HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-06 Finance Committee Agenda PacketFINANCE COMMITTEE
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ACTION ITEMS
1.Recommend the City Council Adopt Revisions to the City’s Investment Policy; CEQA
Status – Not a Project
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
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ADJOURNMENT
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Finance Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: Administrative Services
Meeting Date: January 6, 2026
Report #:2511-5407
TITLE
Recommend the City Council Adopt Revisions to the City’s Investment Policy; CEQA Status – Not
a Project
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the Finance Committee recommend the City Council approve revisions to
the City’s Investment Policy (Attachment B).
BACKGROUND
The Investment Policy (Policy) requires that the Policy be reviewed annually and that any
changes be approved by the City Council. The Policy (and any changes) are first reviewed by the
Finance Committee. The FY 2026 Policy was adopted by the City Council on June 16, 20251 and
can be found on the City’s website2.
Earlier this year, the Council approved to transition the City’s investment management from an
in-house function to a specialized asset portfolio management firm. In addition to active
investment management, this transition leverages the expertise of a professional firm in areas
such as cash flow forecasting, investment advisory and strategy services.3
Staff and Chandler completed a comprehensive review of the City’s Policy and is returning to
the Finance Committee to discuss these changes. The focus of this review was to align the
Policy with the Council Priorities, and objectives for safety, liquidity, and return. Revisions to
the policy also add significant value, while mitigating credit and market risks.
1 City Council, June 16, 2025: https://recordsportal.paloalto.gov/Weblink/DocView.aspx?
id=83473&dbid=0&repo=PaloAlto
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 1 Packet Pg. 5 of 64
ANALYSIS
This report provides an overview of recommended changes to the City’s Policy. Chandler has
made several key observations about the City’s Policy that may allow more flexibility and higher
investment returns, while complying with State law requirements for investment management
and prioritizing asset safety, liquidity, and return.
Chandler’s memorandum outlining the recommended revisions is included as Attachment A,
redlined and “clean” versions of the Policy are included as Attachments B and C, respectively.
The primary recommended changes to the Policy are listed below.
Increasing the types of investments permitted under the Code that the City may
purchase to enhance diversification and return potential.
Augment concentration and credit quality limits where additional risk is mitigated
through a more robust credit research process that identifies stable and improving
credits and proactively and continually monitors to avoid deteriorating credits.
Enhance return from the City’s investment program by diversifying authorized
investments and removing the “hold to maturity” philosophy.
Utilize Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organizations (NRSROs), beyond S&P,
Moody’s, and Fitch ratings, to provide standardized, comparable, and independent
credit assessments of an entity’s creditworthiness and to understand risk
Revise and clarify various provisions that define authorized investments and
parameters.
Implementing the revised policy will unlikely impact staff resources and staff expects the
revised policy to gradually improve the performance of the City’s investment portfolio.
ASD has coordinated with its staff in Accounting, Office of Management and Budget, and
Treasury Divisions, as well as the City’s financial, banking, and brokerage institutions, and
Chandler.
Action on this item is not a project as defined by CEQA because the investment management
function is a continuing administrative activity. CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(2).
Attachment A: Memorandum from Chandler Asset Management Regarding Recommended
Changes to the City’s Investment Policy
Attachment B: Proposed Investment Policy (Relined)
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 2 Packet Pg. 6 of 64
Attachment C: Proposed Investment Policy (Clean)
APPROVED BY:
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 3 Packet Pg. 7 of 64
6225 Lusk Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92121 | Phone 800.317.4747 | chandlerasset.com
December 4, 2025
Ms. Lauren Lai, CPA, Director of Administrative Services/Chief Financial Officer
Ms. Christine Paras, CPA, Assistant Director of Administrative Services
City of Palo Alto
250 Hamilton Ave.
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Mses. Lai and Paras,
The Chandler Team has completed a comprehensive review of City of Palo Alto’s investment policy. Our review
of the policy focused on compliance with the statutes of California Government Code (Code) that govern the
investment of public funds, as well as on inclusion of current best practices. There have been recent changes to
Code Section 53601 that we recommend the City adopt. Moreover, we are recommending a host of changes
that:
Increase the types of investments permitted under Code that the City may purchase to enhance
diversification and return potential
Augment concentration and credit quality limits and at the same time mitigate the additional risk being
taken on
Increase the list of prohibited investments and investment practices to provide for stronger protections
for the City’s investment program
Increase policy readability by removing superfluous language and more clearly defining investment
parameters
Please find below a summary of the most impactful changes we are proposing the City adopt in its investment
policy:
Investment Philosophy
We recommend removing the section titled "Investment Philosophy” as this section mainly focuses on a
description of a buy-and-hold approach which Chandler has identified as one source of the City’s long-term
lag on yield. Removing this section does not preclude holding securities to maturity, but recognizes that
sales before maturity to improve credit quality, reposition duration to mitigate interest rate risk, and
enhance for total return may occur.
Investment Objectives
We recommend removal of language requiring that $50 million must be held in securities maturing in less
than two years as the City’s investment program may increase or decrease in dollar size, and cash needs
evolve. Moreover, we recommend the City more closely align the objectives to California Government Code
Section 53600.5 which list a local government’s third investment objective as “return” rather than “yield.”
Item 1
Attachment A -
Memorandum from
Chandler Asset
Management Regarding
Recommended Changes to
the City's Investment Policy
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 4 Packet Pg. 8 of 64
6225 Lusk Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92121 | Phone 800.317.4747 | chandlerasset.com
General Investment Guidelines
We recommend removing item 6 addressing commitments to purchasing securities within three working
days as this does not recognize the true timelines involved when collaborating with broker-dealers, and
moving item 7, which requires competitive bidding on securities to a new section addressing the City’s work
with the broker-dealer community.
Authorized Investments: 1. US. Treasuries
We have updated the language permitting the purchase of debt obligations of the United States Treasury to
be better aligned with the language utilized in Code.
Authorized Investments: 2. Federal Agencies or United States Government-Sponsored Enterprise
Obligations
The City will benefit from limiting its exposure to any single federal agency or government-sponsored
enterprise issuer to no more than 30% of market value. Moreover, we recommend limiting the City’s
exposure to federal agency callable and step-up notes to no more than 20%. Concentrations in excess of this
amount make managing the portfolio’s exposure to market risk untenable.
Authorized Investments: 3. Municipal Securities
Chandler recommends placing a concentration limit of 30% of market value for this sector and 5% of market
value for any single municipal issuer. As the City is relying on their investment advisor/manager for credit
analysis and risk management for its portfolio, we recommend requiring that all municipal securities be
rated in a rating category of “A” or its equivalent or higher. The risk associated with shifting to the slightly
lower rating category of “A” is minimal. Chandler Asset Management advises this move because it increases
the diversification of the City’s portfolio while providing for opportunities to enhance return. Municipal
defaults are rare and the credit analysis process and risk management approach (including the
aforementioned issuer concentration limit recommendation) are designed to help mitigate the additional
risk associated with permitting “A” rating category investments. Lastly, pursuant to Government Code
Section 53601, we recommend placing a 10 year maximum maturity for any obligation of municipal issuers.
Authorized Investments: 4. Certificates of Deposit
We recommend the City make its concentration limits for certificates of deposit be based on market value,
and remove ratings requirements, as certificates of deposit must by law be collateralized.
Authorized Investments: 5. Bankers’ Acceptances
We have augmented the concentration limits to be more aligned with Code by increasing them to 40% of
market value, and recommend limiting exposure to any single institution to no more than 5% of market
value rather than $5 million.
Authorized Investments: 6. Commercial Paper
Item 1
Attachment A -
Memorandum from
Chandler Asset
Management Regarding
Recommended Changes to
the City's Investment Policy
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 5 Packet Pg. 9 of 64
6225 Lusk Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92121 | Phone 800.317.4747 | chandlerasset.com
We have updated the language in this section to be more closely aligned with the language used in
Government Code Section 53601(h). Moreover, we have updated certain provisions related to commercial
paper pursuant to Senate Bills 595 and 858. Through January 1, 2031, these provisions allow for a
commercial paper concentration limit of 40% for cities with investable assets of $100 million or greater, and
extend the maximum maturity allowed from 270 days to 397 days.
