Public Finance Blog

As we head into the final quarter of the year, I am typically asked what the outlook on our industry of public finance is…and this year is no different.  In 2026, the questions are: Is AI going to put us out of business? What about the continual consolidations and mergers, and where does this leave us?  The answer still remains: our industry is continually poised for further growth in 2027, and we’re looking to a strong finish in 2026.

Changes & Adjustments

Why all the concerns? It’s our lack of confidence in our present economic environment.  But as students of finance and public administration, we go through this every couple of years.  Where legislation is threatened, tax-exempt status questioned, but the one thing our industry has is resilience.  No matter what a current administration, either state or federal, throws at our industry, we always find a new way to finance the needed infrastructure, health, housing, etc., that is required.  I can personally remember in California when we were done away with Redevelopment Agency Financing.  The end was feared, but a year later, new exciting alternative financings were being done to fill that gap.  

Resilience & Necessity

We are resilient, and we will always find a way to finance the needed infrastructure, which leads me to the state of our industry.  Firms are continuing to want to hire producers and originators in both public finance, bond counsel, and institutional sales professionals with a book of clients. Tier two and three are definitely preferred.

Preventative & Proactive VS. Reactive

As we wind down the year, now is the time to take a good look at your current situation.  Are you able to serve your clients with the best platform and get their deals done?  Are you pleased with the culture of your firm?  Or are you starting to feel uneasy as your company continues to evolve and change in 2027?  Taking a proactive approach is always the key if you have any concerns about your current tenure.  Being reactive is too late!  We’re here to help you either today or in the future.  As I’ve shared in last week’s blog, we love to talk about this industry and your place in it.

Conclusion

You don’t need a resume to chat with us! If you would like to discuss your options, please reach out for a confidential conversation at 760-477-1284 or email at harlan@hfriedmansearch.com. He can also be reached on LinkedIn. Harlan publishes a blog every Thursday here. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter here, which is a compilation of our weekly blogs, so you never miss one. We have also been mentioned in this year’s Forbes, click HERE to read more.  

About Harlan Friedman, JD & Founding Member, H. Friedman Search LLC. Harlan is a thirty-year veteran Public Finance Banker turned recruiter who specializes in the placement of all levels Public Finance Bankers, Healthcare Bankers, Municipal Advisors, Compliance Officers, Issuers, and Bond Counsels.