Far West

The District of Columbia achieved its lowest 25-year interest rate ever, surpassing even rates seen with federally subsidized Build America Bonds, when it sold its income tax-secured revenue bonds this week, the Office of the Chief Financial Officer announced Tuesday.

Frederick "Bud" Wright is expected to become the new executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officers early next year, sources said Tuesday.

The Los Angeles City Council will vote today on whether to put four separate tax measures on the March ballot.

The IRS has told the city of Bell, Calif., that $35 million of general obligation bonds it issued in 2007 may not be tax-exempt because the agency believes the bond issue is a hedge bond.

Hurricane Sandy may demonstrate to lawmakers the importance of tax-exempt financing and promote opposition to proposals that threaten munis’ tax exemption.

California's non-partisan Legislative Analyst said the state's use of public-private partnerships has fallen short by using unclear processes and picking unsuitable projects.

U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., sent a letter to District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray, outlining a way to move forward on lifting the district's building height restrictions, while expressing concern about protecting the capital's character.

Moody's withdrew its rating on Compton, Calif., sewer enterprise bonds citing a lack of reliable, timely financial information.

The MSRB, to boost trade transparency, announced that the par amount of trades of less than $5 million will now be posted on the EMMA system in real time.