Far West

SEC Commissioners gave the green light on Wednesday for the staff to propose two new amendments to Rule 15c2-12 that would require issuers and borrowers to disclose certain information about bank loans and private placements, which are increasingly used alternatives to publicly offered muni bonds.

Brookings Institution has extended its deadline for proposals for its sixth annual municipal finance conference to March 6.

California Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, has introduced legislation to make it more difficult for healthcare companies to close California non-profit hospitals that provide emergency services.

Mark Kim from DC Water will become Lynnette Kelly's No. 2 at MSRB, while Lakshmi Kommi of the City of San Diego will replace him on the MSRB's board of directors.

Ridership on the bond-supported Bay Area Rapid Transit system in Northern California is stagnating, leading to a need for financial changes.

Some analysts see an opportunity in hospital bonds, as the spreads in that sector have continued to widen even as the push to repeal the Affordable Care Act loses steam.

Troubles at the Oroville Dam in Northern California highlight the need for infrastructure maintenance and investment.

Fitch Ratings boosted San Diego ratings one notch as the city enters budget process.

Howard University and Rhode Island-based vendor Corvias say their 40-year deal to renovate school halls will change the face of public-private partnerships.

Two California Lawmakers want to lower the required voter threshold to pass many local bond measures from a two-thirds supermajority to a 55% simple majority.