Authorized Investments: 9. Money Market Deposit Accounts—Collateralized Bank Deposits
We recommend the City update the language used to permit collateralized bank deposits to be more
descriptive in reference to the Section of Code, and recognize that there are no limits on funds deposited in
collateralized bank deposits.
Authorized Investments: 10. Money Market Mutual Funds
Chandler recommends augmenting the language permitting investments in money market mutual funds to
be more closely aligned with the language used in Government Code Section 53601(l).
Authorized Investments: 11. Shares of Beneficial Interest Issued by a Joint Powers Authority (JPA)
Chandler recommends the City officially include local government investment pools (shares of beneficial
interest issued by a Joint Powers Authority) in the investment policy as it has been the practice of the City in
prior years to utilize this type of investment for its bond proceeds.
Authorized Investments: 12. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit
We recommend augmenting the language permitting the investment of funds in negotiable certificates of
deposit to allow for no credit rating required for amounts covered by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
(FDIC), and a minimum short-term rating of “A-1” or its equivalent or better, or long-term rating in the
category of “A” or its equivalent or better for amounts greater than that covered by FDIC. Moreover, we
recommend a 30% of market value concentration limit for negotiable certificates of deposit, a limit of 5% of
market value limit for any single issuer, and a maximum maturity of five years.
Authorized Investments: 13. Medium-Term Corporate Notes
Currently, the City limits medium-term notes to 10% of the investment program and requires medium-term
notes to be rated in a rating category of “AA.” This more conservative minimum rating is typical when a local
government agency lacks analytical resources to analyze and mitigate credit risk. Chandler Asset
Management recommends changing the minimum acceptable credit quality for medium-term corporate
notes to the rating category of “A” or its equivalent or higher, and allowing investments in medium-term
notes up to 30% of market value. We further recommend including an issuer limit of 5% of market value to
limit exposure to any single issuer. Chandler Asset Management advises this change in order to increase the
diversification of the City’s portfolio while providing for opportunities to enhance return. Chandler intends
to mitigate this additional risk by implementing our robust and repeatable credit review process and our
strong risk management policies and procedures.
Item 1
Attachment A -
Memorandum from
Chandler Asset
Management Regarding
Recommended Changes to
the City's Investment Policy
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 6 Packet Pg. 10 of 64
6225 Lusk Boulevard | San Diego, CA 92121 | Phone 800.317.4747 | chandlerasset.com
Authorized Investments: 14. Passthrough Securities
As the City is relying on their investment advisor/manager for credit analysis and risk management for its
portfolio, Chandler recommends the City allow investments in passthrough securities such as asset-backed
and mortgage-backed obligations in order to increase portfolio diversification and enhance return potential.
We recommend adopting the Code-mandated limits of a minimum “AA” rating category or equivalent or
higher, with a 20% concentration limit, and a remaining maturity of five years of less. We further
recommend placing a 5% issuer concentration limit to limit exposure to any single issuer.
Authorized Investments: 15. Supranational Organizations Securities
Supranational organizations permitted by Code include International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), and Inter-American Development Bank (IADB),
which the City already allows. All three issuers are rated “AAA” and provide an effective way to diversify the
portfolio with a high credit quality security. Chandler recommends increasing the maximum concentration
limit to 30% of market value, in line with Code, and adopting a 10% of market value issuer limit
Prohibited Investments
Chandler recommends augmenting the list of prohibited investments and investment practices in order to
better align with Code, and add additional protections to the City’s investment program. Of note are
recommended restrictions on speculation, purchasing or selling securities on margin, utilization of reverse
repurchase agreements, and any form of securities lending.
Authorized Financial Institutions, Depositories, and Broker-Dealers
We have augmented an already existing section that details the requirements for financial institutions that
wish to do business with the City, including requirements outlined in Government Code Section 53601.5.
Moreover, we have augmented requirements on competitively placed trades and articulated a more robust
selection process when selecting broker-dealers.
It has been our experience that investment programs which adopt and implement the provisions we are
recommending tend to allow for more flexibility in capturing excess return wherever possible while placing a
strong focus on high credit quality and effective risk management.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have, or if further review is needed.
Sincerely,
Carlos Oblites
Senior Portfolio and Investment Pool Strategist
Chandler Asset Management
Item 1
Attachment A -
Memorandum from
Chandler Asset
Management Regarding
Recommended Changes to
the City's Investment Policy
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 7 Packet Pg. 11 of 64
Investment Policy Fiscal Years 2025‐2026 and 2027
(Adopted Proposed June 16, 2025January 6, 2026)
INTRODUCTION
The City of Palo Alto invests its pooled idle cash according to State of California law and the charter
of the City of Palo Alto. In particular, the City follows “The Prudent Investor Standard” cited in the
State Government Code (Section 53600.3). Under this standard, all governing bodies of local
agencies or persons authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and
therefore fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, reinvesting,
purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care,
skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including, but not limited to
the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person
acting in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a
like character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the
agency.
INVESTMENT PHILOSOPHY
The basic principles underlying Palo Alto's investment philosophy is to ensure the safety of public
funds, provide that sufficient money is always available to meet current expenditures, and achieve
a reasonable rate of return on its investments.
The City's preferred and chief practice is to buy securities and to hold them to their date of
maturity rather than to trade or sell securities prior to maturity. The City may, however, elect to sell
a security prior to its maturity should there be a significant financial need. If securities are
purchased and held to their maturity date, then any changes in the market value of those securities
during their life will have no effect on their principal value. Under a buy and hold philosophy, the
City is able to protect its invested principal. The economy, the money markets, and various financial
institutions (such as the Federal Reserve System) are monitored carefully to make prudent
investments and to assess the condition of the City’s portfolio.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and
yieldreturn:
1. Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program.
Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of
capital in the overall portfolio. The objective will be to mitigate credit risk and interest
rate risk.
Item 1
Attachment B - Proposed
Investment Policy
(Redlined)
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 8 Packet Pg. 12 of 64
a) Credit risk is the risk that an obligation will not be paid and a loss will result. The
City will seek to minimize this risk by:
Limiting investment to the safest types of securities or minimum credit
quality rating as listed in the “Authorized Investment” section
Diversifying its investments among the types of securities that are
authorized under this investment policy
b) Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the
value of an investor’s portfolio. For example, an investor with large holdings in
long‐term bonds has assumed significant interest rate risk because the value of
the bonds will fall if interest rates rise. The City can minimize this risk by:
Buying and holding its securities until maturity
Structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet
cash flow requirements
To further achieve the objective of safety, the amount that can be invested in all
investment categories, excluding obligations of the U.S. Government and its agencies,
is limited either as a percentage of the portfolio or by a specific dollar amount. These
limits are defined under the “Authorized Investments” section.
3.2. Liquidity: Liquidity is the second most important objective of the investment
program. The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating
requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by
maintaining a portion of the portfolio in liquid money market mutual funds or local
government investment poolsshort‐term investments. In addition, the City will
maintain one month’s net cash needs in short term and/or liquid investments and at
least $50 million shall be maintained in securities maturing in less than two years.
Although the City’s practice is to buy and hold securities to maturity, since all possible
cash demands cannot be anticipated, theThe investment portfolio will consist of
securities with active secondary or resale markets should the need to sell a security
prior to maturity arises.
4.3. YieldReturn: Yield Return on the City’s portfolio is last in priority among investment
objectives. The investment portfolio shall be designed to obtain a market rate of
return throughout budgetary and economic cycles that reflects the authorized
investments, risk constraints, and liquidity needs outlined in the City’s investment
policy. Compared to similar sized cities, the City of Palo Alto should be able to take
advantage of its relatively large reserve balances to achieve higher yields through
long‐term investments. In addition, the City will strive to maintain the level of
investment of idle funds as close to 100 percent as possible.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to and subordinate to the Safety, Liquidity, and Yield Return investment objectives,
investments that support sound environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives are also
considered. While the City’s portfolio is not classified as an ESG portfolio, investments in entities
Item 1
Attachment B - Proposed
Investment Policy
(Redlined)
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 9 Packet Pg. 13 of 64
that support community well‐being through practices that emphasize safe and environmentally
sound objectives; fair labor practices; and equality of rights regardless of sex, race, age, disability,
or sexual orientation, is encouraged. Direct investments in entities that manufacture tobacco
products, firearms, and engage in direct production or drilling of fossil fuels is discouraged.
