By Ryan Miles, Senior Investment Adviser | Managing Director Best Practices for Evaluating Banking Relationships Governmental entities are responsible for a significant amount of public funds, making the selection and evaluation of banking relationships a critical aspect of sound financial operations. The choice of a banking partner impacts not only the safety and accessibility of […]
By Keith Dahl, Municipal Advisor Stacie Kvilvang, Senior Municipal Advisor Assessing Requests for Public Assistance for Economic Development Projects Communities across Minnesota and Wisconsin receive financial assistance requests from developers to construct several different types of projects. These may include affordable housing, senior housing, market rate housing, corporate offices, manufacturing warehouses, research and development facilities, […]
By Shelby McQuay, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director Aaron Bushberger, Municipal Advisor School Districts Reflect on Achieving Referendum Success The November 2023 election provided mixed results for Minnesota school districts requesting operating referendums, capital project levies, and bond referendums. These elections came on the heels of two years of record inflation, additional funding and […]
By Jessica Cook, Director of Fiscal Consulting Jon Cameron, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director Jason Aarsvold, Senior Municipal Advisor Best Practices for Implementing Impact Fees Many residents and policymakers in growing communities are concerned about the cost of infrastructure to serve new growth such as streets, utility extensions, and parks. A common philosophy in […]
Happy Holidays From All of Us At Ehlers Amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, all of us at Ehlers want to take a moment to express our sincere thanks for your partnership and collaboration on so many meaningful community-building initiatives. We are incredibly privileged to serve you, and ever grateful for the […]
What the Outcome May Mean for Public Investors & Issuers By Brian Johnson, Director of Investment Services and Brian Reilly, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director The 2024 election cycle is officially over…almost. Donald Trump is again President-elect, and the Republicans will carry a majority in the Senate. The House remains unsettled, although all […]
By Beth Downes, Municipal Advisor The Annual Budgeting Process for Minnesota School Districts Fall is an interesting time of year for school business officials. In addition to staff and students being back in the buildings, all asking questions and for you to put out fires, you are in the middle of an intense mental […]
By Schane Rudlang, Municipal Advisor, Jeanne Vogt, Senior Fiscal Consultant and Robin Roland, Senior Fiscal Consultant Budget & Levy Basics, Timelines & Mechanics We are right in the heart of tax levy season so once again, it’s time to cover the basics of the budget and levy process, delve into some of the finer […]
By Jessica Cook, Director of Fiscal Consulting, Jon Cameron, Senior Municipal Advisor | Managing Director and Aaron Bushberger, Municipal Advisor Capital Improvement Plan Basics for Local Governments Planning for capital improvements is a crucial exercise for local governments. You need to ensure that your assets are in good working order and safe condition. Countless articles […]
By Todd Taves, Senior Municipal Advisor Key Considerations for Preparing & Submitting This Year’s Worksheet Wisconsin cities, villages, towns, and counties have operated under levy limits since the 2006 budget year. Prior to developing budgetary goals and objectives, it is important to understand what constraints your projected allowable levy poses. The following is a brief […]
