Infrastructure Finance and Resiliency Conference
Bridging the Federal/State Gap to Finance in the Public Markets
Members from the municipal bond and civil engineering communities will gather to discuss how municipal bonds can build a better critical infrastructure. High on the list of topics will be the importance of preserving tax exemption to keep the cost more affordable for state and local governments. By leveraging the public's capital over the useful life of these infrastructure assets the municipal bond community creates a public good.
The Infrastructure Finance and Resiliency Conference will provide an opportunity for engineers and the finance industry to come to together and discuss how municipal bonds and up-to-date codes and standards can help build stronger infrastructure systems and create safer investments. Finance, insurance, and municipal bond leaders can engage directly with issuers and engineers for a series of discussions on how we can better collaborate to improve our infrastructure systems.
So be sure to register soon.
Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds are the Best Investments in America.
Sponsors
If you have a suggestion for a topic or speaker, please contact us. Discover how your firm can maximize its presence at the Smith's /ASCE Infrastructure Conference with a Sponsorship Package
Please contact Pamela Kilbourn at (571) 299-4954
Infrastructure Finance and Resiliency Conference
Bridging the Federal/State Gap to Finance in the Public Markets
Members from the municipal bond and civil engineering communities will gather to discuss how municipal bonds can build a better critical infrastructure. High on the list of topics will be the importance of preserving tax exemption to keep the cost more affordable for state and local governments. By leveraging the public's capital over the useful life of these infrastructure assets the municipal bond community creates a public good.
The Infrastructure Finance and Resiliency Conference will provide an opportunity for engineers and the finance industry to come to together and discuss how municipal bonds and up-to-date codes and standards can help build stronger infrastructure systems and create safer investments. Finance, insurance, and municipal bond leaders can engage directly with issuers and engineers for a series of discussions on how we can better collaborate to improve our infrastructure systems.
So be sure to register soon.
Tax-Exempt Municipal Bonds are the Best Investments in America.
Sponsors
If you have a suggestion for a topic or speaker, please contact us. Discover how your firm can maximize its presence at the Smith's /ASCE Infrastructure Conference with a Sponsorship Package
Please contact Pamela Kilbourn at (571) 299-4954
Agenda
Monday, April 20, 2026
6:00 - 8:00 pm
WELCOME RECEPTION
Speakers, sponsors and attendees will gather together prior to the conference sessions begin on Tuesday.
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
8:30 am
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Breakfast
9:00 am
WELCOME
Terence M. Smith
Chief Executive Officer
Smith's Research & Gradings
9:15 am
HOW TO FINANCE AMERICA'S INFRASTRUCTURE WITH MUNICIPAL BONDS
Imagine having access to a $4 trillion market to fund America's Infrastructure. Imagine states, cities, counties and other public entities issuing debt to fund projects such as highways, sewer systems and the power grid. The reality is that last year approximately $570 billion in new municipal securities were issued. This panel of leaders in the public finance markets will discuss the benefits of using municipal bonds in conjunction with federal funds to finance America's Infrastructure over the useful life of the project.
10:00 am
THE IMPORTANCE OF BRIDGING THE FINANCIAL GAP — UPDATE ON SNAP BACK OR CONTINUE TO FUND
Last year's ASCE economic study looked at the positive impact new infrastructure investment has had on America's infrastructure funding gap. What does the future without the IIJA look like? What happens when this funding goes away? Panelists will discuss why maintaining funding levels is so important and how innovative new investment in both the public and private sector can spark America's transformation towards a more sustainable, resilient future.
10:45 am
COFFEE NETWORKING BREAK
11:15 am
MUNICIPAL FINANCE MARKET UPDATE
The new administration is in place and panelists will discuss what it means for America's critical infrastructure and municipal finance. On thing is certain: America's competitive strength depends on building a strong economy to support growth at home and abroad. Panelists will discuss the outcomes of various ballot initiatives and critically, the importance of tax exemption.
12:00 pm
LUNCHEON
1:15 pm
INFRASTRUCTURE AND BUILDING REVENUE RESILIENCY
Panelists will focus on resilience as an investment enhancement and discuss how resilience-linked bonds/loans can improve lending terms and returns. P3s represent another important opportunity for resilience, enhancing private sector participation to strengthen America's Infrastructure and achieve broader economic benefits.
2:15 pm
TRANSPORTATION: ROADS TO TOMORROW — SR400 P3 MODEL AS A WAY FORWARD
As the largest bond financing for a U.S. P3 project and the largest financing for a highway asset ever, the success of the Georgia SR400 Express Lanes Project sets a new precedent for other state and local governments to follow, underscoring the value of the P3 model in addressing infrastructure challenges nationwide The Project stands as a testament to the ability of P3s to harness the creativity and resourcefulness of the private sector in delivering innovative solutions to complex public sector challenges.
