Bond Sale Three-Peat: Part 1 – Preparing for the Sale

Conference Registration

Session Details

Date: Monday, June 29

Time: 8:30 am - 10:10 am CT

2 CPE credits

Level: basic

Field of Study: Finance

Issuing municipal bonds is a complex process that requires careful planning and coordination. This session will guide municipal issuers through the essential steps to prepare for a successful bond sale—from identifying capital needs and selecting the right financing approach to assembling your support team and meeting statutory and legal requirements.

Participants will also learn GFOA best practices for the method of sale, selecting external team professionals, working with credit rating agencies, and other activities to be best prepared for the bond sale. Whether you are planning your first issuance or refining your approach, this session will provide practical insights to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Learning Objectives

Assess capital needs and determine the most appropriate financing structure for your organization’s goals
Identify and select key professionals for the bond issuance team, including municipal advisors, underwriters, and bond counsel
Understand the role of credit rating agencies and prepare effectively for the rating process
Differentiate between competitive and negotiated sales, including when each method may be preferable based on credit strength, issue complexity, or market conditions
Develop a timeline and checklist for pre-sale activities to streamline the issuance process and avoid common pitfalls