Chapter Roundup - A New Spin on Debt Financing in Sac Valley

A New Spin on Debt Financing in Sac Valley

By: Alberto Preciado, CSMFO Board Member

Warning: Puns Ahead

Though Valentine’s Day was still a month away, love was in the air at the Sacramento Valley Chapter meeting at the Cosumnes Services District’s Board Chambers on January 14^th! Of course, I’m talking about the love of debt financing. Attendees were treated to an informative and entertaining presentation on the similarities between the art of dating and issuing debt as a local government agency, “ministered” by the “union” of Rick Brandis and Nicki Tallman of Oppenheimer & Co., and Dmitry Semenov of Ridgeline Municipal Strategies LLC.

This “engaging” twist on the subject captivated the membership, and by the end of the ceremony—um, seminar—members came away with a new understanding of the options available for agencies looking to finance their projects, such as bond issuance, private placements, or state programs like the iBank. While issuing debt can feel like navigating a relationship, agencies must carefully evaluate which financing option provides the best marriage for their project needs.

Following the presentation, the speakers led a Q&A session with attendees, providing practical examples and answering clarifying questions about potential uses of the various debt options. After the Q&A came the “reception,” and though there was no dancing, there was great food and a spirited networking opportunity enjoyed by all. A special thank you to PFM Asset Management for generously sponsoring this chapter meeting, making this a no-cost event for CSMFO members.

Chapter Leadership Addition

Wrapping up the event, Chapter Chair Dave O’Toole of the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District announced that Nou Vang of the Cosumnes Services District had volunteered to assume the role of Vice Chair. I guess you could say that she caught the bouquet (okay, sorry, that may be going too far)! Congratulations and thank you, Nou!

CSMFO Chapter Meetings: A Match Made in Heaven

CSMFO’s chapter meetings offer valuable opportunities for professional growth and connection within the public finance community. Members can participate in training sessions covering a broad spectrum of topics, ensuring they stay current with industry trends and best practices. These meetings also provide a forum to interact with neighboring colleagues, foster collaboration, and exchange innovative ideas.

For those interested in the next level of participation, chapter meetings are an excellent starting point for becoming more involved in CSMFO leadership. To explore upcoming events and find chapter meetings in your area, visit the events page at csmfo.org.

Alberto Preciado is the Finance Director at the City of Davis.  He has spent over 18 years working in the field of municipal finance at different agencies including three cities and a special district.  Alberto is a member of the CSMFO Board of Directors.  He has served in various committees and at the chapter level since 2015, both as an at-large member, and as a Chair and Vice Chair.  In his free time, Alberto loves to travel and discover new food spots with his family, and hang out with his goldendoodle, Canelo.