for half an hour, but couldn't -- as some sleazy folks were smoking, drinking and talking at the top of their lungs around 4 p.m.

I requested a new room, but it was a pain to put all my belongings back into my single suitcase.

They have no carts to help with moving belongings.

Also, my new room was near the elevator and shared a wall with housekeeping -- so I heard staff banging around in there very early in the morning.

I did not have the energy to request a second room change, so I dealt with it.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

My Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma room was small but efficient.

There was a nice sized fridge for storing sodas and food.

The bed was comfy and the tub shower had endless hot water.

There is a full service breakfast place in the lobby.

I felt the price was a tad steep, so I did not partake.

SOTETSU FRESA INN KYOTO – SJIJOKARASUMA

AFFORDABLE CENTRAL LOCATION 

WITH GREAT STAFF AND HELPFUL AMENITIES

Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma sets a nice tone with a long, tranquil, decorative hallway off the street.

The staff is outstanding.

They helped me with the automated check-in and not only found me a full-service grocery within 12 walking minutes, but they also printed a color map.

The second floor lobby is filled with free small items -- toothbrushes, razors, all kinds of amenities.

UGLY GIANT BOLLARD PLANTERS DESTROY SAFETY AND VISIBILITY

WHEELCHAIR USERS CANNOT SEE WHAT’S COMING BEFORE CROSSING  BUSY ALTON ROAD AND LINCOLN ROAD IN MIAMI BEACH

Every wheelchair user’s safety is threatened by bollards along Lincoln Road at Alton Road in Miami Beach.

The car in the photo is a lane over.

It’s impossible to see what’s coming north on the closest lane.

We all know Miami drivers run red lights serially.

The bollards are there on the one in 1 in 10 million chance that a terrorist drives onto Lincoln Road.

In an urban area that consistently rates as one of the most dangerous for pedestrians, the odds of an accident because of the bollards are probably 1 in 10,000.

Very bad planning guards against the extreme outlier while ruining independence, inclusion, mobility and dignity of all people with disabilities.

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

Ueno Touganeya Hotel’s rooms could use a makeover.

They are a bit drab.

With them being so small -- about 100 SF -- they could stand to be modernized.

There is one elevator, so there could be a wait to get up to your room if the property is fully occupied.

It would be nice to have some small breakfast offering -- just some coffee and rolls, so you could get some food on your belly before venturing out for a long day of exploring.

 

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

Ueno Touganeya Hotel’s location by the major hub Ueno train station is a huge plus.

Ueno Station has direct access to Tokyo Station for the Shinkansen bullet trains, as well as only one change for the monorail to Haneda.

During my first stay, I could hear a lot of noise from the floor above.

Asking for a room on the top (6th) floor upon my return solved that problem.

The building is ugly and one of the few in Tokyo with graffiti marks – maybe this keeps the price low.

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

The Ueno Touganeya Hotel front desk staff is very good with English and it was also outstanding at responding to my emailed requests and questions.

I had a request about room location (for my return, 4-day stay after my original 3-day visit) and they were super accommodating.

There is a Lawson 24 hour konbini footsteps away.

Ueno station has a gourmet grocery. 

And there are tons of mom and pop restaurants withing walking distance.

The vibrant Ameyoko shopping street is about 10 minutes away. 

There is some really great street food, sit down spots and discount shopping in the always crowded, noisy strip. 

Thankfully, Ameyoko is on the other side of the huge train station, so none of its raucousness disturbs guests at Touganeya Hotel.

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

The Ueno Touganeya Hotel rooms are tiny, but quiet.

The water pressure and warmth in the shower was fine and the AC worked well.

The bed was comfy and the small desk and drawers were very efficient.

Perhaps the rooms and hallways could use a slight makeover, but then again the price was just a bit more than $100 USD per night including taxes.

Luggage storage was good and secure while I waited for check-in.

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

The Ueno Touganeya Hotel lobby is warm and the staff is outstanding.

There is a small microwave for shared use (none in rooms, but a very tiny fridge is in each room) and a purified water dispenser for filling your bottles.

I did not use the onsite laundry, but that is a good amenity.

There are a few freebies, such as coffee and tea packets plus tiny travel razors/toothbrushes in the lobby.  

UENO TOUGANEYA HOTEL TOKYO

PERFECTLY LOCATED NO FRILLS, MOM AND POP PROPERTY WITH EXCELLENT STAFF AND GREAT PRICE POINT

Ueno Touganeya Hotel is the perfect no frills, small room, great staff lodging for those who want to be five minutes from the major Ueno train station.

The lodging also is about 10 minutes from amazing Ueno Park's 130-plus acres of world class museums, shrines/temples, lake, Tokyo Zoo, festivals and cherry blossom trees in spring/golden trees in fall.

The building is very nondescript and there is zero food available.

