California’s housing crunch remains one of the state’s most pressing economic and public policy challenges. With the passage of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act incentivizing more housing, public finance leaders are exploring innovative ways to expand housing production. 

This session will examine how growing demand for affordable, workforce, and middle-income housing is being met, while navigating rising construction costs, regulatory hurdles, and evolving market conditions. Panelists will also discuss financing strategies for military housing and the critical role housing plays in supporting economic growth, workforce retention, and community development throughout California.

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is creating unprecedented demand for power, transmission, water, and digital infrastructure. As California competes 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. This panel explores the intersection of technology growth, utility investment, transmission expansion, and public finance.

A high-level look at the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping California public finance, from infrastructure and credit to policy, investment, and market dynamics.

California’s public finance market continues to evolve amid shifting economic conditions, infrastructure demands, federal policy changes, climate resilience challenges. This high-level industry overview brings together key leaders and stakeholders to examine the forces shaping the future of municipal finance in the nation’s largest state economy. Panelists will discuss market trends, credit conditions, capital planning priorities, financing innovation, and the opportunities and risks that will define the next chapter of California public finance. Attendees will gain a broad perspective on where the industry stands today and what leaders should be watching as they prepare for 2026 and beyond.

Introductory remarks will be provided by the Bond Buyer and conference chairs.