General Obligation Bonds

Since 1985, our attorneys have worked on more than 3,700 general obligation issues totaling more than $280 billion. Our clients have been cities, counties, states, school districts, community college districts, and other special districts and public works departments (among others) in California, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and Guam. Representative projects funded by these general obligation bonds include:

• school facilities
• parks and recreation district improvements
• water conservation and water quality
• prison construction and expansion
• airport expansion projects
• parking facilities
• water system and sewer system improvements
• retirement funds
• library improvements
• acquisition of land to preserve open space
• flood control projects
• bond banks
• convention centers
• resource recovery facilities
• pooled insurance programs
• unfunded pension obligations
• student loans
• university and college facilities
• passenger rail facilities

Because general obligation bonds in California require voter approval, each year Orrick prepares election timetables for California cities, counties and school districts. These have become a resource widely relied upon throughout the State. Orrick's General Obligation Bond Group advises clients about both election procedures and bond procedures.