Proven Results for California Public Agencies
Case studies in tax-exempt lease-purchase financing for school districts, cities, and special districts across the state.
Southern California School District Electric Bus Fleet
How a mid-sized district combined federal grants with tax-exempt lease financing to deploy a zero-emission bus fleet without a voter measure.
The Challenge
The district had won an EPA Clean School Bus Program grant covering roughly 55% of the cost of a new electric bus fleet, but had no immediate source for the remaining $1.2 million. A traditional general obligation bond would have required a voter measure and months of lead time, putting the grant timeline at risk.
The Solution
District Bridge Capital structured a tax-exempt lease-purchase agreement with annual appropriations language compliant with California Government Code. The lease was sized to cover the grant gap, with payments deferred until the first buses were delivered and operational.
The Result
The district took delivery of its full electric bus fleet on schedule, preserved its general fund for instructional priorities, and locked in a fixed 4.65% rate over seven years. The structure required no voter approval and closed within 45 days of engagement.
California City Fire Apparatus Replacement
How a Central Valley city replaced two aging engines using a tax-exempt lease-purchase structure timed to its property tax revenue cycle.
The Challenge
The city’s two frontline engines were approaching 20 years of service and maintenance costs were climbing. A bond measure would have taken at least 12 months and required voter approval, while the manufacturer needed a firm order to hold production slots in a busy build queue.
The Solution
District Bridge Capital structured a 10-year tax-exempt lease-purchase with annual payments aligned to the city’s property tax inflow. The lease included appropriations language consistent with California municipal lease law and allowed the city to take delivery of the first engine within 14 months of order.
The Result
The city ordered both engines, locked in current pricing, and avoided a voter measure. Annual lease payments fit within the existing fire operations budget, and the city took ownership of both engines for $1 at the end of the term.
Northern California School District HVAC Retrofit
How a district financed a districtwide HVAC and controls upgrade after Proposition 39 funds were fully allocated.
The Challenge
The district had aging rooftop units across five schools and had already spent its Proposition 39 allocation on lighting and controls. Classroom temperatures were affecting instruction, but the general fund could not absorb a $3.1 million capital outlay and a bond was not on the calendar.
The Solution
District Bridge Capital structured an 8-year tax-exempt lease-purchase that covered the balance after Proposition 39 funds were applied. Payments were deferred for six months to allow the first utility savings to accumulate, and the lease included a future funding provision for planned solar additions.
The Result
All five schools received new HVAC units and building automation controls over a single summer. The district reduced emergency repair calls and improved classroom comfort while keeping annual lease payments within the facilities budget.
See What District Bridge Capital Can Do for Your Agency
Every public agency has different timing, grant status, and capital needs. We structure tax-exempt lease-purchase financing to match your reality, not a template.
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