Texas

Bond sales in the eight-state region totaled $54.9 billion, trailing the nation with an 8.1% gain year-over-year as Texas issuance slipped 7.6%.

Hunt Memorial Hospital District's distressed finances led to downgrades to Ba3 by Moody's Ratings and B-plus by S&P Global Ratings, with both giving it a negative outlook.

The fiscal 2026 budget would increase police and fire funding by $63.1 million as the city works to comply with a voter-approved public safety spending mandate.

A flow of public dollars to private schools has raised credit concerns about public schools and spurred litigation in Southwest states.

The city council signed off on an $810 million debt sale, while it considers asking voters for a property tax rate increase this year to address budget gaps.

Port Freeport's decision to go property tax-free resulted in a revenue bond rating downgrade from S&P and raised disclosure questions.

The $719.5 million of general airport revenue bonds will help finance an ongoing multi-billion-dollar capital improvement plan.

The legislature, which returns to respond to recent floods, could also take up bills to curb local property taxes, including bills aimed at bond issuance.

Stephanie Henning will establish a public finance office in Dallas, the bank's third in the state.

Hays County will appeal a June 23 court ruling that voided a successful GO bond election while it explores issuing alternative debt to fund road projects.

The hires "will help us further deepen our relationships," said the firm's head of public finance.

JP Zaptin has joined Baird where he will establish a municipal trading desk

Tardy annual financial audits could strip Texas cities of their ability to raise property tax rates under a state law that takes effect Sept. 1.

Hays County's Nov. 5 election for nearly $440 million of bonds, which won voter approval, was voided by a state judge due to an open meetings act violation.

K-12 public schools get a $55 per-student increase in the state basic allotment, while other funding is allocated to specific purposes.

Bexar County officials passed a resolution related to a potential Nov. 4 ballot measure on venue taxes for a new San Antonio Spurs basketball arena.

Municipal bond issuers in the state dodged a barrage of bills in this year's legislative session seeking to constrain their debt sales.

Ahead of a 14-3 vote to pass the $7 billion spending plan, concerns were raised about new legislation affecting the city's public safety pension funds.

BlackRock Inc. was removed from Texas' blacklist of companies that "boycott" fossil fuels, ending a three-year standoff over the firm's environmental policies.

When Chicago barred media from its investor conference, it told journalists the policy aligned with peer municipalities' practices. The facts are less clear.