The Center's eighth issue brief on retirement plans finds that:

• Local plans are at least as well funded as state plans.
  - Funding ratio: local – 85 percent vs. state – 84 percent
• Local plans have a strong track record in making their required contributions.
  - 69 percent do so compared with 54 percent of the states.
• Despite this relatively positive outlook, some jurisdictions face serious shortfalls and a deteriorating economy may produce a gloomier picture going forward.