Downtown Hutchinson gained more than 50 new businesses in the last five years, filling the storefronts that had been empty for decades. The growth exceeded the Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce, downtown business owners and residents’ expectations — but there is still more than an estimated 140,000 square feet of open retail, restaurant and commercial space on Main Street. According to Reno County’s property records, the estimated value of these empty properties that are owned by private residents is $1.4 million. While businesses own another $1.6 million in empty storefronts. Source: Hutch News

The city of Topeka could sell its parking garages to a private company. 'This is very much exploratory,' said Hannah Uhlrig, deputy director of public works. Topeka owns and operates seven parking garages in downtown Topeka. Combined, they provide 2,651 covered parking spaces. The city's public infrastructure committee is exploring the possibility of sale. Several entities, including two national management services, responded to the committee's RFP (request for proposal). If the committee recommends the sale, the issue would be sent to the Topeka City Council's governing body for consideration. Source: CJonline

The interest rate table above illustrates recent changes in a sample of MBIS "investment grade" yields. Every issuer's credit is different. For rates that may be applicable to your municipality, contact our Municipal Bond Advisors, Larry Kleeman and Beth Warren.