This section applies to new investments (after November 5, 2018) only and does not require
divestment of existing investments. Investments in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Negotiable
Certificates of Deposit are exempt from the ESG investing objective.
SCOPE
A. This investment policy shall apply to all financial assets of the City of Palo Alto as accounted for
in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including but not limited to the
following funds:
1. General Fund
2. Special Revenue Funds
3. Debt Service Funds
4. Capital Project Fund
5. Enterprise Funds
6. Internal Service Funds
7. Trust and Agency Funds
B. The policy does not cover funds held by in the City’s Public Pension Retirement Fundsthe
California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), the Retiree Medical Funds (Other
Post‐Employment Benefits Trust or OPEB) California Employers’ Retiree Benefit Trust (CERBT),
the Pension Trust Fund (Section 115 Trust), Deferred Compensation programs (e.g. ICMA,
Hartford), and sthe elf‐insurance funds held by City’s Risk PollPool Joint Powers
AuthorityAuthority for California Cities Excess Liability (ACCEL), and the Public Agency
Retirement Services (PARS) Section 115 Irrevocable Trust.
C. Investments of bond proceeds shall be governed by the provisions of the related bond
indentures.
GENERAL INVESTMENT GUIDELINES
1. The maximum stated final maturity of individual securities in the portfolio should be ten
years.
2. A maximum ofNo more than 30 percent of the par market value of the total portfolio
shall be invested in securities with maturities beyond five years.
3. The City shall maintain a minimum of one month’s net cash needs in short term
and/or liquid investments.
4. At least $50 million shall be maintained in securities maturing in less than two (2)
years.
Item 1
Attachment B - Proposed
Investment Policy
(Redlined)
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 10 Packet Pg. 14 of 64
5.4. Should the ratio of the market value of the portfolio to the book value of the portfolio
fall below 95 percent, the Administrative Services Department will report this fact to
the City Council within a reasonable time frame and evaluate whether there is any risk
of holding any of the securities to maturity.
6. Commitments to purchase securities newly introduced on the market shall be made no
more than three (3) working days before pricing.
8. Whenever possible, the City will obtain and record three or more quotations on the
purchase or sale of comparable securities and take the higher yield on purchase or
higher price on sale. This rule will not apply to new issues, which are purchased at
market no more than three (3) working days before pricing, as well as to LAIF, City of
Palo Alto bonds, money market accounts and mutual funds, all of which shall be
evaluated separately.
9.5. Where the Investment Policy specifies a percentage limitation for a particular category
of investment, that percentage is applicable only at the date of purchase. A later
increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the portfolio’s assets
or values shall not constitute a violation of that restriction. As soon as possible,
percentage limitations will be restored as investments mature in each category.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS
The California Government Code (Sections 53600 et seq.) governs investment of City funds. Within
the investments permitted by the Code, the City seeks to further restrict eligible investments to the
guidelines listed below. In the event there is a difference between the Policy and the Code, the
more restrictive parameters will take precedence. Percentage holding limits and minimum credit
quality requirements listed in this section apply at the time the security is purchased.
Any investment currently held at the time the policy is adopted, which does not meet the new
policy guidelines, can be held until maturity and shall be exempt from the current policy. At the
time of the investment’s maturity or liquidation, such funds shall be reinvested only as provided in
the current policy. The following investments are authorized:
1. U.S. Government SecuritiesTreasuries (e.g. Treasury notes, bonds and bills)
Securities and other government obligations that are backed by the full faith and
credit of the United Statesfor which the full faith and credit of the Unites States are
pledged for the payment of principal and interest.
a) There is no limit on purchase of these securities.
b) Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
) All purchased securities must have an explicit or a de facto backing of the
full faith and credit of the U.S. Government.
3.2. U.S. Government Agency SecuritiesFederal Agencies or United States
Item 1
Attachment B - Proposed
Investment Policy
(Redlined)
Item 1: Staff Report Pg. 11 Packet Pg. 15 of 64
Government‐Sponsored Enterprise Obligations – Obligations issued by the
Federal Government agencies including those issued by or fully guaranteed as to
principal and interest by federal agencies or United States government‐sponsored
enterprises (GSE)(e.g. Federal National Mortgage Association, etc.).
a. There is no limit on purchase of these securities except for:
No more than 30 percent of the total portfolio may be invested in
any single federal agency/GSE issuer.
Callable and Multi‐step‐up securities provided that:
‐ The potential call dates are known at the time of purchase
‐ The interest rates at which they “step‐up” are known at the
time of purchase
‐ The entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date
‐ No more than 25 20 percent of the par market value of the total
portfolio may be invested in federal agency callable and step‐up
securities
b. Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
4.3. California State, California Local Government Agencies, and other United States
State BondsMunicipal Securities
b) Municipal securities must be rated in a rating category of “A” or its
equivalent or better by at least one nNationally rRecognized sStatistical
rRating oOrganization (“NRSRO”) that is registered with the U.S.
Securities and Exchange Commission. Having at time of investment a
minimum Double A (AA/Aa2) rating as
c)
d)a) provided by a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s,
Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).
b) Municipal securities may not exceed 40 30 percent of the par market
value of the total portfolio.
c) No more than 5 percent of the market value of the total portfolio may be
invested in any single issuer.
e)d) Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
f)e) Investments include:
i) Registered state warrants or treasury notes or bonds of the State of
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California and bonds, notes, warrants, or other evidences of
indebtedness of any local agency within California, including bonds
payable solely out of the revenues from a revenue producing
property owned, controlled, or operated by the state or local
agency or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the state
or local agency.
ii) Registered treasury notes or bond of any of the 49 United States in
addition to the State of California, including bonds payable solely
out of the revenues from a revenue‐producing property owned,
controlled, or operated by a state or by a department, board,
agency or authority of any of the other 49 United States, in addition
to the State of California.
5.4. Certificates of Deposit (CD) ‐ A debt instrument issued by a bank for a specified
period of time at a specified rate of interest. Purchase of CD’s are limited to:
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the par market value of the portfolio.
b) No more than 10 percent of the par market value of the portfolio in
collateralized CDs in any institution.
c) Purchase collateralized deposits only from federally insured large banks
that are rated by a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s,
Fitch, and/or Standard and Poor’s).one NRSRO .
d) For non‐rated banks, deposit should be limited to amounts federally
insured (FDIC). – See Appendix C
e) Rollovers are not permitted without specific instruction from authorized
City staff.
6.5. Banker's Acceptance Notes (BA) – Bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and
accepted by commercial banks. Purchase of banker’s acceptances are limited to:
a) No more than 30 40 percent of the par market value of the portfolio.
b) Not to exceed 180 days maturity.
c) No more than $5 million 5 percent of the market value of the total
portfolio with any one institution.
7.6. Commercial Paper ‐ Short‐term unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations,
and other borrowers. Purchases of commercial paper are limited to entities that
meets all of the following conditions in either paragraph (a) or (b) and other
requirements specified below:
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a) Securities issued by corporations:
i) A corporation organized and operating in the United States with
assets more than $500 million.
ii) The securities are rated “A‐1” or its equivalent or better by at least
one NRSRO.
iii) If the issuer has other debt obligations, they must be rated in a
rating category of “A” or its equivalent or better by at least one
NRSRO.
b) Securities issued by other entities:
i) The issuer is organized within the United States as a special purpose
corporation, trust, or limited liability company.
ii) The securities must have program‐wide credit enhancements
including, but not limited to, overcollateralization, letters of credit,
or a surety bond.
iii) The securities are rated “A‐1” or its equivalent or better by at least
one NRSRO.
