Special Program Root Tag

The event heavily focused on the kind of and how much disclosure issuers need to offer in order to attract investor interest.

Public finance and public trust must go hand-in-hand and that is where ESG and impact investing can play a role moving forward — it's the data, not the label.

Chat with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, moderated by Chicago CFO, Jill Jaworski about the infrastructure side, but the human infrastructure side and some of the things that we can be thinking about in the future as to how we bring those two things together.

We will look to understand where things are with P3s in the US and what the impediments are to having more of this type of an arrangement in infrastructure projects around the country.

During this discussion, we will hear from the issuer side as well as from the buy-side on what more needs to be done to get the muni marketplace in alignment with everyone's expectations on ESG-related matters.

As the stimulus money dries up, the ridership levels remain the same, and the pressure to "green" the fleets intensifies, the public transit systems throughout the country are forced to look for immediate ways to meet their operational and infrastructure challenges.

In light of considerable water shortages in various parts of the country to which lead pipe situation added a significant burden in certain states and municipalities, the search for cost-effective solutions to ensure regular supply of clean water is helping spur innovative financing ideas for dealing with the water challenge. 

During this discussion we will examine latest developments with the IIJA and IRA, including Greenhouse Gas Reduction fund. 

After a volatile 2022 and lowest issuance year in decades, the industry will come together in Chicago, to discuss market conditions, still low issuance levels  and issuer credit in 2023.

Introductory remarks provided by the conference chairs.

Join in the conversation with the industry's veterans as they reflect on where the industry has been in the past year and what, in their view, lies ahead for munis.

With supply chain concerns easing and travel domestic and abroad much improved, how are the nation's airports and ports faring as the U.S. and global economies are still weathering economic challenges and potential recession?

How are leaders in the industry looking at infrastructure finance amid Federal Reserve policy uncertainty? Are market participants planning larger capital projects?

Introductory remarks provided by the Bond Buyer and conference chairs.

"Last year's successful social bond issuance has proven that there is growing investor demand for socially conscious investments and I am thrilled that we are able to offer this opportunity again," said City Comptroller Lander said.

Loop Capital Markets CEO Jim Reynolds, Jr. said he would gladly pay a bit more for a muni bond that tackled gang violence in Chicago during a debate on ESG factors among market veterans at The Bond Buyer's infrastructure conference this week.

Regina Gaysina finds her passion for munis in the tangible results of her work. She can help her community fund its schools' libraries, football fields and technology.

"I think that diversity of experiences, of backgrounds, of cultures really does enhance teams," said Ashlee Gabrysch.

"As a parent and somebody who grew up in K-12 public schools I think it's important for kids to have an opportunity to have a good education," said Mattie Prodanovic.

"One of the things that my parents said to me early on in my life is, 'If you have the will to do something, you can make it happen,'" Prachi Chandhok said.