Oklahoma Department of Commerce
Tailored Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar

In December 2009, CDFA produced a full-day Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce. The event professionals from across the state to discuss and better understand the toolbox approach to economic development finance and how it can be used in Oklahoma. The first part of the day focused on an overview of the toolbox approach and sessions on revolving loan funds, tax credits, seed, angel and venture capital and tax increment finance. The afternoon sessions concentrated on bond finance, including applicable changes and new bond programs instituted under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The seminar was held in Oklahoma, OK.

Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS)
Tailored Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar

In June 2009, CDFA produced two separate one-day Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminars for the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS). The events brought together economic development finance professionals to discuss and better understand the basics of development finance. The seminars explored the entire development finance toolbox including bonds, tax increment, tax credits, access to capital and federal resources. Speakers discuss how these tools can be applied throughout the state with many speakers from within Pennsylvania. Presenters from state and local government in presented best practice examples of the programs available for financing economic development. One seminar was held in Allentown, PA and the other in Indiana, PA.

Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC)
Tailored Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar

In May 2009, CDFA produced a full-day Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar for the Mid-America Economic Development Council (MAEDC). The event brought together 35 economic development finance professionals to discuss and better understand the basics of development finance. The seminar explored the entire development finance toolbox including bonds, tax increment, tax credits, access to capital and federal resources. Speakers discuss how these tools can be applied throughout the Midwest with many speakers from within Indiana. Presenters from state and local government in Indiana presented best practice examples of the programs available for financing economic development. The seminar was held in Indianapolis, IN

Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC)
Tailored Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar

In April 2009, CDFA produced a full-day Fundamentals of Economic Development Finance Seminar for the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). The event brought together 55 economic development finance professionals to discuss and better understand the basics of development finance. The seminar explored the entire development finance toolbox including bonds, tax increment, tax credits, access to capital and federal resources. Speakers discuss how these tools can be applied in Texas and across the country. Presenters from San Antonio, Austin, Arlington, Houston and other communities presented best practice examples of the programs available for financing economic development. The seminar was held in Austin, IN.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Revenue Allocation District (RAD) White Paper

In early 2009 (January – March), CDFA contracted with the NJEDA to complete a technical assistance project. The project called for CDFA to produce a white paper evaluating the state’s RAD statute and areas for improvement to the law. Nearly 30 stakeholders were interviewed for the project and a peer based advisory team was employed to research and write the paper. CDFA staff worked with various state agencies and legislative leaders to survey stakeholders and conducted numerous conference calls during the process. The final result was a technical whit paper that is now being used by state leaders to improve the use of the state’s RAD financing tool.

Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC)
Tailored Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Seminar

In October 2008, CDFA produced a full-day Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) workshop for the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). This was the second TIRZ Seminar produced by CDFA in partnership with TEDC. The event brought together 65 economic development finance professionals to discuss and better understand tax increment finance (TIF) and how it is applied in Texas and across the country. The day started with a discussion of the Texas TIRZ statute and its key elements, followed by a discussion of bond financing options. The seminar concluded by bringing TIF full circle and demonstrating how communities such as San Antonio, Houston, Tyler and Lindale as well as communities from across the country have creatively applied this popular financing tool.

Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC)
Tailored Introduction to Development Finance Seminar

CDFA has partnered with the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) to offer a series of four financing seminars over a two-year period. In July 2008, CDFA produced the first event, Introduction to Development Finance Seminar, which took place in Kissimmee, FL. The seminar served as the primer event, offering attendees a glimpse at the fundamental tools of economic development finance. The program provided a basic introduction to bond financing, targeted financing tools including Tax Increment Finance, tax credits, abatements and access to capital programs including mezzanine and revolving loan funds. To promote this tailored training, SEDC produced a brochure and co-marketed the program with their Summer Seminar. CDFA engineered a successful program by helping to promote and market the seminar, developed a tailored agenda and assembled a team of experts from across the country to speak.

Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC)
Tailored Basics of Bond Financing Seminar

In May 2008, CDFA produced a full-day Basics of Bond Financing Seminar for the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). The event brought together nearly 80 economic development finance professionals from across the state to discuss and better understand the fundamentals of bond financing. The seminar walked attendees through the nuts and bolts of tax-exempt bond financing, the bedrock of development finance. Attendees learned about the rules governing this form of financing in the state of Texas, their use for manufacturing facilities, the role financial advisors play, and how bonds are structured and sold. To make this event a success, CDFA worked closely with the TEDC staff to help market the program. CDFA capitalized on its strong bond program and brought in a team of industry experts from across the country to discuss this important financing tool.

Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA)
Tailored Tax Increment Finance Seminar

In November 2007, CDFA brought to State College, PA a tailored field seminar to examine the use of TIF in Pennsylvania. The one-day seminar presented best practice principles for the use of TIF, provided specific insights into the Pennsylvania TIF statute as well as its complementary programs. The seminar also addressed elements of bond financing and provided case study examples. The seminar allowed attendees to closely examine the use of TIF within the commonwealth and understand specific local requirements. Approximately 80 individuals attended the seminar from throughout the state. PEDA marketed the events throughout the state using email and a direct mail brochure.

