During this Black History Month, we are taking time to honor the contributions of Black civic leaders. These spectacular public servants have shaped the American experience in remarkable ways and sharing their stories is important to us at Azavar.

Increased FEMA reimbursements are a lifeline for local restaurants and hungry residents

During natural disasters, World Central Kitchens, led by chef/humanitarian José Andrés, partners with local restaurants in impacted areas to create fresh meals for hungry folks. For more than a decade, WCK has shown up offering meals to National Guard members during the Inauguration, the bombing in Beirut, and Texas during Hurricane Laura. And that's just in the past year.

During this Black History Month, we are taking time to honor the contributions of Black civic leaders. These spectacular public servants have shaped the American experience in remarkable ways and sharing their stories is important to us at Azavar.

Chicago's First Black Mayor
Harold Washington
(1922-1987)

Harold Washington was Chicago’s 51st mayor, but in 1983, became its first Black mayor. 

During this Black History Month, we are taking time to honor the contributions of Black civic leaders. These spectacular public servants have shaped the American experience in remarkable ways and sharing their stories is important to us at Azavar.

January 27 is National Chocolate Cake Day!

Pretty much everyone loves chocolate cake, right? Sinking your teeth into a decadent slice of moist cake slathered in the frosting of your choice … it really doesn’t get much better than that.

Treat yourself to a slice (or two) of chocolate cake from your favorite local bakery today. It’s a great moment of self care, and helps support small businesses. And we all know that Main Street businesses can use every penny right now.

We’re helping College Place, Washington make sure they’re on track

Our clients always want to make sure they have a handle on what’s going on with their receivables. But rarely do municipalities have the time or resources in house to do the kind of frequent, comprehensive revenue reviews to really make sure. That’s what was going on with College Place, Washington.

Download the full case study today and share with your team.

Editor's Note, March 2021: We ran this piece a few months ago and we're hearing from many local leaders who are taking action based on these recommendations. Have you examined your utility payables yet? Our team of experts can help.

It’s time to scrutinize everything—receivables and payables

Many consumers have grown accustomed to frequently searching for better deals on utilities, from cable to electric to phone. But how often do municipalities do the same? However, local governments can experience significant savings from switching.

“Often, local leaders just don’t know how much they stand to save,” says Mordecai Benson, Azavar analyst. “But the results can be significant.”

Here are just a few of the ways Azavar has helped local governments reclaim real dollars on behalf of their residents:

Onward, 2021. Let’s look at some predictions and plans for what’s next.

To say that 2020 was an annus horribilis (that’s “horrible year” in Latin) is just a vast understatement. But we’re looking ahead to 2021 to be a wonderful year of recovery and rebuilding, powered by access to an affordable vaccine, unprecedented creativity, and the resilience of humanity.

Learn how we helped Springfield, Illinois find these funds

Local governments have always had to track down every possible penny. And nowadays? It’s absolutely critical.

Azavar’s team of local government revenue experts partnered with Springfield, Illinois on a comprehensive review and discovered nearly $1 million in uncollected cable franchise fees. That’s not pocket change! Learn all about it here.

Impressed? Set up a time to speak with our team about how we can partner with your municipality. We’ll take a look at your books and get to work for you—with no upfront costs.

Enjoy responsibly—by reviewing your food & beverage tax revenues

The hospitality sector’s really taken it in the teeth this year, thanks to COVID. But December 10 is National Lager Day! Pick up some of this classic German beer style at your favorite bar or brewery near you.