A Local Partner
Communities across North Carolina are facing a multitude of challenges, including the need for substantial investment in infrastructure (estimated between $17 – $26 billion over the next 20 years) and pressure to assume more responsibility for infrastructure spending. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic poses new challenges for municipalities who are faced with the loss of sales tax revenue and sharp declines in utility revenue collections. North Carolina Municipal Services, a Bernhard Capital company, partners with cities by investing in their municipal infrastructure and utilities.
We have a history of partnering with hospitals, universities, and utility providers to build resilient infrastructure and improve operational efficiency. Bernhard Capital is led by former executives from the Shaw Group, which was a global leader in building and operating power, industrial, and commercial infrastructure. The Shaw Group had significant roots and experiences in North Carolina, where it employed more than 2,500 locals and led more than $6 billion of utility industry projects across the state. Learn More.
What does a partnership look like?
Our partnership model provides a substantial infusion of private investment which immediately delivers capital for infrastructure projects and social investments – all without raising taxes. It also potentially retires or deafeases debt, allowing cities to increase bonding capacity.
Our partnership agreements typically include:
- A substantial upfront cash payment to the City
- Retiring or defeasing utility-issued debt
- Rate relief to customers via rate credits or sharing of cost-savings
- Options to maintain recurring payments to the City
- Potential to share in the growth of the utility system
Benefits of our partnership
- Improved quality of life for residents
- Ex: storm water and flood remediation, improved sidewalks, and new fire stations
- Long-term growth and sustainability
- Ex: extension of utilities to new residents
- Improved community resilience
- Ex: new job creation and workforce development programs
- The option to retain ownership, oversight, and control of community systems
- Embedded partnership with an experienced team of professionals in operational growth and optimization
- Improved delivery and customer service
- Avoiding significant tax or rate increase to residents
- Capacity to reallocate funds to other infrastructure improvement priorities
Partnering with North Carolina Municipal Services provides access to capital for important community infrastructure and environmental justice initiatives and support from our team of executives who have led some of the top utility companies in the United States.
Additional Information
To learn more about how we can partner with your community:
info@ncmunicipalservices.org