Alabama cannot grow and prosper without effective, ethical, and transparent government at the state and local levels. PARCA explores the provision of key government services, the taxes and spending that support these services, and ways in which key decisions are made.

PARCA provides:
Analysis of proposed amendments to Alabama’s Constitution.
Comparative studies of Alabama’s budgets and taxes.
Comparative studies of municipal finances.
SMART budgeting analysis for cities and counties.
Program evaluations of government agencies.

Constitutional Amendments on the November Ballot

When Alabama voters go to the polls on November 8, they will be asked to consider adding 35 more amendments Read the full release.  

First Meeting of Task Force on Budget Reform Wednesday

A newly formed Joint Legislative Task Force on Budget Reform meets for the first time this week in Montgomery: a Read the full release.  

Resources for Understanding Alabama's Budget Process

As February approaches, the Legislature is preparing to return to Montgomery for yet another tough session of struggling with Alabama’s Read the full release.  

PARCA Annual Survey of Public Opinion 2016

In January 2016, The Public Affairs Research Council of Alabama conducted its annual poll of public opinion. This is the Read the full release.  

General Fund Sputters Along

Despite the healthy economy, the state’s General Fund posted its usual sputtering performance in 2015, according to the state’s year-end Read the full release.  

PARCA Talks State Budget

With the passage of the state’s general fund budget last week, PARCA Senior Research Associate Tom Spencer took a moment Read the full release.  

Back to the Basics on Taxes and Budgeting

With the Governor and Legislature still at odds over how to solve a $250 million shortfall in the state’s General Read the full release.  

State Workforce grew slightly in 2014; Still about 5,000 smaller than 2008

Alabama state government employs 4,923 fewer people than it did in 2008, according to the figures provided by the Alabama Read the full release.  

Governor Pledges Bold Action on the Budget at PARCA Annual Meeting

Speaking before a sell-out crowd of more than 400 at the Harbert Center on Friday, Feb. 13, Gov. Robert Bentley Read the full release.  

Court cost collections continue to sag

In tough budget years, lawmakers have often looked for alternative ways to bring in revenue to support state government operations. Read the full release.