CDFA developed an appropriate agenda, brought in a team of financing experts and facilitated the one-day event. CDFA also provided electronic copies of all materials presented and facilitated seminar evaluations.

North Carolina Economic Developers Association (NCEDA)
Tailored Tax Increment Finance Seminar

In October 2007, CDFA conducted two half-day Tax Increment Finance Seminars for the North Carolina Economic Developers Association (NCEDA). The tailored seminar provided participants with a general overview of TIF and its history, as well as details on the recently approved North Carolina TIF statute. The program also included case study examples of how TIF has been applied in communities across the U.S. as a means for reaching economic development goals.

This even was conducted in conjunction with NCEDA’s Fall Conference. CDFA assessed the needs of practitioners in North Carolina and proposed an appropriate agenda for approval. CDFA developed a team of financing experts and facilitated the seminars on-site. As part of CDFA’s follow-up policy, presentations were made available to attendees as well as facilitated and conducted exit evaluations. Close to 150 individuals attended the two seminars combined.

LISC Milwaukee
City of Milwaukee Tax Increment Finance White Paper & Recommendations

In July 2007, CDFA facilitated a Town Hall Discussion about TIF’s use in Milwaukee. The comments and outcomes of this discussion drove the development of a white paper to access the current use and make recommendations to improve how TIF is implemented throughout the city. This project provides a basic overview of TIF, as well as an insightful historical look at TIF’s use in the city of Milwaukee, process for approval, community resources as well as identifying issues facing the community. The White Paper makes recommendations for enhancing TIF’s use in Milwaukee and provides resources to propel improvements.

LISC Milwaukee
Tailored Tax Increment Finance Seminar

In July 2007, CDFA conducted a full-day Tax Increment Finance Policy and Practice Seminar for LISC Milwaukee. The event drew nearly 100 attendees wanting to learn about TIF and how it is applied in Wisconsin. This customized event provided attendees an overview of TIF, financing variations and case study examples. Furthermore, the event hosted a Town Hall session for attendees to discuss TIF and how it can be used to address specific community needs. LISC Milwaukee marketed the event throughout the community using email and a direct mail brochure.

CDFA meet with the sponsoring agency and its team of training planners to develop a tailored agenda. Once the agenda was formalized, CDFA recruited financing experts from its network of professionals as well as local experts to present. CDFA provided on-site event coordination, post-event document posting and evaluation.

Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC)
Tailored Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone Seminar

In May 2007, CDFA produced a full-day Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) workshop for the Texas Economic Development Council (TEDC). The event brought together nearly 80 economic development finance professionals to discuss and better understand tax increment finance (TIF) and how it is applied in Texas and across the country. The day started with a discussion of the Texas TIRZ statute and its key elements, followed by a discussion of bond financing options. The seminar concluded by bringing TIF full circle and demonstrating how communities such as Fort Worth, Dallas, San Antonio, Arlington and Houston as well as communities from across the country have creatively applied this popular financing tool.

National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Tailored Finance Workshop

In October 2006, CDFA conducted a half-day development finance seminar for the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The event, which attracted over 120 local development professionals and elected officials, included several sessions focused on a variety of financing programs including TIF, tax credits, special assessments and industrial development bonds. The goal of the event was to educate the development leaders in the greater Baton Rouge community on the available tools for addressing the challenges faced following the hurricane of 2005. Three nationally recognized development finance professionals provided the training and representatives from NAHB and Louisiana Economic Development participated. CDFA donated provide these services at no cost.

New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
Revenue Allocation District (RAD) Financing Seminar

In October 2006, CDFA partnered with the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) on a one-day Revenue Allocation District Financing (RAD) seminar for a statewide audience of state, local, economic development, finance and real estate professionals. This program offered an in-depth look at a unique financing tool that can be used to support needed redevelopment projects and bring new investments, economic growth and job opportunities into New Jersey communities. CDFA brought together experts from throughout the country to discuss how this tool is applied in other states and what is needed to make it work more effectively in New Jersey.

The program covered the RAD legislative and approval processes, explained what makes RAD an advantageous revitalization technique, explored bond issuance options and structure for redevelopment projects, and discussed how similar financing tools are being used effectively across the country. Case studies focused on transit-oriented development as well as how to use complementary district financing methods and community partnership models. NJEDA sponsored the event with CDFA providing program planning, facilitation, preplanning, marketing, logistical and speaker development support. NJEDA raise sponsorship to help support the expense for this event.

State of Arizona Department of Commerce - Strategic Planning Recommendations
Economic Development Finance Needs and Options for “Moving Arizona Forward” Initiative

In 2005/2006 CDFA subcontracted with ACCRA (The Council for Community and Economic Research) and the State of Arizona Department of Commerce to provide strategic planning recommendations for the “Moving Arizona Forward” initiative. CDFA addressed a number of critical deliverables for this technical assistance project. This included creating a comprehensive federal financing programs report that detailed, catalogued and evaluated hundreds of federal financing opportunities. CDFA’s staff also provided guidance, technical assistance and expertise on developing recommendations for improving and enhancing Arizona’s bonding capacity and ability.

