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 […]
As we bring 2025 and Ehlers’ 70th anniversary year to a close, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your continued confidence and partnership. The work we do together to support and strengthen our communities remains deeply meaningful to us. It is truly a privilege to serve you, and we are grateful for the […]
– By Kyle Sawyer, Director of Fiscal Consulting, KateLynn Harrigan, Senior Fiscal Consultant, Randy Anderson, School Finance Product Manager, and Brian Reilly, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director Focus on Quality & Timeliness When Reporting to Elected Officials As decision makers for and stewards of governmental jurisdictions, elected officials need timely, concise, and understandable financial […]
By Harry Allen, Senior Municipal Advisor and Keith Dahl, Senior Municipal Advisor Analyzing the Need for Public Assistance in Real Estate Development Projects Market conditions continue to prompt many developers of multifamily real estate development projects to seek public assistance so they can achieve financial feasibility. At the heart of the issue lies a delicate […]
By Jodie Zesbaugh, Senior Municipal Advisor and Beth Downes, Municipal Advisor Cass Lake-Bena School District: A Legacy of Partnership & Progress For over three decades, Cass Lake-Bena School District has partnered with Ehlers to navigate the complexities of school finance and community investment. Since 1991, we’ve proudly served as the District’s municipal advisor, supporting a […]
By Sean Lentz, Senior Municipal Advisor, Matthew Hammer, Senior Municipal Advisor, and Brian Reilly, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director The Role of Bond Insurance & Credit Enhancement in Debt Issuance When school districts, cities, counties and other municipalities take on large capital projects they typically issue general obligation bonds or lease obligations to finance […]