DELIVERY BOT DISASTER

THESE MACHINES DO NOT BACK UP

OR MOVE OUT OF THE WAY OF WHEELCHAIR USERS

When I see a delivery bot parked on a sidewalk, I worry about wheelchair access.

My worst fear came true in Miami Beach near Lincoln Road.

I walked up & even pushed this—it didn’t budge.

I tested another in Coral Gables near Miracle Mile.

It stops when it detects motion, but it blocks the sidewalk.

Do all of these endanger the lives of wheelchair users by pushing them into the street?

Has not one city official cared enough to demand that these are programmed to retreat and clear the sidewalk path wide enough for a wheelchair user?

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

When I arrived at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi and saw the array of hard liquor, wine, sake and Shōchū with soda highball dispenser – I felt some trepidation.

I could see where free, unlimited booze could create some noisy, sleep-disturbing neighbors.

This was NOT the case at all on my floor, but I'm wondering out loud whether they should place some kind of limit on the free flowing alcohol.

Bottom line: Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi is the first lodging I’ve stayed, out of hundreds, worthy of 10/10 review!

 

 

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

During my 5 nights at Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi, there were some noises from the room above -- 

kids jumping off the bunk bed? 

Person who works out at odd hours?

Or maybe it was some sound from nearby trains or freeway that I thought was in the hotel.

At any rate, using the free earplugs provided and bumping up the fan on the AC had me sleeping fine.

The mid-section of the room -- tub/shower/toilet/dressing room double sinks -- is raised.

Being 13 time zones from home and a tad disoriented, this can be a tripping hazard -- especially at night when you are getting out of bed and forgetting to step up a foot to use the toilet. 

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

The Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi staff has translate apps to communicate by voice.

Two elevators to get you to room speedily. 

A menu of towels and pillows to supplement the comfy ones in the room.

I had a luxury stay at a price just above $100 USD including taxes.

The amount of freebies is astounding -- and they all are high quality.

I enjoyed this well-run property more than past stays at $1K per night luxe branded hotels.

They think of everything.

They scrimp on nothing.

I will run out of space before I list the endless high quality amenities.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

The Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi common area is unmatched.

It has a welcoming, lavish and warm breakfast buffet.

Gourmet coffee machine and soda machine add to the calming atmosphere.

Amazing veggie curry, ramen, baked sweet potatoes and other free top notch food is available around the clock.

The lobby has free wine, sake, liquor.

The hotel draws a high caliber guest -- because I saw no one abusing the free alcohol or being noisy.

Dozens of free small things -- think ear plugs, glasses cleaning wipes, face masks -- are available in baskets in the lobby.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi places you footsteps away from famous sites, fabulous street and sit down food, fun bars and all ranges of shopping.

The nearby Namba train station provides excellent access to all of Osaka's downtown lavish department stores, aquarium and Ferris Wheel on Osaka Bay -- and all the quirky little foodie neighborhood.

Upon check-in, they give you credits for full room and light cleanings.

That way you can have zero disturbance or frequent housekeeping.

The front desk is super responsive -- helped me with directions, suggestions and resetting the AC controller that I bumped in the night.

HOTEL K6 OSAKA NAMBA SHINABAISHI NEAR DOTONBORI

UNMATCHED AMENITIES, LOCATION, FREEBIES 

AND HELPFUL STAFF AT A VERY FAIR PRICE 

Every hotel on earth should be like Hotel K6 Osaka Namba Shinsaibashi.

The amenities are amazing.

My room was large and featured a huge tube and shower with TV.

The bed was comfortable. 

The mini fridge was large and cool.

The dressing area is amazing with side by side sinks and dozens of high quality grooming products.

The location is perfect -- 5 minutes from major Namba train station and right at glitzy Dotonbori (neon, crowds, restaurants, energy) but somehow quiet and calm.

MIAMI BLOCKS WHEELCHAIR ACCESS AND WALKABILITY

TO A SHAMEFUL LEVEL UNAMATCHED BY ANY CITY ON EARTH

Wheelchair access is destroyed in the heart of Miami — a block of NE 1st Ave. south of NE 6 St.

The west side is construction without the legally required wheelchair accessible temporary route.

The east side has a bus bench advertisement that pinches the sidewalk to 2 feet wide.

This is an emergency that must be fixed immediately.

It violates the ADA.

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS      AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

Tip of the hat to Rosen management for rapidly posting a custom reply to my concerns – it demonstrates a commitment to excellence:

We appreciate your candor regarding the parking fees and the situation at our poolside bar and grill.

Your insights are invaluable, and we are committed to improving our guests' experiences.

We will certainly review the issues you highlighted with our management team to enhance the quality of our services and ensure our guests' needs are met efficiently.

Thank you once again for your constructive feedback.

