FAQ

To pay for large capital (construction) projects, cities sell bonds and use the money to pay for the projects. Bonds are sold to investors, also known as bondholders, who are looking for a stable return in the future on the money they invest today. The City promises to repay the bondholders, with interest, over a specific time period (often 20 years). The length of time it takes to repay the bondholders means that we make sure that the bonds align with the project’s life span, such as roads, parks, and buildings. The bond repayment is funded through property taxes the City receives. Bonds are just one way to pay for capital projects. Cities also use other forms of taxes, such as sales taxes, or other types of fees, such as water service fees, to pay for large construction projects. Bond programs must be approved by voters. The City of Arlington typically puts a new bond program forth to the voters every four to five years.

Step 1 - Learn about the bonds

Read the Preliminary Official Statement (POS) available from this web site or from the participating brokers to learn more about the bonds, including their security, maturity dates, credit ratings, the types of projects they finance and other information that you may find important to help you make an informed investment decision. This website is not an offer to sell any bonds.

Step 2 - Open a brokerage account

You must have an account with one of the brokerage firms participating in the bond sale, or with another firm that can place an order through a brokerage firm participating in the bond sale. Please check to determine if your broker can place an order through the participating brokers. (If you have a brokerage account, go to Step 3.) If you do not have an account, you may open one and purchase bonds during the Retail Sale Order Period. A list of brokers participating in the sale can be found on the left side of this page.

Investors are encouraged to begin the New Account process well in advance of the sale date. Depending on the brokerage firm, internal new account procedures may take some time to process.

Step 3 - Place your order

Contact the broker with whom you have an account, either online or by phone, to get more information about how to buy bonds during the Retail Sales period. Discuss with the broker the number of bonds, the maturity date and the price at which you are willing to purchase the bonds, as well as any questions you may have from examining the Preliminary Official Statement (POS).