Clearwater Financial

What is a Municipal Advisory Firm?

A municipal advisory firm is a financial services firm that specializes in providing advice and guidance to state and local governments, as well as other public entities, regarding their financial and capital markets activities. These firms assist governments in managing their debt issuances, financing infrastructure projects, and making strategic financial decisions.


We work closely with government officials, including finance directors, treasurers, and other decision-makers, to provide tailored analysis, financial advice, and support. Our objective is to help governments optimize their financial operations, access capital markets efficiently, and make informed decisions that benefit their communities.

A Holistic Approach

Our vision is to become a go-to for government support. Depending on the type of project and the needs of the municipality, we offer a variety of services in addition to traditional financing.


We also believe in the importance of engaging the public. Public engagement efforts may include interviews with external stakeholders, the formation of a citizens committee, the design and deployment of a community survey, and multimedia creation.

We offer a range of services to our clients, including:

Debt Issuance and Management

Debt Issuance and Management

We can help governments raise capital by issuing bonds or other forms of debt instruments. This includes advising on the timing, structure, and terms of the issuance and assisting with the negotiation and documentation of the financing.

Financial Planning and Analysis

Financial Planning and Analysis

We provide analysis and recommendations on budgeting, cash flow management, and long-term financial planning. We help governments assess their current financial position, project future revenues and expenditures, and develop strategies to achieve their financial goals.

Infrastructure Financing

Infrastructure Financing

We assist governments in identifying and evaluating financing options for infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, schools, and water systems. We help structure public-private partnerships, secure funding from various sources, and manage the financial aspects of these projects.

Risk Management

Risk Management

We assess and help public entities manage financial risks associated with their operations. We analyze market conditions, interest rate risks, credit risks, and other factors that may impact a government's financial position. We provide advice on risk mitigation strategies and help governments develop appropriate risk management policies.

Compliance and Regulatory Guidance

Compliance and Regulatory Guidance

We help ensure that governments comply with relevant financial regulations and legal requirements. Our team stays up to date with changes in the regulatory landscape so that we can provide guidance on compliance matters, such as disclosure requirements, reporting obligations, and transparency standards.

All Services

Municipal
​Finance

Assisting in development and implementation of financing plans.


Examples: Bonds, Private Placements, Leases, Bond Bank, Insurance, Ratings, DEQ & USDA-RD, ARPA, Impact Fees, Grant Admin


Planning &
​Development

Providing modern and advanced planning and development project review services


Examples: Strategic/Comp/Master Plans, P&Z, Site Selection, Facility Plans, Design Team, Project Management

Economic 
Development

Delivering programs, policies, and activities to improve the economic well-being of communities.


Examples: Urban Renewal, P3, Downtowns, Development RFP, Highest-Best-Use, Market Analysis, Economic Impact

Banking & 
Investments

Helping to raise capital and provide financial consultancy services to clients.


Examples: RFP, Latent Funds, Process/System Innovation, Bond Fund Investment

Budgeting &
​Accounting

Developing revenue and expenditures projections for use in preparing operating budgets, forecasts, and other management reporting.


Examples: Budget & Accounting Support, Financial Projections and Policies, What If analysis, Comprehensive Financial Planning

Public 
Engagement

Assisting in the communication of organizations and individuals to achieve business objectives and community outreach.


Examples: Elections, Surveys, Marketing, Messaging, Social Media, Intergovernmental Solutions, Regionalization