Moreover, no more than 10 percent of the outstanding commercial paper of any single
issuer is permitted, and under a provision sunsetting on January 1, 2031 (SB 998), no
more than 40 percent of the total portfolio market value may be invested in Commercial
Paper. No more than 5 percent of the total portfolio market value may be invested in
any single issuer. The maximum maturity may not exceed 397 days.
) Having highest letter or numerical rating as provided for by a nationally
recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch, and/or Standard and
Poor’s).
) No more than 15 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
) Not to exceed 270 days maturity.
) No more than $3 million or 10 percent of the outstanding commercial
paper of any one institution, whichever is lesser.
13.7. Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) – A State of California managed investment pool
may be used up to the maximum permitted by California State Law.
14.8. Short‐Term Repurchase Agreements (REPO) – A contractual agreement between a
seller and a buyer, usually of U.S. government securities, whereby the seller agrees
to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and, usually, at a stated time.
Purchases of REPO’s must:
a) Not to exceed 1 year.
b) Market value of securities that underlay a repurchase agreement shall be
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valued at 102 percent or greater of the funds borrowed against those
securities.
c) A Master Repurchase agreement must be signed with the bank or dealer.
9. Money Market Deposit Accounts – Collateralized Bank Deposits – City’s deposits with
financial institutions will be collateralized with pledged securities per California
Government Code, Section 53651. There are no limits on the dollar amount or
percentage that the City may invest in collateralized bank deposits.
Liquid bank accounts which seek to maintain a net asset value of $1.00.
10. Money Market Mutual Funds – Money Market Mutual Funds registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
issued by diversified management companies and meet either of the following
criteria:
a) Have attained the highest ranking or the highest letter and numerical
rating provided by not less than two (2) NRSROs; or
b) Have retained an investment adviser registered or exempt from
registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission with not less
than five years’ experience managing money market mutual funds with
assets under management in excess of $500 million.
15. No more than 20 percent of the total portfolio market value may be invested in the
shares of any one Money Market Mutual Fund.which seek to maintain a net asset
value of $1.00 and which are limited essentially to the above investments and further
defined in note 9 of Appendix A
11.
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No more than 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
No more than 10 percent of the par value with any one institution.
12. Shares of Beneficial Interest Issued by a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) – provided that:
a) The JPA is organized pursuant to California Government Code Section
6509.7 and invests in the securities and obligations authorized in
subdivisions (a) to (r), inclusive.
b) Each share shall represent an equal proportional interest in the
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underlying pool of securities owned by the JPA.
c) The JPA has retained an investment advisor who is registered with the
SEC (or exempt from registration), has assets under management in
excess of $500 million, and has at least five years’ experience investing in
instruments authorized by Section 53601, subdivisions (a) to (q).
d) No more than 20 percent of the total market value of the portfolio may
be invested in shares of beneficial interest issued by a joint powers
authority.
16.13. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD) issued by nationally or state‐chartered
banks, a savings association or a federal association, a state or federal credit union, or
by a federally licensed and or state or federal savings institutions and further defined
in note 11 of Appendix Alicensed branch of a foreign bank. Purchases of negotiable
certificates of deposit:
a) The amount of the NCD insured up to the FDIC limit does not require any
credit ratings.
b) Any amount above the FDIC insured limit must be issued by institutions
which have short‐term debt obligations rated “A‐1” or its equivalent or
better by at least one NRSRO; or long‐term obligations rated in a rating
category of “A” or its equivalent or better by at least one NRSRO.
c) No more than 30 percent of the total portfolio market value may be
invested in NCDs.
d) No more than 5 percent of the total portfolio market may be invested in
any single issuer.
e) The maximum maturity may not exceed five (5) years.
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the par value of the portfolio.
b) No more than $5 million in any one institution.
17.14. Medium‐Term Corporate Notes – Issued by corporation organized and operating
within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or
any state and operating with the United States.
a) Not to exceed 5 years maturity.
b) The securities shall be rated in a rating category of “A” or its equivalent
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or better by at least one NRSRO.
b)c) Securities eligible for investment shall have a minimum rating of AA or
Aa2 from a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch,
and/or Standard & Poor’s).
c)d) No more than 10 30 percent of the par market value of the total
portfolio may be invested in medium‐term corporate notes.
d)e) No more than $5 million5 percent of the par market value of the total
portfolio may be invested in securities of any single issuer., other than the
U.S. Government, its agencies and instrumentality.
f) If securities owned by the City are downgraded by Moody’s, Fitch, or
Standard & Poor’s to a level below the rating category of AAA or Aa2, it shall
be the City’s policy to review the credit situation and make a
determination as to whether to sell or retain such securities in the
portfolio.
15. Asset‐Backed, Mortgage‐Backed, Mortgage Pass‐Through Securities, and
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations – from issuers not defined in subparagraphs 1
and 2 of the Authorized Investments section of this policy, provided that:
a. The securities are rated in a rating category of “AA” or its equivalent or
better by a NRSRO.
b. No more than 20% of the total portfolio may be invested in these
securities.
c. No more than 5% of the total portfolio may be invested in any single
Asset‐Backed or Commercial Mortgage security issuer.
d. The maximum maturity does not exceed five (5) years.
18.16. Supranational Organizations Securities – Supranational organizations refer to Issues
that are US dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued
or unconditionally guaranteed by International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Inter‐American
Development Bank (IADB).
a. Securities will not exceed five (5) years maturity.
b. No more than 20 30 percent of the par market value of the total portfolio.
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c. No more than 10 percent of the par market value of the total portfolio
with any one institution.
d. Securities must be rated in a rating category of “AA” or its equivalent or
better by a NRSRO.eligible for investment shall have a minimum rating of
AA or Aa2 from a nationally recognized rating service (e.g. Moody’s, Fitch,
e. .
Limited to United States dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated
obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by IBRD, IFC, and IADB.
Appendix A provides a more detailed description of each investment vehicle and its security and
liquidity features. Most of the City's short‐term investments will be in securities which pay
principal upon maturity, while long‐term investments may be in securities that periodically repay
principal, as well as interest. Most of the City's investments will be at a fixed rate. However, some
of the investments may be at a variable rate, so long as that rate changes on specified dates in pre‐
determined increments.
PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS:
Includes all investments not specified above, and in particular:
1. Reverse repurchase agreements
2. Derivatives, as defined in Appendix B
3. State law notwithstanding, any investments not specifically described herein are
prohibited, including, but not limited to futures and options.
4. In accordance with Government Code, Section 53601.6, investment in inverse floaters,
range notes, or mortgage derived interest‐only strips is prohibited.
5. Investment in any security that could result in a zero interest accrual if held to maturity
is prohibited. Under a provision sunsetting on January 1, 2031, securities backed by the
U.S. Government that could result in a zero‐ or negative‐interest accrual if held to
maturity are permitted.
6. Trading securities for the sole purpose of speculating on the future direction of interest
rates is prohibited.
7. Purchasing or selling securities on margin is prohibited.
8. The use of reverse repurchase agreements, securities lending or any other form of
borrowing or leverage is prohibited.
9. The purchase of foreign currency denominated securities is prohibited.
2.10. The purchase of a security with a forward settlement date exceeding 45 days from
the time of the investment is prohibited.
Appendix B provides a more detailed description of each investmentreverse repurchase agreements
and derivatives, which is are prohibited, for City investment.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
Idle cash management and investment transactions are the responsibility of the Administrative
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Services Department. The Administrative Services Department is under the control of the Director
of Administrative Services (Director), as treasurer, who is subject to the direction and supervision
of the City Manager.
The Assistant Directors of Administrative Services (Assistant Director), who reports to the Director,
are authorized to make all investment transactions allowed by the Statement of Investment Policy.
The Assistant Director may authorize the Manager of Treasury, Debt & Investments (Manager),
Senior Management Analyst (Analyst), and/or designated investment firm (Firm) to enter into
investments within clearly specified parameters. The City may engage the services of one or more
external investment advisers, who are registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, to
assist in the management of the City’s investment portfolio in a manner consistent with the City’s
objectives. External investment advisers may be granted discretion to purchase and sell investment
securities in accordance with this investment policy.
