NCL city fiscal conditions survey reflects economic woes.

• Position: News & Numbers

A recent survey by the National League of Cities (NCL) shows how cities are faring under current economic conditions. According to the survey, conducted in December 2008 and January 2009, 83 percent of cities are making spending cuts for the current fiscal year, and 80 percent predict cuts for the next fiscal year. Eighty-four percent of finance officers surveyed said they are facing fiscal difficulties, compared with 64 percent in the previous survey, conducted six months before.

Nearly all the cities surveyed expect the economic hardship to continue well into 2009, and 92 percent expect to have trouble meeting their city needs this year.

The main means cities are using to deal with the situation is service cuts; 83 percent of respondents have cut expenditures and services, and 80 percent plan to make more cuts in the next...