Southwest

Municipal bond volume in the Southwest region increased in the first half of 2021 as its seven other states more than made up for a decline in Texas.

The taxable bonds will reduce the unfunded actuarial liability of, and employer contribution rates to, the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System.

Municipals are tethered to Treasuries, more so in recent sessions, and have cheapened, but strong technicals — $18.5 billion of net negative supply and large reinvestment needs — still hang overhead.

The forthcoming Texas law bans businesses from state contracts if their policies are said to discriminate against the firearms industry.

The city sees room for a new convention hotel, despite nearby competition and pandemic-related setbacks.

July volume was $31.9 billion keeping the annual pace ahead of last year's record-breaking total. Issuance still lags demand by a large amount — $60 billion by many accounts for August alone — as redemptions coupon payments pile up.

The two issuances under IRS scrutiny join an earlier debt issuance the county disclosed publicly late last year.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in McGirt v. Oklahoma that Eastern Oklahoma remains tribal land, and the repercussions continue to play out.

The future is looking up for Salt Lake City International Airport as it continues redevelopment with $900 million of revenue bonds.

New Mexico bet on a space tourism market that promoters thought could be worth $8 billion by 2030. But there have been economic and technology missteps.