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With the advance refunding of tax-exempt munis still off the table, issuers are using existing market conditions to shed Build America Bonds and realize debt service savings through tender offers.

"I would say don't be afraid to pick up the phone and talk to investors directly," Nuveen's Molly Shellhorn said.

North Carolina's triple-A ratings were affirmed ahead of plans to sell up to $506 million in general obligation and limited obligation bonds.

"I've never seen this level of hand wringing at the issuer level," said Matt Boles, managing director at RBC Capital Markets.

Higher interest rates are keeping arbitrage on the playing field as issuers try to play by the rules and still come out ahead.

Brandon Johnson released his $16.6 billion 2026 budget last week. The budget calls for new revenue sources, but avoids property tax hikes.

The first part of exclusive research from The Bond Buyer finds that most industry optimists say funding needs will be met sometime after 2035.