Municipal Bonds: The Foundation and Future of Infrastructure Finance

It is well known that municipal bonds help build our community schools, water systems, police stations and transportation networks. It’s also widely discussed that the municipal bond market provides access to capital for all sizes of state and local governments - it is a sustainable and dependable financial resource to build infrastructure.  However, what is less discussed is that the market for our bonds is more efficient than ever - fueled by technological innovation and transparency.  Join us as we discuss the past and future of financing options available to build public infrastructure. This discussion led by Members of Congress and representatives of state and local governments will examine the role municipal bonds have played in infrastructure development by providing key examples at the local level and how the municipal bond can continue to be the preeminent tool for building and maintaining our future. Panelists are currently being determined, but include:

• Terry Stone, President-Elect, GFOA, Moderator
• Pat McCoy, GFOA Past President & Director of Finance, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, N.Y.
• James Nicholson, GFOA Executive Board Member & Director of Finance, City of Pataskala, Ohio
• Hon. Roy Charles Brooks, NACo President, Commissioner, Tarrant County, Texas
• Hon. Gyna Bivens, NLC Chair of Community and Economic Development Committee, Councilmember, City of Fort Worth, Texas

Collaborate to Build: Modernizing infrastructure policies to advance public-private partnerships

A changing economy, society, and natural environment are placing new stresses on the country’s infrastructure systems. The rise of a digital economy, continued population growth, and a changing climate combine to introduce new demands for real estate, where essential infrastructure services should operate, and how to protect both our built and natural environment.

Governments carry an enormous burden to modernize infrastructure systems to promote shared and sustainable prosperity. Central to that effort is to develop deeper partnerships with the private sector around the design, construction, operation, and financing of infrastructure projects. However, doing so is often easier said than done. Many of the country’s public policies are woefully outdated relative to private sector innovation, ranging from procurement around new business models to more flexible financing arrangements.

On May 17, the Metropolitan Policy Program and National Association of Counties will host experts to discuss the modernization of infrastructure policies to improve public-private collaboration. Panelists will include:

• Adie Tomer, Fellow, Brookings Institution, Moderator
• Matthew Chase, Executive Director, NACo, welcoming remarks
• Hon. Roy Charles Brooks, NACo President, Commissioner, Tarrant County, Texas, introductory remarks (representing NACo)
• Judah Gluckman, Deputy Director and Counsel, D.C. Office of Public-Private Partnerships