The Investment function is under the supervision of the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is
charged with the responsibility to manage the investment program (portfolio), which includes
developing and monitoring the City's cash flow model and developing long‐term revenue and
financing strategies and forecasts.
The Manager, Analyst, and/or Firm are subject to the direction and supervision of the Assistant
Director. The Manager, Analyst, and/or Firm assist the Assistant Director, in the purchase and sale
of securities. The Manager, Analyst, and/or Firm also prepare the quarterly report, and record
daily all investment transactions as to the type of investment, amount, yield, and maturity. Cash
flow projections are prepared as needed.
In all circumstances, approval from the Director of Administrative Services is required before selling
securities from the City's portfolio. The Manager and/or Analyst may also transfer no more than a
total of $10 million a day from the City's general account to any one financial institution, without
the prior approval of the Assistant Director.
No other person has authority to make investment transactions without the written authority of
the Director or Assistant Director of Administrative Services.
USE OF BROKERS AND DEALERS
The Administrative Services Department maintains a list of acceptable dealers. A dealer acts as a
principal in security transactions, selling securities from and buying securities for their own
position. A dealer must have:
a) At least three years’ experience operating with California municipalities;
b) Maintain a record free of disclosure events, evidenced on the individual’s Financial
Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) BrokerCheck report;
c) Maintain an inventory of trading securities of at least $10 million;
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d) Meet net capital requirements as outlined in Security Exchange Commission Rule
(SEC) 15c3‐1 (uniform net capital rule) for brokers or dealers;
e) Annually provide documentation showing their financial condition and relevant
registration;
f) Annually certify in writing that they have reviewed the applicable California
Government Code sections and the City’s Investment Policy; and
g) Be approved by the Assistant Director before being added to the City's list of approved
dealers; including individual traders or agents representing a dealer:
A dealer will be removed from the list if any of these criteria not be met and/or should there
develop a history of problems to include: failure to deliver securities as promised, failure to honor
transactions as quoted, or failure to provide accurate information.
AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, DEPOSITORIES, AND BROKER/DEALERS
A. The Director of Administrative Services or designee shall maintain procedures for establishing
a list of authorized broker/dealers and financial institutions which are approved for investment
purposes. Due inquiry shall determine whether such authorized broker/dealers, and the
individuals covering the City are reputable and trustworthy, knowledgeable and experienced in
public agency investing and able to meet all of their financial obligations. These institutions
may include "primary" dealers or regional dealers that qualify under Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) Rule 15c3‐1 (uniform net capital rule).
B. In accordance with Section 53601.5, institutions eligible to transact investment business with
the AgencyCity include:
1. Institutions licensed by the state and proof of FINRA certification as a broker‐dealer, as
defined in Section 25004 of the Corporations Code, with proof of FINRA certification.
2. Institutions that are members of a federally regulated securities exchange.
3. Primary government dealers as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank and non‐
primary government dealers.
4. Nationally or state‐chartered banks.
5. Savings association or federal association (as defined in Section 5102 of the Financial
Code).
6. The Federal Reserve Bank.
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7. Direct issuers of securities eligible for purchase.
C. Selection of financial institutions and broker/dealers authorized to engage in transactions will
be at the sole discretion of the City, except where the City utilizes an external investment
adviser in which case the City may rely on the adviser for selection.
D. All financial institutions which desire to become qualified bidders for investment transactions
(and which are not dealing only with the investment adviser) must supply the Director of
Administrative Services or designee with audited financials and a statement certifying that the
institution has reviewed the California Government Code, Section 53600 et seq. and the City’s
investment policy. The Director of Administrative Services or designee will conduct an annual
review of the financial condition and registrations of such qualified bidders.
E. To the extent practicable, the Director of Administrative Services or designee shall endeavor to
complete investment transactions using a competitive bid process whenever possible. The
City’s Director of Administrative Services will determine which financial institutions are
authorized to provide investment services to the City. It shall be the City’s policy to purchase
securities only from authorized institutions and firms.
F. Selection of broker/dealers used by an external investment adviser retained by the City will be
at the sole discretion of the adviser. Where possible, transactions with broker/dealers shall be
selected on a competitive basis and their bid or offering prices shall be recorded. If there is no
other readily available competitive offering, best efforts will be made to document quotations
for comparable or alternative securities. When purchasing original issue instrumentality
securities, no competitive offerings will be required as all dealers in the selling group offer
those securities at the same original issue price.
G. Public deposits will be made only in qualified public depositories as established by State law.
Deposits will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or, to the extent the
amount exceeds the insured maximum, will be collateralized in accordance with State law.
SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY
All securities shall be delivered to the City's safekeeping custodian and held in the name of the
City of Palo Alto, with the exception of the following investments:
a) Certificates of deposit, which may be held by the City itself.
b) City shares in pooled investment funds, under contract.
c) Mutual funds
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d) Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
POLICY REVIEW AND REPORTING ON INVESTMENTS
Monthly, the Administrative Services Department will review performance in relation to Council
adopted Policy. Per California Government Code Section 53646, quarterly, the Department will
report to Council (within 45 days after the end of the quarter) investment activity, including: the
portfolio’s performance in comparison to policy, explain any variances from policy, provide any
recommendations for policy changes, and discuss overall compliance with the City’s Investment
Policy. In addition, the Department will provide Council with:
a) An asset listing showing par value, cost and independent third‐party fair market value of
each security as of the date of the report, the source of the valuation, type of
investment, issuer, maturity date and interest rate.
b) A description of the funds, investments and programs (including lending programs)
managed by contracted parties (i.e. LAIF; LGIPS, outside money managers and
securities lending agents)
c) A statement of compliance with investment policy, including a schedule of any
transactions or holdings which do not comply with this policy or with the California
Government Code, including a justification for their presence in the portfolio and a
timetable for resolution, and
d) Report on the City’s ability to meet expenditure requirements over the next six months.
Per California Government Code Section 53607, the Department shall provide a monthly report of
transactions (investments, reinvestment, sold, and exchanged securities) made during the month
to the Council. This reporting requirement is separate and distinct from the quarterly investment
report submitted under Code Section 53646.
Annually, the Administrative Services Department will present a Proposed Statement of Investment
Policy, to include the delegation of investment authority, to the City Council for review during the
annual budget process. All proposed changes in policy must be approved by the Council prior to
implementation.
Adopted by City Council October 22, 1984 Amended by City Council June 17, 2003
Monthly reporting effective January 1985 Amended by City Council June 28, 2004
Amended and Adopted by City Council June 24,
1985
Amended by City Council June 20, 2005
Amended by City Council December 2, 1985 Amended by City Council June 12, 2006
Amended by City Council June 23, 1986 Amended by City Council June 11, 2007
Amended by City Council June 22, 1987 Amended by City Council June 09, 2008
Amended by City Council August 8, 1988 Amended by City Council June 15, 2009
Amended by City Council November 28, 1988 Amended by City Council June 28, 2010
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Amended by City Council June 26, 1989 Amended by City Council June 20, 2011
Amended by City Council May 14, 1990 Amended by City Council June 18, 2012
Amended by City Council June 24, 1991 Amended by City Council June 03, 2013
Amended by City Council June 22, 1992 Amended by City Council June 16, 2014
Amended by City Council June 23, 1993 Amended by City Council June 15, 2015
Amended by City Council June 20, 1994 Amended by City Council June 13, 2016
Amended by City Council June 19, 1995 Amended by City Council June 27, 2017
Amended by City Council June 24, 1996 Amended by City Council November 5, 2018
Amended by City Council June 23, 1997 Amended by City Council June 24, 2019
Amended by City Council January 26, 1998 Adopted by City Council June 22, 2020
Amended by City Council June 22, 1998 Amended by City Council June 21, 2021
Amended by City Council June 28, 1999 Adopted by City Council June 20, 2022
Amended by City Council June 19, 2000 Adopted by City Council June 19, 2023
Amended by City Council June 11, 2001 Amended by City Council June 17, 2024
Amended by City Council June 17, 2002 Adopted by City Council June 16, 2025
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APPENDIX A
EXPLANATION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
1. U.S. Government Securities: United States Treasury notes, bonds, bills, or certificates of
indebtedness or those for which the faith and credit of the United States are pledged for the
payment of principal and interest.
