Snapshot of the firm's Public Finance transactions:
Consistently ranked first in Iowa in the number of bond issues approved on an annual basis, our finance attorneys have been actively engaged in public and private sector financings for over 75 years. We work in partnership with our clients to help build Iowa’s cities, counties, schools and colleges. Throughout Iowa, in all corners of the state and everywhere in between, one can see the wide range of projects that we’ve worked on – whether it’s a highly-visible performing arts center, a sleek bridge connecting the landscape, or a new high school.
Our firm has extensive depth and breadth of experience and knowledge in public finance. Our lawyers issue legal opinions in all types of governmental and private activity bond financing, serving as bond counsel, issuer’s counsel, disclosure counsel or underwriter’s counsel. We have the team needed to respond quickly, thoroughly and successfully to these changing dynamics. We know the industry and understand the process. We are committed to providing the highest level of client service and helping our clients find the best solutions for their financing needs – solutions that will stand the test of time.
No matter how big or small the matter, we are ready to help our clients complete the steps necessary to finance their projects through the issuance of general obligation bonds, revenue bonds, tax or grant anticipation bonds, industrial revenue bonds, tax increment bonds, special assessment bonds, lease-purchase, State Revolving Fund loans, and other obligations.
For decades, our attorneys have advised on the authorized investment of public funds, as well as the drafting or advising on major bond-related or public finance sector legislation considered by the Iowa General Assembly. We have been leaders in professional organizations relating to municipal bonds. Four of our firm’s attorneys have served on the Board of Directors of the National Association of Bond Lawyers (NABL), one of whom served on the initial Board that created the organization and another that served as its President in 2001-2002. Five attorneys have been inducted as Fellows of the American College of Bond Counsel. Our lawyers frequently serve as panelists or speakers at both the national and state levels.
Representative Projects – K-12 Finance
With respect to K-12 finance, our attorneys are well versed in the statutory requirements for allowable levies, statewide sales tax, special finance programs and referendum requirements.
- New buildings, remodeling and additions
- Elementary Schools
- Middle Schools
- Intermediate Schools
- High Schools
- Performing Arts Centers
- Cooperative Use Buildings
- Sports Complexes
- Multi-million dollar School Projects
Representative Projects – Higher Education Finance
Our firm has acted as bond counsel and disclosure counsel with respect to numerous Iowa community colleges and private and public colleges and universities, including every type of capital improvement seen on college campuses.
Our bond attorneys have broad experience with student loan programs, both those of which rely on federal guarantees and alternative programs which do not involve such guarantees.
- College campus buildings of all types
- Dormitory Facilities
- Athletic Facilities & Stadiums
- Performing Arts Centers
- STEM Facilities
- Conduit facility for student loan issues
- Private student loan revenue bond financing
- Community Colleges, Iowa Industrial New Jobs Training (260E) Program financing
Representative Projects – Municipal Finance
Our attorneys serve as bond counsel to a large number of Iowa cities, counties, utilities and other public bodies statewide, as well as for several State level programs.
- Water and Sanitary Improvements
- Flood Recovery Projects
- Green Buildings
- Redevelopment of Brown Fields Areas
- Regional Warehouse Projects
- “Destination” Commercial Projects
- New Media / Internet Infrastructure
- Alternative Energy Projects (Wind, Bio Fuels)
- Emergency Communications
- Community and Regional Hospitals and Healthcare Networks
- Assisted Living Projects
- USDA – Rural Development Projects
- Courthouses and City Halls
- Fire Stations
- Convention Centers
- Raceway
- Aquatic Centers
- Recreation Centers
- Stadiums
- Arenas
- Rail Ports
- Municipal Litigation, including special assessment, eminent domain and construction disputes
- Numerous equipment acquisitions and annual capital improvement projects statewide, including extensive utility work, streets, building construction and renovation
Non-Profit & Private Activity Financing
Both State and Federal law allow Iowa cities and counties to act as “conduit” bond issuers for private purpose financings. Whether you are a 501(c)(3) entity, private college, healthcare provider or qualified exempt facility owner, we can help navigate the world of tax-exempt borrowing and move your next project forward.
Our attorneys also serve as bond counsel and counsel to letter of credit banks and liquidity providers in private activity areas such as healthcare facilities, nursing homes, museums, utilities, and private educational institutions relating to tax exempt and tax credit bond financing.
Ahlers’ private activity bond attorneys have issued recent bond opinions in connection with a:
- Section 8 housing facility
- Skilled nursing facility
- Healthcare facility
- Private school facility
- Manufacturing facility