Although national attention has largely focused on state budget battles like Wisconsin’s union showdown and Minnesota’s state shutdown, the real spending struggle is actually taking place at the local level.

Here’s a look at 14 cities where the problem is particularly acute.

New York City
Los Angeles
Chicago
San Francisco
Pittsburgh
North Las Vegas
San Jose, Calif.
Providence, R.I.
New Haven
Newark
Stockton, Calif.
Colorado Springs
Costa Mesa, Calif.
Central Falls, R.I.

Read Why Here: http://www.businessinsider.com/cities-that-are-being-eaten-alive-by-their-employees-2011-7?op=1