2. U.S. Government Agency Securities: U.S. Government Agency Obligations include the
securities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Land Banks (FLB),
Federal Intermediate Credit Banks (FICB), banks for cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks
(FHLB), Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC), Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), Small Business
Administration (SBA), Federal Farm Credit (FFC), and Federal Agricultural Mortgage
Corporation (FAMC or FMAC). Federal Agency securities are debt obligations that essentially
result from lending programs of the Government. Federal agency securities differ from other
types of securities, as well as among themselves. Their characteristics depend on the issuing
agency. It is possible to distinguish three types of issues: (A) participation certificates (pooled
securities), (B) Certificates of interest (pooled loans), (C) notes, bonds, and debentures. The
securities of a few agencies are explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government. All other issues purchased by the City have the de facto implied but not
guaranteed backing from the federal government, and it is highly unlikely that the government
would let any agency default on its obligations.
3. Certificates of Deposit: A certificate of deposit (CDs) is a receipt for funds deposited in a
bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association for a specified period of time at a specified
rate of interest. Denominations are $250,000 and up. The first $250,000 of a certificate of
deposit is guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), if the deposit is
with a bank or savings bank, or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), if the deposit is
with a savings and loan. CDs with a face value in excess of $250,000 can be collateralized by
U.S. Government Agency and Treasury Department securities or first mortgage loans.
Government securities must be at least 110 percent of the face value of the CD collateralized
in excess of the first $250,000. The value of first mortgages must be at least 150 percent of
the face value of the CD balance insured in excess of the first
$250,000. Generally, CDs are issued for more than 30 days and the maturity can be selected by
the purchaser.
4. Bankers' Acceptance: A Banker's Acceptance (BA) is a negotiable time draft or bill of
exchange drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Acceptance of the draft irrevocably
obligates the bank to pay the bearer the face amount of the draft at maturity. BAs are usually
created to finance the import and export of goods, the shipment of goods within the United
States and storage of readily marketable staple commodities. In over 70 years of usage in the
United States, there has been no known instance of principal loss to
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5. POLICY AND PROCEDURES 1‐39/ASD
6.4. Revised: June 2025 any investor in BAs. In addition to the guarantee by the accepting bank, the
transaction is identified with a specific commodity. Warehouse receipts verify that the pledged
commodities exist, and, by definition, these commodities are readily marketable. The sale of the
underlying goods generates the necessary funds to liquidate the indebtedness.
BAs enjoy marketability since the Federal Reserve Bank is authorized to buy and sell prime
BAs with maturities of up to nine months. The Federal Reserve Bank enters into repurchase
agreements in the normal course of open market operations with BA dealers.
As are sold at a discount from par. An acceptance is tied to a specific loan transaction;
therefore, the amount and maturity of the acceptance is fixed.
7.5. Commercial Paper: Commercial paper notes are unsecured promissory notes of industrial
corporations, utilities, and bank holding companies. Interest is discounted from par and
calculated using actual number of days on a 360‐day year. The notes are in bearer form, with
maturities up to 270 397 days selected by the purchaser, and denominations generally start
at $100,000. There is a small secondary market for commercial paper notes and an investor
may sell a note prior to maturity.
Commercial paper notes are backed by unused lines of credit from major banks. Some
issuer's notes are insured, while some are backed by irrevocable letters of credit from major
banks. State law limits a City to investments in United States corporations having assets in
excess of five hundred million dollars with an "A" or higher rating by a nationally recognized
rating service for the issuer's debentures. Cities may not invest more than 25 percent of idle
cash in commercial paper.
8.6. Local Agency Investment Fund Demand Deposit: The Local Agency Investment Fund LAIF)
was established by the State to enable treasurers to place funds in a pool for investments.
The City is limited to an investment of the amount allowed by LAIF (currently $75 million).
LAIF has been particularly beneficial to those jurisdictions with small portfolios. Palo Alto uses
this fund for short‐term investment, liquidity, and yield.
9.7. Repurchase Agreements: A Repurchase Agreement (REPOS) is not a security, but a
contractual arrangement between a financial institution or dealer and an investor. The
agreement normally can run for one or more days. The investor puts up funds for a certain
number of days at a stated yield. In return, the investor takes title to a given block of
securities as collateral. At maturity, the securities are repurchased and the funds repaid, plus
interest. Usually, amounts are $500,000 or more, but some REPOS can be smaller.
10. Money Market Deposit Accounts: Money Market Deposit Accounts are market‐sensitive
bank accounts, which are available to depositors at any time, without penalty. The interest
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rate is generally comparable to rates on money market mutual funds, though any individual
bank's rate may be higher or lower. These accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit
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Insurance Corporation or the Savings Association Insurance Fund.
14.8. Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are shares of beneficial interest issued by diversified
management companies, as defined by Section 23701 M of the Revenue and Taxation Code. To
be eligible for investment, these funds must:
a) Attain the highest ranking in the highest letter and numerical rating provided by
not less than two of the three largest nationally recognized rating services; or
b) Have an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with not less than five years’ experience investing in the securities
and obligations, as authorized by subdivisions (a) to (n), inclusive, of Section
53601 of the California Government Code, and with assets under management in
excess of five hundred million dollars; and
c) Invest solely in those securities and obligations authorized by Sections 53601 and
53635 of the California Government Code. Where the Investment Policy of the
City of Palo Alto may be more restrictive than the State Code, the Policy
authorizes investments in mutual funds that shall have minimal investment in
securities otherwise restricted by the City's Policy. Minimal investment is
defined as less than 5 percent of the mutual fund portfolio; and
d) The purchase price of shares of beneficial interest purchased shall not include
any commission that these companies may charge.
e) Have a net asset value of $1.00.
15. Callable Securities and Multi‐Step‐ups: Callable securities are defined as fixed interest rate
government agency securities that give the issuing agency the option of returning the
invested funds at a specific point in time to the purchaser. Multi‐step‐ups are government
agency securities in which the interest rate increases ("steps‐up") at preset intervals, and
which also have a callable option that allows the issuing agency to return the invested funds at
a preset interval. Callable and multi‐step‐ups are permitted, provided that:
16.
17. the potential call dates are known at the time of purchase;
18. the interest rates at which they “step‐up” are known at the time of purchase; and
19. the entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date.
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21.9. Revised: June 2025
22.10. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD): NCDs are large‐dollar‐amount, short‐term
certificate of deposit. Such certificates are issued by large banks and bought mainly by
corporations and institutional investors. They are payable either to the bearer or to the order
of the depositor, and, being negotiable, they enjoy an active secondary market, where they
trade in round lots of $5 million. Although they can be issued in any denomination from
$100,000 up, the typical amount is $1 million also called a Jumbo Certificate of Deposit.
State law prohibits the investment of local agency funds in negotiable certificates of deposit
issued by a state or federal credit union if a member of the legislative body of the local
agency, or any person with investment decision making authority in the administrative,
manager’s, budget, auditor‐controller’s, or treasurer’s offices of the local agency also serves on
the board of directors, other credit committee or the supervisory committee of the state or
federal credit union issuing the negotiable certificate of deposit.
23.11. Medium‐Term Corporate Notes: All corporate and depository institution debt securities
with a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations organized
and operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United
States or any state and operating within the United States. According to California
Government Code Section 53601, “Notes eligible for investment under this subdivision shall be
rated in a rating category of “A” or its equivalent or better by a nationally recognized rating
service. Purchase of medium‐term notes shall include other instruments authorized by this
section and shall not exceed 30 percent of the agency’s moneys that may be invested pursuant
to this section.”
