Public finance

The top bond counsel in 2023 handled a combined $361.721 billion across 7,164 bond issues versus $359.189 billion in 7,882 transactions in 2022. 

"The upgrade reflects an expected continuation of very strong and consistent operating performance and revenue growth," Moody's said.

Growing new-issue supply is "adding to bidders' 'wait-and-see' mentality with a variety of credits coming to market at favorable spreads," said FHN Financial's Kim Olsan. Next week's calendar hits $8.4 billion.

VTA's auditor general dinged project managers for misleading communications and a "breach of transparency" regarding cost overruns and delays on the $12.2 billion San Jose extension of a Bay Area Rapid Transit line.

The Illinois Supreme Court upheld pension reform legislation championed by Gov. JB Pritzker that was challenged in court by first responder pension funds.

It's the third short-term spending bill Congress has passed since fiscal 2024 began Oct. 1.

A broad coalition of organizations representing issuers is seizing this moment, as Congress considers spending legislation, to advocate for key muni market priorities.

Board chairman says Juan Sabater will bring valued economic expertise to the panel.

Mr. Laverty spent most of his life living and working in New York City as a municipal bond underwriter for several Wall Street firms.

Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has put out a request for competitive sealed proposals from financial advisory firms as it gears up for capital projects.

"Hiring Giles along with other senior and experienced hires over the last year demonstrates our deep commitment to public finance at a time when our competitors are laying off in droves or retrenching from the sector entirely," said Suzanne Shank, president and CEO of Siebert Williams Shank.

Altadena, California-based Episcopal Communities & Services for Seniors was able to sell bonds through a treasurer's conduit thanks to the new state law.

Muni yields rose up to eight basis points, depending on the scale, while UST yields rose up to six basis points at 30 years.

Hilltop plans to hire others over the next 12 to 18 months.

The proposed bond-financed Uinta Basin Railway has been hit with regulatory setbacks in the wake of a 2023 federal court ruling.

Smaller issuers will find it easier to tell their stories to investors who are looking to customize their portfolios.

Opponents of the state's capital gains tax will turn their efforts to a repeal ballot initiative following rejection by the high court.

Jennifer Fredericks, a sales director at market data platform SOLVE, will lead Women in Public Finance's board of directors in 2024.

The MSRB board member has joined the Institute's public finance team.

The second board meeting of FY 2024 will also see the board mull whether it should modernize its dealer supervision rule.