Public finance

GFOA Today 2023, day 1

Diversity, equity, and inclusion concerns are exerting more influence in public finance.

The new law's uncertain impact on cities and states has been a hot topic at the GFOA's annual conference this week.

The work from home environment will reduce city property tax collections in coming months and years, analysts say, creating financial issues.

Since the 52-week low on April 12, yields have risen by an average of 46 basis points.

Arizona, Nevada and California announced an agreement on Colorado River water use reductions, possibly averting a more stringent federal solution.

"Ultimately, the case for fixed income generally, and munis specifically, is much stronger today than it was a year ago," said Nick Vendetti, municipal bond fund portfolio manager with Allspring Global Investments.

Public sector employers are in a fierce competition with the private sector for workers and may be losing amid labor shortages and inflation.

As GFOA's new president, she intends to work to address staffing shortages and bring GFOA members together.

Puerto Rico must take additional steps to be able to regain market access, they said.

High inflation and high costs for construction and borrowing add to a strained labor market complicating some planned municipal issuances.

For the week, triple-A muni yields rose between 11 and 29 basis points, according to MMD, while UST yields rose 11 to 32 basis points.

Terri Velasquez ends her term as GFOA president, reflecting on her year leading the group.

The negative rating outlook comes less than a week after Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a budget shortfall of $31.5 billion.

With hotel taxes unlikely to keep pace with debt service , the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority is eyeing a restructuring to extend final bond maturity.

"Steep corrections occurring inside 10 years on the curve reflect an ongoing process to reduce a deep inversion," said Kim Olsan, senior vice president of municipal bond trading.

The exchange-traded fund — the first ever triple tax-exempt — will consist of 80% Puerto Rico bonds with the balance being U.S. Virgin Islands and Guam bonds.

The complexity of tapping infrastructure funds has spurred the National League of Cities towards developing workshops and tools to help municipalities navigate the maze.

Amid rising construction costs and supply chain shortfalls, some California school bond projects are being redesigned, accelerated or delayed.

Brightline's luxury train in Florida accounts for half of the Nuveen High Yield Municipal Bond Fund's top 10 positions.