This research investigates municipal fiscal policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic, comparing them to those during the Great Recession using a deductive two-stage approach. First, to illustrate the general trends in municipal fiscal policy responses to these two crises, it compares municipal fiscal policy responses for 100 major U.S. cities. Then, through an in-depth investigation of four selected cities, it explores unique fiscal reactions to similar financial and environmental challenges. Providing a current overview of municipal fiscal responses, this study informs policymakers about dynamics in fiscal policy formulation across diverse fiscal environments. © The Author(s) 2025.