A morning ramble through readings that speak to infrastructure, future job growth, lame duck politics and a new report from the Volcker Alliance.

Apple is expanding nationally; lots of new jobs and a $1 billion investment in North Austin.

Amazon HQ2: community engagement? There’s a good deal of controversy about Amazon’s newly proposed New York Long Island City location.  A community advisory committee has been formed.

BUILD Grants:  The federal Department of Transportation announced 91 new BUILD grants (formerly TIGER) totaling $1.5 billion.  Secretary Chao proclaims it is a   “downpayment” on the nation’s infrastructure needs.  Do the math on that downpayment (hint: the president promised $1 trillion investment).

Opportunity Zones:  He who spent 10 days as the president’s director of communications is setting up an Opportunity Zone REIT

California Fires; Disaster Resilience: Worthy of more discussion, this article looks at the controversy of expanding housing at the intersection of wilderness and settled urban areas.

Speaking of Homelessness:  It is a sorry sign of the times that Sesame Street has introduced a homeless character.

Gee wiz: many of you, we are sure, watched the absurd televised meeting among POTUS, Rep. Pelosi and Sen. Shumer.  Here’s an on-point discussion.  We can’t wait for the inter-generational hand-off in Congress to build steam.  

Beware the Lame Duck: Here’s a straightforward discussion of lame duck legislative sessions.  We agree that “lame” is a misnomer since much can be accomplished during such sessions.  Many readers have probably seen discussions about the lame duck sessions in Wisconsin and Michigan. These actions may fall into the “be careful what you ask for” category.  Recall the “nuclear option” rule change during president Obama’s administration, later used by the Republican Senate to push through appointments.  

Finally, Truth and Integrity:  the Volcker Alliance just came out with its second report card on state budgeting practices.  Many good gems in this report for financial analysts.