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?
The Importance of Fiduciary Responsibilities of a Plan Administrator
Retirement plans provide valuable benefits to employees, but they also come with legal and ethical obligations for employers. Under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), those who oversee retirement plans—known as fiduciaries—are held to the highest standards of care and accountability. Understanding and properly execu
Stress Testing Beyond the Numbers: Preparing People, Not Just Balance Sheets
For years, stress testing has been viewed primarily as a financial exercise—a way for banks and credit unions to model adverse scenarios, measure capital adequacy, and satisfy regulatory expectations. But in today’s environment, effective stress testing is about more than the numbers. The institutions best prepared for disruption—whether e
Investing in Leaders: How Brady Martz Helps Financial Institutions Build Stronger Teams
Building Future Leaders in Financial Institutions In today’s financial landscape, leadership depth is more than a competitive advantage—it’s a foundation for stability and client confidence. Many institutions, however, struggle to balance day-to-day demands with long-term talent development. That’s where Brady Martz’s Professional Development & Ex