SMW Supports Half Moon Bay’s Successful Financing for Corporation Yard Project
In 2021, SMW attorneys assisted the City of Half Moon Bay with successfully securing more than $3 million in financing from California’s Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank). The lease-leaseback transaction allows the City to realize significant annual savings on lease costs. The financing allows the City to acquire land for its Corporation Yard, and modernize existing improvements for City use.
SMW Part of Team that Helps Cupertino Take Advantage of Near Historic Lows for Municipal Bond Rates
SMW worked closely with Cupertino staff, bond counsel, municipal advisor, and underwriters to issue about $22 million of Certificates of Participation, refunding previously issued certificates and taking advantage of near historical lows for municipal bond rates. The transaction resulted in average annual savings to Cupertino of nearly $500,000.
SMW Advises SAFCA on Local Funding Mechanisms for Flood Control
From 2007 through 2016, the firm advises the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency on the formation of assessment districts to fund the local share of flood control improvements, providing benefits to approximately 160,000 properties.
SMW Advises on Transbay Transit Center Funding District
In 2015 the firm advises the Transbay Joint Powers Agency in helping San Francisco create a Mello-Roos Community Facilities District that requires developers to pay a special tax to fund the Transit Center’s rooftop park, Downtown Rail Extension, and other infrastructure in the Transit Center District.
SMW Prepares Ballot Measure to Fund Open Space Protection
In 2014, voters approve a parcel tax measure sponsored by the Santa Clara County Open Space Authority and drafted by the firm.
SMW Advises Orinda With Senior Affordable Housing Development Process
The firm advises Orinda in its successful 2014 collaboration with the developer of a 67-unit, senior affordable apartment complex on the City’s former library site.
Household Hazardous Waste Fee Upheld
The firm advises the Alameda County Waste Management Authority in its 2013 adoption of a fee to recover the costs of administering the Countywide Household Hazardous Waste program. The firm successfully defends the fee in subsequent litigation. (Crawley v. Alameda Cty. Waste Mgmt. Auth., 243 Cal. App. 4th 396, 196 Cal. Rptr. 3d 365 (2015).)
Funds Secured for Rail, Parks, and Housing in San Francisco
Beginning in 2012, the firm represents the Transbay Joint Powers Authority in San Francisco’s adoption of the Transit Center District Plan and associated special tax and community benefits districts for rail, housing, parks, and improvements in the Transbay neighborhood.
Defending the Public Purse Against Unfair Claims
On appeal, the firm secures the reversal of a potentially devastating attorneys’ fee award against the Silverado Modjeska Recreation and Parks District. (Silverado Modjeska Recreation and Parks District v. County of Orange, 197 Cal.App.4th 282 (2011).)
Firm Assists in Securing Massive Federal Funds for Public Transit Project
In 2010 the firm assists the Transbay Joint Powers Authority in its receipt of a $400 million grant under the federal Stimulus Act and a $171 million loan from the federal government to fund construction of the new transit center.