Harnessing Data Analytics to Drive Smarter Public Decisions
Across the public sector, leaders are under growing pressure to make decisions that are efficient, transparent, and backed by evidence. Whether it’s budgeting, capital planning, or tracking community outcomes, data analytics has become one of the most powerful tools governments can use to guide smarter choices. At Brady Martz,&n
The Fine Print this Holiday Season: How States Tax Gift Certificates
As holiday shopping picks up, many businesses and organizations turn to gift cards and certificates as a simple way to say, “thank you.” But when it comes to sales tax, timing matters — and the rules can vary from state to state. Here’s a quick summary of how eight states treat the sale and redemption […]
Navigating Interest Rate Volatility: Strategies for 2026
After several years of unpredictable rate movements, community banks and credit unions are entering 2026 facing continued uncertainty. While inflation pressures have eased, the interest rate environment remains anything but stable. Margins are tighter, liquidity is in flux, and competition for deposits continues to shape the balance sheets of financia
Budgeting in a Post-Inflation World: A Q&A with Amanda Scanson, Principal at Brady Martz
Rising costs, shifting revenues, and evolving community needs have redefined what it means to manage public funds effectively. Even as inflation stabilizes, local governments continue to face lingering budget pressures — from higher operating costs to competing demands for services. To explore how municipalities, counties, and school districts can plan
New Participant Count Rules for When an Audit Is Needed
Understanding when an employee benefit plan requires an audit has always been an important aspect of compliance for plan sponsors. Recent updates to the Department of Labor’s (DOL) rules have changed how plan size is determined for audit purposes, impacting which plans are classified as “large” and therefore subject to an ann
Transparency 2.0: Using Data Dashboards to Build Citizen Trust
In today’s digital age, citizens expect more than just annual reports and budget summaries—they want real-time insights into how their government operates. From budgets and capital projects to public safety and community outcomes, local governments have an opportunity to strengthen public confidence by embracing a new era of transparency: Tra
AI in Credit Reviews: Efficiency vs. Bias
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform how financial institutions operate—from streamlining back-office workflows to enhancing fraud detection and customer service. One area seeing particularly rapid change is credit review and underwriting, where AI-powered models promise faster decisions, deeper data analysis, and more consistent risk
Year-End Retirement Plan Check: Are Your 2025 Limits Up to Date?
As 2025 comes to a close, now is the perfect time for employers and plan sponsors to ensure their retirement plans are fully aligned with this year’s IRS limits. Each year, the IRS announces cost-of-living adjustments that affect contribution limits, compensation caps, and benefit thresholds. Making sure your plan has implemented these updates correctly
Cybersecurity for Government Entities: What Leaders Often Miss
As technology becomes increasingly central to public service delivery, local governments face growing risks from cyber threats. Counties , cities, school districts, and other municipalities manage vast amounts of sensitive data—from citizen records and payroll systems to infrastructure networks—making them attractive targets for cybercri
Have You Defined What’s Next for Your Business?
Most business owners spend years focused on building their companies, yet very little time defining what comes next. Strategic ownership planning can be one of the most rewarding parts of running a business because it creates clarity and opens new possibilities for the future. Have you thought about what your ideal next chapter looks like?