Texas

A constitutional amendment would allow municipalities to approve districts that could issue bonds to finance infrastructure for housing developments.

Christopher Roberts joins the firm as a managing director, Joey Dierker as an associate director, Soledad Mancias as a municipal underwriter, and Steve Basset as a director.

Conference sponsorships targeting bond firms led Mayor John Whitmire to call for a probe into actions by Controller Chris Hollins, who denied any wrongdoing.

Houston and other Texas cities face financial pressure caused by weather disasters, public safety salaries and pensions, or capped property tax collections.

The Dallas-based financial services firm, which launched a public finance business in May, announced a staff expansion.

The Texas city expects to finance 72% of the expansion program, which includes an arrivals and departures hall, with general airport revenue bonds.

Litigation in Arizona, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah could determine bond issuance, culpability for defaults, or the constitutionality of underwriter bans.

September volume came in over $44 billion leading volume year-to-date to hit more than $380 billion, just shy of 2023's full-year total issuance.

Ramirez & Co. continues growth plans with the addition of bankers in Texas, Florida and New York.

Dan Callahan joined UMB Bank as a senior vice president and public finance banker.