Welcome back to Stronger Bonds, where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the fascinating world of government development, taxes, and public finance! In this episode, Emily and Ray are taking it back to basics—shedding light on what it really means to be a “bond lawyer” and demystifying the process of how local governments borrow money.
Have you ever wondered how your property taxes are connected to that new school building, park, or updated water system in your community? Emily and Ray break down the different types of government debt, the roles that bond lawyers play, and the multi-step process of bringing public projects from planning to completion. You’ll learn why government borrowing isn’t the same as personal debt, how your elected officials and frontline administrators weigh tough financial decisions, and how the community’s voice sets government priorities in motion.
With their usual blend of practical insight, humor, and real-world stories—including summer adventures in France, moving college kids, and the “mystery” of a bond closing—Emily and Ray make the complexities of public finance approachable for everyone, whether you’re tuning in during your commute or just curious about what happens behind the scenes of your local government.
Get ready to go behind the scenes of city hall as Stronger Bonds untangles the nuts and bolts of government borrowing, the checks and balances in place to protect taxpayers, and the teamwork required to make community improvements a reality. This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for elected officials, administrators, and citizens alike!
Timestamp:
00:00 Inside Public Finance Law
05:48 Challenges for Finance and Admin Staff
08:35 Understanding Millage and Property Tax
11:48 Validating Government Bonds Process
14:13 "Understanding Tax Exempt Debt"
16:20 Understanding Government Debt Types
20:39 Balancing Infrastructure Needs and Public Concerns
23:17 "Revenue Management and Debt Coverage"
25:51 "Revenues and Insights Session"
30:20 Bond Issuance Process Explained
32:19 Strategic Planning and Stakeholder Engagement
37:39 Three-Reading Ordinance Process
41:07 "Teamwork in Bond Authorization"
42:33 "Size Dictates Debt Management"
47:31 Meeting Documentation Verification Process
50:43 The Complexity of Closing Deals
51:38 Bond Deals: A Beginner's Guide
55:15 Act 388 Discussion Preview
Parker Poe - Government & Municipalities
Do you have a question, a topic idea, or a request? Please email us at StrongerBonds@parkerpoe.com.
Stronger Bonds is recorded and produced by Robby Woodard.
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