News from Weld County

WELD COUNTY NOW ACCEPTING 2025 PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND APPLICATIONS

Written by Scott James

Weld County opens applications for Private Activity Bonds—tax-exempt financing that helps fund housing, infrastructure, and local projects.

Weld County is announcing a new process for issuing Private Activity Bonds (PABs), a crucial tool for local businesses and nonprofits to secure financing for important development projects. PABs, authorized by the federal government and allocated to counties and municipalities, offer tax-exempt financing to support projects that enhance community infrastructure, affordable housing and economic growth.

Importantly, Weld County acts as a pass-through issuer, meaning no county tax dollars are involved in the process. The county does not assume any debt or financial responsibility, ensuring that taxpayers are not impacted. By leveraging this federal program, developers benefit from lower borrowing costs, as the interest on these bonds is exempt from federal income tax.

This funding mechanism allows Weld County to support critical initiatives that might otherwise be challenging to finance, from affordable housing to public infrastructure, creating an exciting opportunity to advance local development while maintaining financial stability for residents.

The county has received growing interest in recent years, and this formal process will allow all interested parties a chance to apply for funding and ensure fair distribution. In the past, PAB allocations were distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

For 2025, Weld County can assign $7,907,795 in PABs and an additional $3,738,670 in forfeited 2024 PABs for eligible projects. To apply, applicants must submit a letter of interest by May 2, 2025, to Cheryl Pattelli, Weld County Chief Financial Officer, at [email protected].

Eligible projects include:

• Affordable multifamily housing

• Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds

• Mortgage Credit Certificates

• Industrial Development Bonds for smaller manufacturing projects

• Qualified Redevelopment Bonds

• Solid Waste Disposal Bonds

The Weld County Board of Commissioners will review letters of interest and approve PAB assignments before Sept. 15, 2025. Project funds must be utilized by September 2028 (September 2027 for 2024 funds) and cover all related expenses.

For more information, including requirements for letters of interest, visit the Weld County Department of Finance and Administration webpage.

About the author

Scott James

A 4th generation Northern Colorado native, Scott K. James is a veteran broadcaster, professional communicator, and principled leader. Widely recognized for his thoughtful, common-sense approach to addressing issues that affect families, businesses, and communities, Scott, his wife, Julie, and son, Jack, call Johnstown, Colorado, home. A former mayor of Johnstown, James is a staunch defender of the Constitution and the rule of law, the free market, and the power of the individual. Scott has delighted in a lifetime of public service and continues that service as a Weld County Commissioner representing District 2.

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