By Bruce Kimmel, Senior Municipal Advisor and Brian Reilly, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director Planning, Flexibility, and Fiscal Sustainability Local governments across the nation are facing mounting financial pressures. Rising costs for delivering municipal services, increasing costs to replace aging infrastructure, and growing community expectations have increasingly strained the fiscal sustainability of many communities, […]
By Brian Johnson, Director of Investment Services As we close out the first quarter of 2026, it’s important to reflect on how economic and geopolitical developments abroad can impact monetary policy here at home. If the past few months have reminded us of anything, it’s that unknowns can introduce bigger and more immediate impacts to […]
By Ryan Miles, Senior Investment Adviser | Managing Director For many public entities, banking relationships are long-standing and rarely revisited. While that continuity can be valuable, today’s environment calls for a more intentional evaluation of whether your banking partner is truly delivering value. What was once primarily about processing transactions and minimizing fees has evolved […]
By Jon Cameron, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director Changes to Tax Incremental Financing Law Two pieces of legislation impacting tax incremental financing were recently adopted by the State Legislature and are waiting to be signed into law by Governor Evers. Provided the bills as enrolled are not vetoed, or partially vetoed, the following is […]
By Bridgot Gysbers, Senior Fiscal Consultant Completing a conventional water rate case with the Wisconsin Public Service Commission (PSC) can be a complex and lengthy process. There are ways, however, that utilities can plan strategically to reduce delays and streamline the process. Read on to explore Best Practices to help you file efficiently and keep your […]
By Todd Taves, Senior Municipal Advisor and Brian Reilly, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director When interest rates decline, municipal bond issuers are often on the receiving end of unsolicited proposals to refinance debt, urging quick action so they don’t “miss this opportunity.” Before proceeding with a refinancing (known in public finance as a refunding), […]
By Brian Johnson, Director of Investment Services As we close out 2025, we always like to reflect on how certain economic and geopolitical events shaped the capital markets over the past 12 months. 2025 provided another reminder that the economy and fixed income markets rarely “follow the script.” Over the past year, we saw moderating […]
By Harry Allen, Senior Municipal Advisor and Sean Lentz, Senior Municipal Advisor Levy limit referendums have become a critical tool for Wisconsin municipalities seeking solutions for budgetary constraints. These referendums allow local governments to exceed state-imposed levy limits, but because they are proving difficult to get approved, communities are often forced to simultaneously consider alternative […]
By Nick Anhut, Senior Municipal Advisor In 2021, The City of Chanhassen initiated a comprehensive facility study to assess the conditions of its municipal buildings and their sufficiency for future needs. Originally built in 1981, the City Hall facility was identified to be in critical condition and suffered from an inefficient layout that did not […]
By Aaron Bushberger, Senior Municipal Advisor and Matthew Hammer, Senior Municipal Advisor School referendums play a critical role in shaping the future of education. Authorized by school boards, these elections typically seek voter approval for two purposes: building projects or additional operating revenue. Both are essential for maintaining quality education and meeting community expectations. Recap […]
