E-Quarterly Newsletter


Market Commentary

Market Commentary
To say a lot has changed in the bond market this year would be a major understatement"¦changes that can largely be attributed to the actions taken by the Federal Reserve to combat persistent inflation. Let's review where we've been, where we are today, and where we're likely headed in 2023.
Market Commentary
The U.S. Treasury Secretary and World Bank spoke on inflation expectations, municipal yields drop, and bond funds see first inflows of the year, breaking a long streak of outflows. GFOA talks about revising best practices on debt and the challenge of hiring at the municipal level.
Market Commentary
Financial markets have remained volatile as investors take stock of the Federal Reserve's efforts to tame inflation. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has stated that officials broadly agreed that additional 50-basis point (1 basis point = 0.01%) increases could be warranted in June and July given current economic conditions, but others have stated a 75-basis point increase cannot be ruled out.
Market Commentary
Equity markets declined significantly following Fed Chair Powell's recent public remarks as we proceed toward the May FOMC meeting. Municipal Bond yields follow in line with U.S Treasuries.

Press Releases

Press Releasle
Ehlers' Board of Directors appointed Senior Municipal Advisor and firm Principal Greg Crowe as its next President.
Press Releasle
Ehlers was named to Minneapolis Star Tribune's list of Top 150 Workplaces for 2020. It was the first year the firm participated in the program.

In the News

Market Commentary
Ehlers' Investment & Debt Issuance Team

Election 2024: What the Outcome May Mean for Public Investors & Issuers

As often happens after every presidential election, our gaze shifts to policy considerations and their broader impacts on the U.S. economy and financial markets, which can prove extremely difficult in an environment where we have a non-consecutive President elect for only the second time in U.S. history and likely single party control over the halls of Congress. So, where do we focus relative to what may happen with interest rates? There are two key policy areas where history may not entirely repeat itself…but might look awfully familiar.
Market Commentary
Minnesota Association of School Administrators (MASA)

Dr. Jeffrey Olson Receives MASA Polaris Leadership Award Sponsored by Ehlers

MASA is grateful to Ehlers for our ongoing support of the Polaris Award. Check out MASA's press release on this year's recipient.
Market Commentary
The Municipality: Your Voice. Your Wisconsin

COVID-19 & Maintaining Fiscal Stability

Ehlers' Financial Specialist Jonathan Schatz discusses how Wisconsin Municipalities can maintain financial stability while facing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Read the article on Page 8.
Market Commentary
Country News Review

Ehlers’ Jessica Cook Updates North Branch City Council on Utility Rate Studies

Well managed utility funds were the topic of discussion during the city of North Branch's work session on March 17, along with a presentation of the city's Utility Fee Study by Ehlers. Jessica Cook, Economic Development Advisor with Ehlers Inc. provided council with the update. "I have the pleasure of sharing some good news with you this evening, especially in the difficult time it's nice to have, as it relates to the storm water fund and the sewer fund," Cook began.

Client Alerts


Events

February 06, 2025 - February 07, 2025
The Westin Edina Galleria
Edina, Minnesota 55435

2025 Minnesota Public Finance Seminar

Ehlers is honored to invite you to our annual Public Finance Seminar. This year, we are offering two-track optional workshops covering the foundations of both public financing and municipal finance. This programming is ideal for new staff members or a refresher for all. Beginning Thursday afternoon, two learning tracks will bring public finance, TIF and development concepts to life with actual stories and case studies from communities across Minnesota. Plus, we're excited to host a general "ask the experts" session where our senior-most advisors will answer your most pressing questions! And finally, Daniel Lightfoot and his colleagues from the League of Minnesota Cities will join us to share the latest news from the Minnesota State Legislature. We hope you can attend!
February 13, 2025 - February 14, 2025
Kalahari Resort & Convention Center
Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin 53965

2025 Wisconsin Public Finance Seminar

We hope you'll join us for the 2025 Wisconsin Public Finance Seminar! Similar to last year, we are offering three pre-conference workshops that cover the basics of debt issuance, tax incremental financing, and public funds investing – perfect for those new to municipal finance and anyone who’d like a refresher course. For the full seminar, we focused our curriculum on two learning tracks – Development & Tax Incremental Financing and Municipal Finance – and placed a significant emphasis on real-life application of the principles. We also developed two joint sessions focusing on levy limit referendum case studies and affordable housing projects. And finally, Jerry Deschane and Toni Herkert from the League of Wisconsin Municipalities will join us to offer insights on the State budget forecast and the latest news from the Capitol. All sessions will leave ample time for open question and answer periods.