June 2026
Stay up to Date with Local Government & School District Insights
Wayzata School District Completes Tender Offer Refunding
Debt service savings are not driven solely by falling interest rates. Ehlers continually reviews market conditions and outstanding debt structures to identify opportunities that can produce savings even in higher interest rate environments. Whether a refunding creates value depends on the full economics of the transaction, not just the headline interest rates. Higher market yields can reduce the price of outstanding bonds and create opportunities to repurchase debt at a discount.
Workforce Housing TIF Authority Expires in 2027
Across Greater Minnesota, communities continue to hear the same message from employers, school districts, health care providers, and public safety agencies: workforce housing is essential to recruiting and retaining employees. When teachers, nurses, manufacturing workers, service employees, and public safety personnel cannot find housing near their jobs, the impact extends beyond the housing market. It affects business growth, public services, and the long-term vitality of the community.
Navigating Wisconsin Levy Limits
Communities across the state are faced with the challenge of working within Wisconsin’s restrictive levy limits while sustaining service levels. Understanding your levy limit flexibility and alternative methods to generate revenues is critical for long term sustainability.
Alternative Funding Strategies for Minnesota Municipalities
In Minnesota, municipalities are faced with annual budgeting pressures related to rising costs of existing expenses, such as personnel and capital projects, along with funding new local initiatives and Federally and State mandated programs, such as paid family medical leave.
June 2026 Market Commentary
As we move through the second quarter of 2026, our team continues to reflect on how geopolitical developments can shape monetary policy here at home. If the first half of the year has reinforced anything, it is that global disruptions (particularly those tied to energy and other commodity markets) can quickly change the trajectory of economic expectations and financial markets.
2025-2026 WI Legislative Session Recap
Two pieces of legislation impacting tax incremental financing were signed into law on April 3, 2026, by Governor Evers. Act 173 expands the affordable housing extension and defines newly platted residential development, while Act 235 introduces residential tax incremental districts.