24.12. Supranational Securities: California Government Code Section 53601 defines allowable
supranational securities as United States dollar denominated senior unsecured
unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and Inter‐ American
Development Bank. Supranationals are well capitalized and in most cases have strong credit
support from contingent capital calls from their member countries. Section 53601 was
amended effective January 1, 2015 to allow local agencies to invest in the senior debt
obligations of these three supranational issuers which are eligible for purchase and resale
within the United States. These entities were established with the purpose of ending poverty
and raising the standard of living around the world through sustainable economic growth.
a) The supranationals are international organization owned by member countries.
These are:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD or World
Bank), a member of the World Bank Group, provides direct loans and
guarantees to sovereigns and government‐backed projects
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International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank
Group, supports the creation and growth of private companies through direct
lending and equity investment, attracting third party capital, and providing advisory
services
Inter‐American Development Bank (IADB), a member of the Inter‐ American
Development Bank Group, provides loans, grants, and guarantees to
sovereigns in Latin America and the Caribbean
b) Additional characteristics shared by the IBRD, IFC, and IADB include:
Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with the United States as the largest
shareholder of each organization
Rated AAA/Aaa by S&P and Moody’s
25.13. Asset‐Backed, Mortgage‐Backed, Mortgage Pass‐Through Securities, and Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations are securities that represent pools of debt collateralized by an
underlying pool of assets—usually ones that generate a cash flow from debt, such as
mortgages, loans, leases, credit card balances, or receivables. It takes the form of a bond or
note, paying income at a fixed rate for a set amount of time, until maturity.
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APPENDIX B
EXPLANATION OF PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS
1. Reverse Repurchase Agreements: A Reverse Repurchase Agreement (Reverse REPO) is a
contractual agreement by the investor (e.g. local agency) to post a security it owns as
collateral, and a bank or dealer temporarily exchanges cash for this collateral, for a specific
period of time, at an agreed‐upon interest rate. During the period of the agreement, the local
agency may use this cash for any purpose. At maturity, the securities are repurchased from
the bank or dealer, plus interest.
California law contains a number of restrictions on the use of Reverse REPOS by local
agencies.
2. Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument created from, or whose value depends on (is
derived from), the value of one or more underlying assets or indices. The term "derivative"
refers to instruments or features, such as collateralized mortgage obligations, forwards,
futures, currency and interest rate swaps, options, caps and floors. Except for those callable
and multi‐step‐up securities as described under Permitted Investments, derivatives are
prohibited.
Certain derivative products have characteristics which could include high price volatility,
liquid markets, products that are not market‐tested, products that are highly leveraged,
products requiring a high degree of sophistication to manage, and products that are difficult to
value.
According to California law, a local agency shall not invest any funds in inverse floaters, range
notes, or interest‐only strips that are derived from a pool of mortgages.
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APPENDIX C
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
AGENCIES: Federal agency and instrumentality securities.
ASKED: The price at which securities are offered.
BID: The price offered by a buyer of securities (when one sells securities, one asks for a bid). See
“Offer”.
BROKER: A person or institution that conducts investment transactions on behalf of the buyer and
seller of the investment and earns a commission on the transaction.
COLLATERAL: Securities, evidence of deposit, or other property, which a borrower pledges to
secure repayment of a loan. Also refers to securities pledged by a bank to secure deposits of public
monies.
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR): The official annual report for the City of
Palo Alto. It includes combined financial statements for each individual fund and account group
prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and pronouncements set
forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The ACFR also includes supporting
schedules that are necessary to demonstrate compliance with finance‐ related legal and
contractual provisions, extensive introductory material, and a detailed statistical section.
COUPON: The annual rate of interest that a bond’s issuer promises to pay the bondholder on the
bond’s face value or the certificate attached to a bond evidencing interest due on a payment date.
DEALER: A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all transactions, buying and selling
for his own account.
DEBENTURE: A bond secured only by the general credit of the issuer.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of securities: (1) delivery versus
payment (DVP); and (2) delivery versus receipt (DVR). DVP is delivery of securities with an exchange
of money for the securities. DVR is delivery of securities with an exchange of a signed receipt for
the securities.
DISCOUNT: The difference between the acquisition cost of a security and its value at maturity
when quoted at lower than face value. A security that sells below original offering price shortly
after sale, is also is considered to be at a discount.
DISCOUNT SECURITIES: Non‐interest‐bearing money market instruments that are issued a
discount and that are redeemed at maturity for full face value (e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills).
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DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of securities that offer
independent returns.
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION (“FAMC” or “FMAC”): A federal agency
established in 1988 to provide a secondary market for farm mortgage loans. Informally called
Farmer Mac.
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal Government that were established to supply
credit to various classes of institutions and individuals (e.g., S&Ls, small business firms, students,
farmers, farm cooperatives, and exporters).
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (“FDIC”): A federal agency that insures all types of
deposits received at an insured bank, including deposits in a checking account, negotiable order of
withdrawal (NOW) account, savings account, money market deposit account (MMDA) or time
deposit such as a certificate of deposit (CD). FDIC insurance covers depositors' accounts at each
insured bank, dollar‐for‐dollar, including principal and any accrued interest through the date of the
insured bank's closing, up to the insurance limit.
The FDIC does not insure money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies,
annuities or municipal securities, even if these investments are purchased at an insured bank. The
FDIC does not insure U.S. Treasury bills, bonds or notes, but these investments are backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States government.
The standard maximum deposit insurance amount is described as the “SMDIA” in FDIC regulations.
The SMDIA is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
FEDERAL FUNDS RATE: The rate of interest at which Fed funds are traded. This rate is currently
pegged by the Federal Reserve through open‐market operations.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS (“FHLB”): Government‐sponsored wholesale banks (currently 12
regional banks) which lend funds and provide correspondent banking services to member
commercial banks, thrift institutions, credit unions, and insurance companies. The mission of the
FHLBs is to liquefy the housing‐related assets of its members, who must purchase stock in their
District Bank.
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FNMA”): FNMA, like GNMA, was chartered
under the Federal National Mortgage Association Act in 1938. FNMA is a federal corporation
working under the auspices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is the
largest single provider of residential mortgage funds in the United States. Fannie Mae, as the
corporation is called, is a private stockholder‐owned corporation. The corporation’s purchases
include a variety of adjustable mortgages and second loans, in addition to fixed‐rate mortgages.
FNMA’s securities are also highly liquid and are widely accepted. FNMA assumes and guarantees
that all security holders will receive timely payment of principal and interest.
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FEDERAL OPEN MARKET COMMITTEE (“FOMC”): The FOMC consists of seven members of the
Federal Reserve Board and five of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Presidents. The President of the
New York Federal Reserve Bank is a permanent member, while the other Presidents serve on a
rotating basis. The Committee periodically meets to set Federal Reserve guidelines regarding
purchases and sales of government securities in the open market, as a means of influencing the
volume of bank credit and money.
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM: The central bank of the United States created by Congress and
consisting of a seven‐member Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., 12 regional banks, and
about 5,700 commercial banks that are members of the system.
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”): Securities
that influence the volume of bank credit that is guaranteed by GNMA and issued by mortgage
bankers, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, and other institutions. A security holder
is protected by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Mae securities are backed by
the FHA, VA, or FMHM mortgages. The term “pass‐throughs” is often used to describe Ginnie Maes.
LIQUIDITY: A liquid asset is one that can be converted easily and rapidly into cash without a
substantial loss of value. In the money market, a security is said to be liquid if the spread between bid
and asked prices is narrow, and reasonable amount can be done at those quotes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY: A local government agency is any city, county, city and county,
district, or other local governmental body or corporation, including the California State Universities
(CSU) and University of California (UC) systems, K‐12 schools and community colleges empowered to
expend public funds.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FUND (“LAIF”): Monies from local governmental units may be
remitted to the California State Treasurer for deposit in this special fund for the purpose of
investment.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which a security is trading and could presumably be purchased or
sold.
MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT: A written contract covering all future transactions between the
parties to repurchase‐reverse repurchase agreements that establish each party’s rights in the
transactions. A master agreement will often specify, among other things, the right of the buyer
(lender) to liquidate the underlying securities in the event of default by the seller (borrower).
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an investment becomes due and
payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short‐term debt instruments (e.g., bills, commercial paper,
and bankers’ acceptances) are issued and traded.
