This course will provide an overview of debt instruments available to local governments, the difference between a competitive and negotiated sale of municipal securities, the requirements and limitations of Georgia statutes as they relate to issuance of debt, the bond rating process, roles and responsibilities of the various players for a bond issuance, and the components of official statements used in debt offerings.

Upon successful completion of this course, the participant should be able to:

• define the types of debt instruments available to local governments

• recall the requirements and limitations of Georgia statutes as they relate to the issuance of debt

• explain the difference between a competitive and negotiated sale

• recognize the bond-rating process and the players in the process

• identify the components of official statements used in debt offerings