Agenda

At the most recent TEXAS PUBLIC FINANCE, attendees experienced a thoughtfully curated agenda designed to deliver maximum value. Sessions covered the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in public finance, providing practical insights and forward-looking strategies that sparked meaningful discussions and informed decision-making across the Texas municipal finance community.

 
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Wednesday, April 9, 2025
1:00 pm
Registration
50 min
Waterloo Ballroom Foyer
Sponsored by
1:50 pm
2:00 pm
Opening Keynote
35 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6
2:35 pm
A Pivotal Year for the Lone Star State, Its Issuers and the Market for Munis (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

Join market leaders as they share their views on the state’s economic picture, prospects for the market and what’s in store for the public finance industry at large.

  • How’s the market for Texas securities faring in 2025?
  • Ya’ll Street: Panelists’ take on Texas’ growth as a financial hub, including the expected 2025 launch of Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE), a national stock exchange.
  • The World Cup comes to Dallas

3:25 pm
Afternoon Break
20 min
Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by
3:45 pm
K-12 Funding and Non-Traditional School Options (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

Vouchers, charter schools, increased homestead tax exemption, among others, are causing serious strains for school districts across Texas on both the funding and operating side.  How are SDs looking to adapt?

4:40 pm
The View from Washington: Shifting Policy Winds (CPE)
1 hr
Waterloo Salons 4-6

The View from Washington: Legislative Outlook
What are the implications of policy changes in Washington on the municipal market:

  • What potential changes to the tax code mean for the market
  • How tariffs play a role
  • Implications of immigration changes
  • Federal funding programs
5:40 pm
Cocktail Reception
50 min
Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by
6:30 pm
Opening Night Dinner (Invite Only)
Sponsored by
Thursday, April 10, 2025
7:45 am
Breakfast
45 min
Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by
8:30 am
Day Two Opening Remarks
5 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6
8:35 am
Day Two Opening Keynote
35 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6
9:10 am
Shifting Investor Demands (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

As the various demand components of the market have evolved and with uncertain tax policies on the horizon, the buy-side take is increasingly important to understand. Knowing what investors want will be more important for the issuers, bankers and other market participants in the room to navigate these potential changes.

10:05 am
Addressing the Strain on Texas Power Grid (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

Increased use of AI and cryptocurrency operations are expected to place considerable strain on already aging Texas power infrastructure. Adding the extreme heat to the mix, what is being done to address this issue and reduce the potential of blackouts and increased cost to consumers?

10:55 am
Morning Break
30 min
Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by
11:25 am
In Conversation: Issuers on Texas’ Explosive Population Growth, Emerging Trends and Opportunities Ahead (CPE)
55 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

Our panel of issuers will share their insights into Texas’ economic/population growth and how we pay for it.

12:20 pm
Latest on the Tech and AI Front (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

From AI to machine learning, the municipal industry is adapting to technological change. How can the public finance industry benefit from these advances in technology to be more efficient with time and money while maintaining the personal connections the market is known for?

2:10 pm
Dessert in the Exhibit Hall
20 min
Exhibit Hall

Satisfy your sweet tooth in the Exhibit Hall! Join us for a flavorful experience that adds a touch of sweetness to your event.

2:30 pm
Breakout 1: Addressing the Impact of the Pull-Back of Property Insurers
45 min
Waterloo Salons 5-6

High insurance premiums for the average Texas home are approaching crisis levels. Among the reasons for the dramatic surge in costs: the impact of high inflation on the pricing of building supplies and extreme climate change and weather events that are increasing in frequency and severity in Texas, as well as across the country. The state-created insurer of last resort, the Texas Fair Plan, is of very little help with its equally high premiums. What does this mean for communities across the state—and, by implication, for communities across the country—and how is it impacting the muni market?

Breakout 2: Keeping Cybersecurity Top of Mind for the Market
45 min
Waterloo Salon 4

Cyber attacks are going strong and the recent water systems cyber events in 3 small towns in Texas are making sure the state, as well as the rest of the country, remain on high alert. We will examine the tangible and intangible costs of cyber breaches and potential risk-mitigation strategies that municipalities can implement.

3:20 pm
Breakout 3: Water Supply Troubles and Aging Infrastructure
45 min
Waterloo Salons 5-6

Drought and aging water infrastructure are among the factors that make it that much harder to accommodate Texas’ burgeoning economic development. How are water utilities in Texas looking to meet the water shortage challenge?

Breakout 4: Meeting Transportation Funding Needs
45 min
Waterloo Salon 4

With the state’s population and business expansion, transportation infrastructure and services are key areas for funding opportunities. How are the region’s airports, ports, toll roads and other key sectors faring?

4:05 pm
Afternoon Break
15 min
Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by
4:20 pm
How the Healthcare Sector is Faring (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

How is the sector’s access to capital? Are there ratings pressures? What about potential Medicaid cuts? As healthcare systems face several challenges, we will spend some time parsing through the sector’s current and future plans to adapt.

5:15 pm
Cocktail Reception
45 min
Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by
6:30 pm
Closing Night Speaker Dinner (Invite Only)
2 hr 30 min
Sponsored by
Friday, April 11, 2025
8:00 am
Continental Breakfast
45 min
Exhibit Hall

Kick off your day with a wide array of selections at our Continental Breakfast. Savor a delicious spread while you mingle with fellow attendees.

8:45 am
What’s at Stake in the Texas Legislative Session in 2025 (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

Our panel of experts will provide an overview of the most pertinent legislative and regulatory developments impacting the Texas’ muni industry.

9:40 am
Taking Steps to Reduce Texas’ Affordable Housing Challenge (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

As housing costs in Texas place more burden on the state’s growing population—a clear trend reflected across the country—the state is in need of ramping up housing of all stripes, but affordable options are key.

10:35 am
Building Resilient Infrastructure in a Higher-Cost Environment (CPE)
50 min
Waterloo Salons 4-6

Droughts, floods, storms, tornadoes, wildfires, (and winter storms) have become regular events in Texas and across the country.  How are Texas issuers planning for and responding to these events with the infrastructure they build?