Much of the financing for state and local needs, like schools, roads, and affordable housing, comes... more

Much of the financing for state and local needs, like schools, roads, and affordable housing, comes from the sale of tax-exempt municipal bonds to investors. Basically, investors are loaning the government the money for construction costs; in exchange investors receive tax-free interest payments on their loan. Lawyers who understand public finance issues help the government meet the legal requirements for the sales process and package the bonds for sale. Since different levels of risk are associated with loaning to different government organizations, bond and public finance attorneys also help investors calculate the risks before making such loans. less