Attorneys

Gilmore & Bell and Nixon Peabody were new entrants in the top 10, bumping Greenberg Traurig and Bracewell to the top 15.

"BDA supports the proposal and we encourage the commission to approve it," its letter said.

The city comptroller says Buffalo's finances are in dire shape, and is fighting in court not to issue debt authorized by the mayor and city council.

Executing a successful bond issuance becomes simpler by combining long range planning, shorter-term timing and marshaling political support.

"Over the next fiscal year, I look forward to collaborating with MSRB Board members from across our industry, and the nation," Board Chair Natasha Holiday said.

With the advance refunding of tax-exempt munis still off the table, issuers are using existing market conditions to shed Build America Bonds and realize debt service savings through tender offers.

"I would say don't be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to investors directly," Nuveen's Molly Shellhorn said.

"I've never seen this level of hand wringing at the issuer level," said Matt Boles, managing director at RBC Capital Markets.

Higher interest rates are keeping arbitrage on the playing field as issuers try to play by the rules and still come out ahead.

The first part of exclusive research from The Bond Buyer finds that most industry optimists say funding needs will be met sometime after 2035.