During the course of this five-month project, CDFA provided numerous case study examples of successful state financing programs and initiatives. CDFA also guided the project team’s best practices for the structure of Arizona’s business and community development finance entities. CDFA staff participated in various site visits, planning sessions and conference calls to evaluate the needs of Arizona businesses, community organizations and other stakeholders. The ultimate outcome of this joint venture with ACCRA was the production of a detailed strategic planning report recommending ways that the Arizona Department of Commerce can improve its ability to finance, support and encourage business and community development.

For this project, CDFA utilized its knowledge bases in:

- Bond financing
- Tax increment financing
- Tax credits and incentives
- Small business assistance
- Federal financing programs
- Seed and startup capital
- Business finance
- Strategic planning
- Organization development/planning
- State finance agency structure
- State finance agency programming

Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) & Ohio Department of Development (ODOD)
Tailored Bond Finance Field Seminar

In November of 2005, CDFA partnered with the Ohio Economic Development Association and the Ohio Department of Economic Development to bring a one-day bond financing field seminar to Columbus, Ohio. The program was offered to economic developers throughout the state with 60 individuals attending the event. OEDA and ODOD hosted the seminar. ODOD also provided the location (meeting room) for the one-day seminar in the state’s office complex. OEDA generated revenues for the event through sponsorship and registration fees. KeyBanc Capital Markets and KeyBank together pledged sponsorship. Registration fees for the event were $125 per person. OEDA also provided a boxed lunch.

The one-day seminar covered the basics of bond financing with an additional overview on current rules and regulations relating to industrial development bonds. CDFA worked with OEDA/ODOD to craft an agenda that addressed the needs of Ohio economic developers. Speakers were recruited from throughout Ohio by CDFA. OEDA and ODOD provided leads on potential speakers and CDFA arranged all logistics, presentations, agendas and handouts. CDFA facilitated and moderated the seminar. The event was an overwhelming success and plans are in the works for a second event in the near future.

Georgia Institute of Technology: Economic Development and Technology Ventures
Tailored Tax-Exempt Revenue Bond Financing Seminar

In August of 2005, CDFA partnered with the Georgia Institute of Technology: Economic Development and Technology Ventures to conduct a one-day tax-exempt revenue bond financing field seminar in Atlanta, Georgia. The program was offered to economic developers throughout the state and attracted over 70 paid attendees. Georgia Tech partnered with three local county development agencies to host and sponsor the field seminar. Georgia Tech also received registration revenue through seminar fees and procured the event space in a university classroom.

The one-day seminar covered the basics of tax-exempt revenue bonds (IDBs) with a tailored agenda that gave a national perspective on the use of this tool. Speakers were recruited from all around the country including New York, NY, St. Louis, MO, Little Rock, AK, Chester County, PA, Washington, DC and Scottsdale, AZ. CDFA worked with Georgia Tech to craft the agenda and identify the course objectives. CDFA arranged all logistics, presentations, agendas and handouts. CDFA also facilitated and moderated the seminar. The event was very successful with a strong turnout arriving from all over the state. Georgia Tech has expressed interest in conducting a future seminar on another topic of choice.

International Economic Development Council (IEDC)
Tailored Advanced Bond Finance Training Course

In November 2005, CDFA partnered with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) to conduct a two-day advanced bond finance training course in Philadelphia, PA. The course was very successful with over 50 bond finance professionals attending from all over the country. CDFA and IEDC partnered to share pre-expense revenues from the two-day event. Revenues were generated from registration fees.

The two-day course focused on the advanced aspects of development bond financing. CDFA developed an agenda that combined both introductory and advanced elements together to give attendees a well-rounded education on how to employ bond financing at the local level. CDFA recruited speakers from around the country and facilitated/moderated the event. CDFA also provided copies of its highly acclaimed “Industry Primer: Development Bond Finance” course manual and handouts, presentations, etc. to each attendee.

Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA)
Tailored Revenue Bond and Mortgage Finance Seminar

In October 2004, CDFA partnered with the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) to bring a one-day revenue bond and mortgage-financing seminar to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The program was offered to economic developers throughout the state and attracted over 50 paid attendees. PEDA raised sponsorship from nine different local supporters including financial institutions, bond counsels, underwriters, local economic development agencies and trust companies. PEDA also received revenues to support the seminar cost through registration fees. A buffet style lunch was provided by PEDA as well. The seminar was held at a local conference center, a cost that was covered by sponsorship and registration revenue.

The one-day fields seminar focused on both tax-exempt and mortgage financing. CDFA developed the agenda in conjunction with PEDA and the sponsors. The tailored program specifically highlighted how to obtain revenue bond financing in Pennsylvania. Speakers came from across the state, representing western, eastern and central Pennsylvania. CDFA arranged all logistics, presentations, agendas and handouts. CDFA also facilitated and moderated the seminar. The event was very successful with a strong turnout.