Introductory Remarks and Welcome from The Bond Buyer and Conference Co-Chairs.
What regulatory and legislative developments have come out of Capitol Hill and how have they changed the public finance landscape? Where do we see the biggest opportunities? What are the hurdles?
As uncertainty over federal funding remains, the status of the highway trust fund and Congress’ willingness to fill the holes in it has moved state and local governments to foot more of the country’s infrastructure bills. What is the industry doing to manage the funding burdens?
We will sit down with members of the Bond Buyer 2026 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 challenge of building new housing and making it affordable is omnipresent in almost all areas around the country. With the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act now law, what’s at stake for housing? What new tools have been introduced and how can the public finance industry leverage them?
As energy needs and costs skyrocket and federal policy changes complicate how the various grids manage the demand, the public power sector has adapted. Where does nuclear fit into the picture? Renewables? Can the industry handle the much-discussed AI Data Center explosion?
As the current administration pushes for more private capital in US infrastructure, how are issuers planning projects of all sizes with private partners? What types of new opportunities do P3s provide? How can issuers harness the momentum?
Public transit programs are seeing increased pressures from decreased ridership, remote work, fair avoidance, and outdated facilities. How can these agencies thrive in the face of these headwinds?
As more of the infrastructure funding falls to state and local governments, our panel of issuers will share viewpoints on how they are faring amid shifting federal policies, increasing costs and where they see opportunities for leading infrastructure investment. How do they see the public finance industry evolving?
Amidst a backdrop of sustained demand for air travel, we look at the latest developments shaping the nation’s airports. While credit profiles remain broadly resilient, what specific risks and challenges are beginning to surface within the sector? Has airline consolidation affected.
With the nation focused on addressing extensive infrastructure needs, how does the buy-side evaluate the investment landscape and associated risks within U.S. infrastructure? How has the market fared in 2026 despite the volatility? Are there any credit concerns developing? How does the high-yield landscape look? What prospects exist for alternative investment participants? Is there enough demand for another record-breaking issuance year?
Water and wastewater programs face a myriad of challenges across the nation. From persistent droughts and catastrophic flooding to critical lead pipe remediation and quality control mandates, how are issuers utilizing SRFs and other essential tools to finance these evolving infrastructure requirements?
