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Case 11.1: Going Black: The United States’ “Black Budget” Intelligence Operations

Audio:

• NPR – Leaked documents reveal budget breakdown between CIA, NSA
  This story from NPR provides additional details about national intelligence spending, comparing the most recently leaked information to information that was leaked about “black budget” spending in 1994.
   

Video:

• CBS News – How damaging is the release of America’s top-secret spy budget?
  This news clips comments on information revealed in the secret national intelligence budget that was leaked to the public.
   
• Fox News – Inside look at US spy agencies’ ‘black budget’
  A panel discusses the intelligence leaks that led to our new understanding of the content of the “black budget” discussed in the case study.  What are the arguments for and against keeping this budget information secret?
   

Web Resource:

• Business Insider – U.S. Intelligence Funding
  This graphic illustrates secret national intelligence spending by agency and by type of activity.
   

Case 11.2: From the Front Lines of Budgeting: Funding SEPTA

Audio:

• WHYY – SEPTA Update
  This story from Philadelphia’s local NPR station discusses the SETPA budget and system updates.
   

Video:

• Fox Philadelphia – SEPTA funding cuts could affect thousands of passengers
  This video explains the latest funding cut threats to SEPTA and outlines the consequences for riders.
   

Infographic:

• Communities for Transit – Conserving Scarce Road Space
  This infographic compares the efficiency of various modes of transportation.
   

Case 11.3: Performing Under Fire: Budget Constraints Force Fire Departments to Better Manage Resources

Audio:

• NPR – What happens when a city declares bankruptcy
  This segment from NPR discusses a pending bankruptcy for the City of San Bernardino, CA.  According to the discussion, why are the costs of police and fire services important considerations for city budgets?
   
• NPR – Burning away cash: Pension plight in Rhode Island
  In addition to paying for the costs of current services, cities must also pay pensions and benefits for retirees.  According to this story from NPR, what are the costs of pensions a challenge for local governments?
   

Video:

• KETV – Mayor, union in fire layoff negotiations
  In addition to the examples described in the case study, this news clip from Omaha, Nebraska identifies the challenges in managing local budgets for fire services.