Massachusetts

According to underwriter HJ Sims, the deal will mark the largest fixed-rate bond issue for a life-plan community.

The commonwealth's investor conference struck an upbeat tone, thanks to its Boston economic growth and an oversubscribed bond sale.

Drew Smith, a former operative at the Massachusetts treasury, is Boston's new city treasurer.

Amid East Coast transit systems' overcrowding and strained capital budgets, advocates tout ferries as low-cost alternatives.

The commonwealth will also issue GANs and commonwealth transportation fund revenue bonds in November.

The authority, which runs Greater Boston mass transit, intends to sell the bonds as part of a $574 million competitive sale.

The rating agency cautioned that rising pension costs and revenue restraints could pose challenges.

The region's slipping volume reflected a national trend.

A significant bond issue is on the town's special election ballot on Tuesday, Sept. 19.

Revenue volatility and bond-rating agency opinions can complicate states' rainy-day planning.