We hope to have the opportunity to welcome you back and provide an even more pleasant experience in the future.

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS        AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

Tip of the hat to Rosen management for rapidly posting a custom reply to my concerns – it demonstrates a commitment to excellence:

Hello Steve, thank you for taking the time to share your detailed feedback following your stay at Rosen Plaza.

We are delighted to hear that you found our accommodations to be spacious, clean, and comfortable, and that our team was able to fulfill your request for a quiet room with a view.

It's wonderful to know that you enjoyed our breakfast buffet and had such a positive experience with Brahim; he will be pleased to receive your commendation for his exceptional service.

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS      AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

My other small issue with Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center was the pool side bar and grill.

I met a colleague for a burger and fries there. We had some business to go over before my speech.

The music was way too loud.

We asked to sit farther from the bar -- in a lowered area next to the pool -- with tables for the bar -- but were told the pool was closing soon so we could not sit in the very seating area that was created for the very place were were patronizing.

Of course, we were there two hours, paid for a lot of food and drink -- and the pool never closed, so we could have easily sat in the more tranquil area.

It is poor management to blast music and fail to accommodate the simplest request to move to an already designated seating area that is less loud.

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS       AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

International Drive in Orlando is NOT a crowded urban area.

If something is as dense at Manhattan, I expect to pay to park.

So it was not fun to pay nearly $25, including tax, per day, for a self park spot in a huge -- uncovered and barely shaded -- surface lot.

In fairness, I do understand that virtually all properties in the area charge for parking and some charge much more than Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center.

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS      AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

The Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center breakfast buffet was fresh, warm and extensive -- even though less than 10 people were at breakfast when I went to it.

My server was fabulous.

He poured coffee frequently.

He also politely explained that juice came with the $22 buffet.

Often, it is extra and I would not have enjoyed a tall glass of OJ without his making things clear.

The man's name, on my receipt, is Brahim.

He brought extra napkins and was highly professional.

I hope he gets a bonus when/if the property reads this review.

ROSEN PLAZA HOTEL ORLANDO CONVENTION CENTER

PROFESSIONALLY RUN PROPERTY WITH MULTIPLE DINING OPTIONS     AT GOOD PRICE NEXT TO ORANGE COUNTY CONVENTION CENTER

I was speaking at a conference nearby.

The host hotel was too expensive.

I wanted something for under $150 --fully loaded (as in room, tax, parking) and Rosen Plaza Hotel Orlando Convention Center fit the bill.

The room was large, super quiet and very clean.

The bed was very comfortable.

I emailed the property to place me far from the elevators, as that usually is a noisy area.

They complied, but I still had a view of International Drive.

The pool was large and nice, but it was rainy so I did not use it.

VENTANITAS

STORIES FROM AND ABOUT LITTLE HAVANA U.S.A.

Thrilled to attend the recent world premiere of trailer for Ventanitas -- Stories From and About Little Havana U.S.A.

Gratified that Joe Cardona featured me in this compelling documentary.

The film embraces diversity, cultural richness, compassion, equality and freedom. 

Ventanitas will premier in early 2026.

In final form, it may be a five-part series – broadcast nationwide.

https://share.icloud.com/photos/0c7X-RNvZ10So2FgozoeTshqA

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Universal Design and Aging in Place resources:

·        The National Association of Home Builders has a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (CAPS) program that teaches contractors how to modify homes for disability accessibility and aging-in-place.

https://www.nahb.org/education-and-events/education/designations/certified-aging-in-place-specialist-caps/Additional-CAPS-Resources-Search#sort=relevancy

·        The National Council on Independent Living is a network of city and statewide nonprofits focused on people with disabilities living independently, not in institutions.

 ItIt has a wide range of resources, including the Visitability guidelines created by Eleanor Smith.

https://ncil.org/visitability/

 

 

 

 

WHAT HOMEBUYERS WITH DISABILITIES NEED BEYOND THE FRONT DOOR

AS THE POPULATION AGES, BARRIER-FREE LIVING AND ACCESSIBLE COMMUNITIES ARE BECOMING KEY DRIVERS OF VALUE IN REAL ESTATE

Universal Design and Aging in Place resources:

The AARP is the largest nonprofit in the U.S., with 38 million members.

It developed the: Walk Audit Tool Kit “Learn how to assess and report on the safety and walkability of a street, intersection or neighborhood — and inspire needed change.”

https://www.aarp.org/livable-communities/getting-around/aarp-walk-audit-tool-kit-english/

 Understanding Aging in Place and Accessibility is a must to capture a growing market

·        Selling a high quality of life to people with disabilities includes the barrier-free accessibility of the community beyond the four walls of their residence

·        Soon, there will be more Americans age 65-plus than under 18. Nearly 40 percent of those older than 65 have some type of disability that impacts their daily lives.