3:15 pm
COFFEE NETWORKING BREAK
3:30 pm
LEVERAGING SAFE DRINKING WATER AND CLEAN WASTEWATER RESOURCES
Water is a limited resource. Overdevelopment, aging infrastructure and climate change are all impacting our water systems. Using creative funding options together with innovative technologies, local governments can secure the necessary funds to invest in and maintain vital water infrastructure projects, ultimately benefiting their communities.
4:30 pm
CONFERENCE DAY 1 ADJOURNS
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
8:00 am
CONFERENCE REGISTRATION
Breakfast
8:30 am
OPENING COMMENTS
8:45 am
PORTS, INLAND WATERWAYS AND DAMS
America's inland waterways and dams are the envy of every nation in the world, providing unfettered access from the heartland to markets around the globe. But, drought and aging infrastructure can leave cargo high and dry. The panel will discuss the ongoing investments and what is taking so long to get them approved/built.
9:30 am
BUILDING WITH RESILIENCY
Resilient housing doesn’t happen in silos. This panel brings together leaders from government, industry, finance, and academia to explore how shared standards, data-centric approaches, and emerging technologies are reshaping the way we plan, finance, and build durable communities. Panelists will discuss how digital transformation and cross-sector collaboration can turn better information into better decisions—strengthening sustainability, efficiency, and disaster preparedness in housing and public infrastructure. The focus: practical strategies, real-world tools, and coordinated action that help communities keep pace with a changing climate, evolving risks, and rising expectations.
10:30 am
COFFEE NETWORKING BREAK
10:45 am
DOES AMERICA HAVE THE POWER FOR THE ELECTRIFICATION OF THE NATION?
In the U.S., alternatives to fossil-based fuels have grown in popularity, so the economics of renewable energy have dramatically improved. Along with the development of new technologies, a dramatic increase in energy generation is anticipated over the next two decades. Building out energy infrastructure to support the net-zero goals and state-level Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) will require increased investment.
11:45 am
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION
12:00 pm
CONFERENCE ADJOURNS
$1,250 per person Standard Rate: (Broker/Dealer & Underwriting Firms, Sell-Side Firms, Commercial Banks, Financial Advisors, Attorneys,
Credit Enhancers, Corporate Trust, Rating Agencies)
$700 per person Investor Rate: (Mutual Funds, ETFs, Hedge Funds, Asset Managers, Portfolio Managers)
$300 per person Government/ ASCE Member/ Virtual Rate
Registration fee includes course materials, breakfast, lunch, and breaks during the conference.
Payment by credit card, company check or personal check is required prior to the event.
Group Discounts
Groups of 3 or more Standard Rate — $1,125 per person. (Broker/Dealer & Underwriting Firms, Sell-Side Firms, Commercial Banks, Financial Advisors, Attorneys,
Credit Enhancers, Corporate Trust, Rating Agencies)
Groups of 3 or more Investors — $630 per person. (Mutual Funds, ETFs, Hedge Funds, Asset Managers, Portfolio Managers)
Groups of 3 or more Issuer/Governmental Rate — $270 per person.
Cancellations
Cancellations are subject to a $100 service fee. Cancellations will be accepted up to 30 days prior to the Conference in order to receive a refund. Cancellations after the 30 day cut-off will receive a registration credit toward a future Smith’s conference program. Credits will be issued at the paid registration rate and will be valid for 12 months. Registration credit requests must be received by the last day of the conference.
Substitutions
Substitutions from your company will be accepted any time prior to the conference.
Program Cancellation
In the event that Smith's Research & Gradings cancels a scheduled program, all registrants will be notified in writing via email.
Registration fees will be refunded. In the event that the scheduled program is canceled, Smith's Research & Gradings cannot be held liable for non-refundable transportation costs. In the case of inclement weather, or acts of God, if the scheduled program takes place, the registration fee is not refundable.
Complaint Resolution
Address any complaints to Pamela Kilbourn, Smith's Research & Gradings, P.O. Box 1195, Great Falls, VA 22066; email to pamkilbourn@smithsresearch.net or phone (571) 299-4954. Complaints will be handled in as timely a manner as possible.
Privacy Policy & Records Retention
Smith's Research & Gradings values your privacy. Smith's retains information submitted during the registration process with regard to your name, company and contact information. We will never willfully sell, lease, or rent any of your personally identifiable information to any third party
As a Smith's Conference attendee, you will receive a complimentary edition of Smith's Research & Gradings — the leading independent source for credit opinions.
Registration
Business Casual
Register by Phone: (571) 299-4954;
Email: smiths@smithsresearch.net ;
Online: Infrastructure Conference Registration
Mail: TMS Holdings, Inc., P.O. Box 1195, Great Falls, VA 22066
Payment
Payment is required prior to the conference. We accept company or personal checks; MC, Visa, American Express and Discover credit cards or, via PayPal using all major credit or debit cards.
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A block of rooms is being held for Smith's Research & Gradings at a rate of $309 per night (daily resort fee is waived) until Monday, March 30, 2026.
Follow this link for hotel reservations: Reservations
