Fiscal resilience isn’t about cutting for the sake of cutting, or spending for the sake of spending—it’s about building strong public institutions, managing risk wisely, and using public dollars effectively and transparently to serve the common good.

As a municipal advisor, I’ve spent my career helping local governments across Pennsylvania make smart, long-term financial decisions. I understand how to read a balance sheet—but more importantly, I know how to help communities prepare for the future. From debt management to capital planning, I’ve worked with elected officials, finance directors, and public agencies to ensure their budgets are structurally sound and aligned with real community needs. That experience informs my public service today—bringing fiscal discipline, risk awareness, and a focus on long-term stability to my work in local government.

Too often, government—at all levels—operates without a clear vision for fiscal sustainability. One-time windfalls get spent on short-term fixes. Critical infrastructure is deferred while maintenance costs rise. School districts are forced to raise property taxes because funding systems are outdated and inconsistent. Meanwhile, the lack of predictable funding makes it harder for local governments and service providers to plan effectively or invest in the future. Pennsylvania would benefit from a culture of strategic, structural financial planning—with policies that promote multi-year thinking, stable funding formulas, and evidence-based investment in what works.

Fiscal resilience means preparing for uncertainty. That includes maintaining healthy reserves, managing debt responsibly, and using strong financial forecasting tools. It also means reducing long-term liabilities through smarter procurement, regional collaboration, and investment in infrastructure that lasts. Municipalities that plan ahead, share services, and invest in their long-term fiscal health deserve support. As someone who has helped local governments navigate everything from bond issues to pension reform, I know how vital these tools are to building lasting strength.