Identifying what goes into the project delivery decision making process for owners is important. With the adoption of new alternative models to accommodate fluctuating market conditions, the number of delivery model options are growing. This session will engage in a conversation about how legal issues, schedule, finance, cash flow and long-term operations all play into the complex challenging decision-making process and help identify when certain delivery models are optimal.
Introductory remarks and welcome from The Bond Buyer and conference co-chairs.
The Bond Buyer: Michael Ballinger, Publisher – The Bond Buyer
Co-Chair 1: Elizabeth Coolidge, Head of Public Finance – Oppenheimer
Co-Chair 2: Christine Reynolds, Partner – Orrick Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
What has transpired so far in Washington this year and what does it mean for the public finance industry? Panelists will delve into the legislative and tax policy changes, from private activity bonds to tax credits to what it all means for the state and local governments that fund and build the vast majority of U.S. infrastructure. How has the regulatory landscape changed?
From toll roads to TIFIA, issuers across the country are exploring innovative ways of bringing in revenue and understanding road usage to fill funding gaps. How much can issuers rely on the highway trust fund and Congress’ willingness to fill the continuing holes in it? What’s in store for the next transportation reauthorization legislation in 2026?
We will sit down with members of the Bond Buyer 2025 Hall of Fame to talk about their storied public finance careers. With experience spanning decades, we will take stock of where the industry has been in the past and what, in their view, lies ahead for the public finance industry.
The Bond Buyer and parent company Arizent will take the pulse of municipal finance leaders ahead of the conference to identify opportunities and obstacles the industry faces and report on the findings. How are issuers dealing with the policy changes in Washington? Where do market participants see the sector in five years? Ten years?
From small projects to mega airport revamps, public-private partnerships are growing. As one more tool in the issuer toolbox, are there new opportunities to tap private capital given the priority shifts – and the continued support of private-activity bonds – in Washington?
Transit across U.S. cities face continuous challenges, including shifts in commuter patterns, fare avoidance and major needed maintenance and upgrades. How are agencies managing?
With the new threshold test for bond-financed housing credit properties lowered to 25%, allowing additional buildings financed with tax-exempt bonds to qualify for housing credits, how are issuers preparing for new housing opportunities? What challenges does the sector face?
As the country looks to address the vast infrastructure needs, how does the buy-side view the opportunities – and the risks – of investing in U.S. infrastructure? What do investors want to see more of in the coming months/years? What opportunities are there for alternative investors?
With continued demand for air travel, what’s transpiring with the nation’s airports? Credit generally remains strong but pockets of challenges and risks lurk.
Water challenges abound across the country. From droughts to flooding, to lead pipe removal and quality controls, issuers are finding ways to fund water infrastructure projects, including SRFs and other tools.
How are issuers meeting the growing needs for upgrades of existing infrastructure along with investments in new projects amid a higher-cost environment and amid more frequent severe weather events?
