How do state and local government leaders see 2027 playing out for their states and localities? What are the biggest challenges and opportunities ahead for the public finance industry in their eyes? How can issuers navigate the ever-shifting winds out of Washington following the recent midterm elections?

As the market navigates the proliferation of AI, panelists explore what tech and AI solutions have been developed for issuers, the buy- and sell-sides, and other market participants. This session will provide perspective on what AI is — and is not — in the muni space and examine how it is moving the market forward. Key discussions will cover how technology and better access to data aids in pricing, improves liquidity, optimizes workflows, enhances disclosure, and arms participants to do more with less.

Across the nation, state and local governments are facing unprecedented challenges from a shifting climate and severe weather patterns. From widespread coastal flooding and intense hurricanes to severe droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires, local infrastructure is taking the brunt of these growing environmental shocks. This panel brings together key public finance stakeholders to discuss how municipal issuers are planning, financing, and building resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding extreme weather events.

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented demand for power, transmission, water, and digital infrastructure. As states nationwide compete for technology investment while pursuing ambitious climate goals, public and private stakeholders face critical questions about how to finance and deliver the infrastructure needed to support the AI economy.

Water and wastewater programs face consistent challenges, from droughts and flooding to critical lead pipe remediation and quality control mandates, how are issuers finding ways to finance these evolving infrastructure requirements? What can issuers across the country learn from each other? Additionally, market participants must navigate the persistent shortfall in federal funding needed to adequately support these critical infrastructure demands.