Chicago Again Courts the Buy Side

CHICAGO — Six months after hosting its first investor conference, Chicago is inviting the buy-side community back on April 26 to update market participants on how the city and its sister agencies are dealing with their fiscal challenges.

The city is still working out details of the agenda, but recently it issued a “Save the Date,” inviting investment bankers, investors and other market participants to the conference at the Standard Club in downtown Chicago. The cost is $100 for participants, though for investors it’s free.

City officials said more than 300 attended the conference last October that was organized by Chicago’s chief financial officer, Lois Scott, to help improve the city’s strained standing with investors by sharing information about Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s effort to stabilize finances.

Emanuel spoke at the conference about his attempts to also improve infrastructure and economic development.

The conference leadership team includes Emanuel, Scott, Chicago Transit Authority president Forest Claypool and chief financial officer Karen Walker, aviation commissioner Rosemarie Andolino, water management commissioner Tom Powers, Chicago Public Schools chief executive Jean-Claude Brizard and CFO Dave Watkins, and Chicago Park District president Michael Kelly and CFO Steve Hughes. All are expected to make credit presentations.

Investors who attended the conference said they appreciated the effort to hear directly from Emanuel and the leaders of the city’s sister agencies with bonding authority on their operating and fiscal plans.

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