Building Trust for Better Community Outcomes with Mark Funkhouser
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
Release Date: 05/28/2024
Market Trends and VRDN Insights with Rick White
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Full Disclosure, hosts and Nina Enholm sit down with Rick White, an independent consultant and veteran of the municipal finance world with over 20 years of experience in underwriting and remarketing tax-exempt variable rate debt. Rick pulls back the curtain on (VRDNs), Tender Option Bonds, and money market eligible products and explains their structure, benefits, risks, and how they've evolved since the 2008 financial crisis. From his early days on the trading floor at First Union to managing a $30 billion variable rate portfolio at Wells Fargo, Rick provides a front-row...
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Tariffs, Interest Rates, and What's Next: Economic Update with Mark Vitner
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Full Disclosure, hosts and sit down with Mark Vitner, Chief Economist at , for an in-depth economic update. Mark unpacks key trends shaping the U.S. economy, analyzing the impact of tariffs, Federal Reserve policy, and shifting supply chains on growth and inflation. With years of experience forecasting economic conditions, Mark provides valuable insights into the current slowdown, explaining how uncertainty in trade policy and capital investment decisions is influencing business strategy. He breaks down the real effects of tariffs on consumer prices and how the Federal...
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Bond Banks 101: Exploring the First—The Vermont Bond Bank
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Full Disclosure, our hosts and explore the unique role of bond banks with Michael Gaughan, Executive Director of the Vermont Bond Bank. Michael shares his expertise on how bond banks provide critical access to capital for small and rural communities, ensuring they can fund essential infrastructure projects without the complexities of direct market access. Michael takes us through the origins of the , the first of its kind in the nation, and explains how it continues to evolve, offering innovative financing solutions that help municipalities manage challenges like rising...
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Managing Hurricane Helene Disaster Recovery
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Full Disclosure, we share an extraordinary story of resilience, leadership, and community effort in the face of disaster. Our hosts, and , are joined by Melissa Moore, CFO of Buncombe County, and Matt Evans, Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, as they recount their experiences navigating the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated Western North Carolina. Melissa and Matt share personal and professional accounts of the storm’s impact, from the harrowing challenges of managing emergency operations without communication systems to ensuring that first...
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A Career of Impact: Los Angeles Treasurer Dan Wiles on Public Finance, Leadership, and His Defining Deal
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we sit down with Dan Wiles, Assistant Treasurer for Los Angeles County and newly appointed MSRB Board Member, as he reflects on his nearly 40-year career in public finance and prepares for retirement. Join host and guest co-host as they explore Dan’s remarkable journey—from growing up in a small town in Minnesota to becoming a leader in municipal finance for one of the largest counties in the U.S. Dan shares his path from law school to public finance, recounting career-defining moments, including his pivotal role in the landmark 2013...
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Leadership in Chicago’s Public Transit Operations with Kevin Bueso
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we meet Kevin Bueso, Chief Financial Officer at the Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) of Northeastern Illinois. Kevin shares his inspiring journey from Honduras to leading finance operations at one of the country’s largest transit oversight agencies. Join host as he explores Kevin’s strategic initiatives to address the challenges of post-pandemic public transit, the ongoing fiscal cliff, and the role of technology in transforming operations. Kevin discusses the unique challenges the RTA faces as an oversight and funding agency...
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Managing Growth and Public Trust in Local Government with Melissa Moore
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
Join us for an insightful episode of Where Public Finance Works, featuring Melissa Moore, the Finance Director for Buncombe County, North Carolina. Host explores Melissa’s unique transition from the private sector to public finance, sharing how her analytical background and experience in financial planning have driven meaningful change in local government. Melissa discusses her journey from Texas to North Carolina, offering a behind-the-scenes look at her strategic approach to financial planning and cash flow management. She explains how Buncombe County is handling growth and public trust...
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Innovating Treasury Operations in Higher Education: Lessons from Denise Laussade
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the remarkable career of Denise Laussade, a distinguished leader in university treasury operations with roles at both Purdue University and Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). Join host as he uncovers the deep-seated love for dance and music that has been a guiding force in Denise’s life. These artistic passions have seamlessly intertwined with her career in finance, providing a unique perspective. Denise’s professional journey spans different industries, from futures trading in oil, gold, and silver at Texaco to handling...
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Shaping a Safer Community: Strategic Public Safety Enhancements with Brian Pahle
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the community of Hendersonville, NC alongside Brian Pahle, Assistant City Manager. Join host as he engages Brian in a thought-provoking discussion about his impact on public safety and fiscal management, along with his leadership in transforming the city's administrative landscape. Brian shares his ascent through the ranks from a budget intern to his current role, where he focused on overhauling the city’s public safety protocols. His story includes strategic enhancements in fire services, emergency response, and infrastructure to...
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The Strategic Role of Treasury within Utility Authorities with Randall Barnes
Full Disclosure: The Public Treasury Podcast from DebtBook
In this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we explore the dynamic operations at JEA with , the Treasurer who has been steering the financial helm since August 2022. Randall's journey from a small town in East Tennessee to managing billions in Jacksonville’s public utilities is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the public finance sector. Host breaks down Randall’s role, from overseeing debt management and cash forecasting to maintaining strong relationships with rating agencies. Randall shares insights into JEA’s financial strategies, including the complexities of...
info_outlineIn this episode of Where Public Finance Works, we’re joined by Mark Funkhouser, an expert in government finance and urban management. From growing up in West Virginia to finding an interest in political science in Pennsylvania, discover the path that led Mark to become a pivotal figure in Kansas City's administration.
His career spans various roles, including social worker, director of the Performance Audit Group in Tennessee, and City Auditor in Kansas City. Through each position, Mark shares the importance of using government as a force for good, improving lives through effective management and fiscal responsibility.
Join our host, Tyler Traudt, as he introduces us to Mark's philosophy on leadership and governance. You’ll learn about Mark's strategic initiatives during his tenure as Mayor of Kansas City, where he focused on improving the city's financial health, reducing crime, and managing significant infrastructure projects. Mark's leadership saw Kansas City through the Great Recession, achieving the best financial condition in decades and a notable reduction in crime rates.
Mark also reflects on his post-mayoral career and his continued work in public finance and governance, including consulting and teaching, and his ongoing belief in the transformative power of effective public administration. His experience illustrates how effective governance can lead to better community outcomes and financial stability.
Featured Guest
Mark Funkhouser, president of Funkhouser & Associates, is a distinguished municipal finance expert with decades of government service. As the mayor of Kansas City, Missouri, during the Great Recession, Mark made pivotal decisions to guide the city toward fiscal sustainability. His extensive experience as an auditor—coupled with his recent role as publisher of Governing magazine— has established him as a trusted advisor to government officials nationwide.
Mark holds a master’s degree in social work from West Virginia University, an MBA from Tennessee State University, and an interdisciplinary Ph.D. in public administration and urban sociology from the University of Missouri at Kansas City.
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