Public Sector
Local Government & Municipal Banking
Our Public Sector Expertise
Financial Services Made for Municipalities & Local Governments
Public entities have unique financial needs and a host of regulatory and reporting requirements. Our Public Finance team understands. We offer unique industry experience and a robust set of solutions to help communities accomplish important financial goals.
Financing for Public Agencies & Governments1
Cities, counties, local governments and other public entities can rely on our team for public finance services and expertise. From tax-exempt direct loans to expert treasury management services, we’re ready to serve, just like you.
Municipal finance debt: Our solutions include obligation debt, utility revenue debt, special tax assessment obligations and other tax-backed debt, short-term bridge financing, and loans secured by real estate property or leasehold interest.
Revenue-backed financing: Find options for lease-revenue financing, including certificates of participation, and other types of revenue-backed financing, including healthcare, affordable housing, senior living and education.
Deposit accounts: We offer demand deposit and money market accounts, as well as Certificate of Deposit Account Registry Service (CDARS) funds2.
Customized financing and terms: Our fixed- and variable-rate loans include private placements of debt, direct lending and lease financing, with comprehensive, flexible lending terms up to 20 years.
Streamlined approval: We are committed to a streamlined credit approval process so you can secure the funding you need, when you need it.
Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy Financing (C-PACE)1
C-PACE financing provides you a low-cost, long-term financing option for new and existing commercial properties to improve infrastructure, reduce operating costs and increase collateral value. Eligible improvements may include energy efficiency, renewable energy, seismic and stormwater measures, and other property enhancements available for industrial, commercial, mixed-use, multi-family and nonprofit properties. Benefits for your business include:
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100% upfront financing for qualified energy upgrades
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Repayments made through assessment on your property tax bill
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Fixed rates with scheduled interest payments
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Payments and energy savings can be passed along to tenants
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Longer terms, typically between 20-30 years
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Ability to finance improvements while incurring little to no additional debt
Driving Shorter Commutes In Silicon Valley
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Grand Merchant Public Finance stepped in to provide streamlined financing to fund phase two of a system offering solo drivers congestion pricing to use HOV lanes on the busy SR-237. In this toll financing approach, repayment relies exclusively on toll revenues, with no taxpayer funds needed.
Modernizing a Conference Center
City of Monterey
Very much a product of the 1970s, the Monterey Conference Center — home to the first-ever TED Talks — was still living in the past. Grand Merchant structured a $25 million bond to update the facility to keep business coming to the tourism-focused City of Monterey.
A Landmark Opportunity
City of San Carlos
The City of San Carlos, an affluent community in the heart of Silicon Valley, had a long-held vision: Create a regional draw with a hotel on a high-profile gateway property, just off the 101. Grand Merchant offered “vision and flexibility” to finance making this vision a reality.
Being able to work with one responsive bank, a commercial bank vs. an investment bank, was more flexible, more convenient and ultimately more cost-effective.
Trustworthy Expertise
Our Team of Public Finance Experts
Western Santander Bank’s Public Finance Group comprises experienced, dedicated public sector bankers. We have a deep understanding of the unique needs of municipalities and local governments.
About Us
Contact Us
Benefit from personalized attention from a dedicated relationship manager who understands your business. You’ll have access to senior management and industry-leading solutions — all backed by the resources of one of the nation’s top-performing banking companies.
1 East Washington Street
Suite 1400
Phoenix, AZ 85004
United States
1. All offers of credit are subject to credit approval, satisfactory legal documentation, and regulatory compliance. Borrowers are responsible for any appraisal and environmental fees plus customary closing costs, including title, escrow, documentation fees and may be responsible for any bank fees including bridge loan, construction loan, and packaging fees.
2. Placement of funds through IntraFi Network Deposits is subject to the terms, conditions, and disclosures in the program agreements, including the Deposit Placement Agreement (“DPA”). Limits apply, and customer eligibility criteria may apply. Program withdrawals may be limited to six per month for funds placed in MMDAs. Although funds are placed at destination banks in amounts that do not exceed the FDIC standard maximum deposit insurance amount (“SMDIA”), a depositor’s balances at the relationship institution that places the funds may exceed the SMDIA (e.g., before settlement for a deposit or after settlement for a withdrawal) or be ineligible for FDIC insurance (if the relationship institution is not a bank). As stated in the DPA, the depositor is responsible for making any necessary arrangements to protect such balances consistent with applicable law. If the depositor is subject to restrictions on placement of its funds, the depositor is responsible for determining whether its use of IntraFi Network Deposits satisfies those restrictions. Network Deposits is a service mark, and IntraFi, ICS, and CDARS are registered service marks of IntraFi Network LLC.