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OFFER: The price asked by a seller of securities (when one buys securities, one asks for an offer). See
“Asked” and “Bid”.
OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS: Purchases and sales of government and certain other securities in the
open market by the New York Federal Reserve Bank, as directed by the FOMC in order to influence
the volume of money and credit in the economy. Purchases inject reserves into the bank system
and stimulate growth of money and credit; sales have the opposite effect. Open market operations
are the Federal Reserve’s most important and most flexible monetary policy tool.
PORTFOLIO: A collection of securities that an investor holds.
PRIMARY DEALER: A group of government securities dealers that submit daily reports of market
activity and positions, and monthly financial statements to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York,
and are subject to its informal oversight. Primary dealers include Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) ‐‐ registered securities broker‐dealers, banks, and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT INVESTOR RULE: An investment standard cited in the California Government Code
Section 53600 et seq. Under this standard, all governing bodies of local agencies or persons
authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and therefore
fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, reinvesting, purchasing,
acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care, skill,
prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including, but not limited to the
general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person acting
in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like
character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the
agency.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORIES: A financial institution that: (1) does not claim exemption from
the payment of any sales, compensating use, or ad valorem taxes under the laws of this state; (2)
has segregated for the benefit of the commission eligible collateral having a value of not less than
its maximum liability; and (3) has been approved by the Public Deposit Protection Commission to
hold public deposits.
RATE OF RETURN: The yield obtainable on a security based on its purchase price or its current
market price.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by banks for a fee whereby securities and
valuables of all types and descriptions are held in the bank’s vaults for protection.
SECONDARY MARKET: A market made for the purchase and sale of outstanding issues following the
initial distribution.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION: An agency created by Congress to administer
securities legislation for the purpose of protecting investors in securities transactions.
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STRUCTURED NOTES: Notes issued by instrumentalities (e.g., FHLB, FNMA, SLMA) and by
corporations, that have imbedded options (e.g., call features, step‐up coupons, floating rate
coupons, derivative‐based returns) in their debt structure. The market performance of structured
notes is affected by fluctuating interest rates; the volatility of imbedded options; and shifts in the
yield curve.
SUPRANATIONALS: International institutions that provide development financing, advisory services
and/or financial services to their member countries to achieve the overall goal of improving living
standards through sustainable economic growth. The California Government Code Section 53601
allows local agencies to purchase the United States dollar denominated senior unsecured
unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), or Inter‐American
Development Bank (IADB).
TIME CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT: A non‐negotiable certificate of deposit, which cannot be sold prior
to maturity.
TREASURY BILLS: A non‐interest‐bearing discount security that is issued by the U.S. Treasury to
finance the national debt. Most T‐bills are issued to mature in three months, six months, or one
year.
TREASURY BONDS: Long‐term, coupon‐bearing U.S. Treasury securities that are issued as direct
obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of more than 10 years.
TREASURY NOTES: Medium‐term, coupon‐bearing U.S. Treasury securities that are issued as direct
obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of two to 10 years.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage.
YIELD‐TO‐CALL (YTC): The rate of return an investor earns from a bond assuming the bond is
redeemed (called) prior to its nominal maturity date.
YIELD‐TO‐MATURITY: The current income yield minus any premium above par or plus any discount
from par in purchase price, with the adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase to the
date of maturity.
ZERO‐COUPON SECURITIES: Security that is issued at a discount and makes no periodic interest
payments. The rate of return consists of a gradual accretion of the principal of the security and is
payable at par upon maturity.
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Recommended: Date:__________________
Chief Financial Officer
Approved: Date:__________________
City Manager
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Investment Policy Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027
(Proposed January 6, 2026)
INTRODUCTION
The City of Palo Alto invests its pooled idle cash according to State of California law and the charter
of the City of Palo Alto. In particular, the City follows “The Prudent Investor Standard” cited in the
State Government Code (Section 53600.3). Under this standard, all governing bodies of local
agencies or persons authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and
therefore fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, reinvesting,
purchasing, acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care,
skill, prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including, but not limited to
the general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person
acting in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a
like character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the
agency.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES
The primary objectives, in priority order, of investment activities shall be safety, liquidity, and
return:
1. Safety: Safety of principal is the foremost objective of the investment program.
Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of
capital in the overall portfolio. The objective will be to mitigate credit risk and interest
rate risk.
a) Credit risk is the risk that an obligation will not be paid and a loss will result. The
City will seek to minimize this risk by:
Limiting investment to the safest types of securities or minimum credit
quality rating as listed in the “Authorized Investment” section
Diversifying its investments among the types of securities that are
authorized under this investment policy
b) Interest rate risk is the risk that changes in interest rates will adversely affect the
value of an investor’s portfolio. For example, an investor with large holdings in
long‐term bonds has assumed significant interest rate risk because the value of
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the bonds will fall if interest rates rise. The City can minimize this risk by:
Structuring the investment portfolio so that securities mature to meet
cash flow requirements
2. Liquidity: Liquidity is the second most important objective of the investment
program. The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating
requirements that may be reasonably anticipated. This is accomplished by
maintaining a portion of the portfolio in short‐term investments. The investment
portfolio will consist of securities with active secondary or resale markets should the
need to sell a security prior to maturity arises.
3. Return: Return on the City’s portfolio is last in priority among investment objectives.
The investment portfolio shall be designed to obtain a market rate of return
throughout budgetary and economic cycles that reflects the authorized investments,
risk constraints, and liquidity needs outlined in the City’s investment policy.
ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) RESPONSIBILITIES
In addition to and subordinate to the Safety, Liquidity, and Return investment objectives,
investments that support sound environmental, social and governance (ESG) objectives are also
considered. While the City’s portfolio is not classified as an ESG portfolio, investments in entities
that support community well‐being through practices that emphasize safe and environmentally
sound objectives; fair labor practices; and equality of rights regardless of sex, race, age, disability,
or sexual orientation, is encouraged. Direct investments in entities that manufacture tobacco
products, firearms, and engage in direct production or drilling of fossil fuels is discouraged.
This section applies to new investments (after November 5, 2018) only and does not require
divestment of existing investments. Investments in Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and Negotiable
Certificates of Deposit are exempt from the ESG investing objective.
SCOPE
A. This investment policy shall apply to all financial assets of the City of Palo Alto as accounted for
in the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including but not limited to the
following funds:
1. General Fund
2. Special Revenue Funds
3. Debt Service Funds
4. Capital Project Fund
5. Enterprise Funds
6. Internal Service Funds
7. Trust and Agency Funds
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B. The policy does not cover funds held by in the City’s Public Pension Retirement Funds, the
Retiree Medical Funds (Other Post‐Employment Benefits Trust or OPEB) , the Pension Trust
Fund (Section 115 Trust), Deferred Compensation programs, and self‐insurance funds held by
City’s Risk PollPool Joint Powers Authority
C. Investments of bond proceeds shall be governed by the provisions of the related bond
indentures.
GENERAL INVESTMENT GUIDELINES
1. The maximum stated final maturity of individual securities in the portfolio should be ten
years.
2. No more than 30 percent of the market value of the total portfolio shall be invested in
securities with maturities beyond five years.
3. The City shall maintain a minimum of one month’s net cash needs in short term
and/or liquid investments.
4. Should the ratio of the market value of the portfolio to the book value of the portfolio
fall below 95 percent, the Administrative Services Department will report this fact to
the City Council within a reasonable time frame and evaluate whether there is any risk
of holding any of the securities to maturity.
5. Where the Investment Policy specifies a percentage limitation for a particular category
of investment, that percentage is applicable only at the date of purchase. A later
increase or decrease in a percentage resulting from a change in the portfolio’s assets
or values shall not constitute a violation of that restriction. As soon as possible,
percentage limitations will be restored as investments mature in each category.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENTS
The California Government Code (Sections 53600 et seq.) governs investment of City funds. Within
the investments permitted by the Code, the City seeks to further restrict eligible investments to the
guidelines listed below. In the event there is a difference between the Policy and the Code, the
more restrictive parameters will take precedence. Percentage holding limits and minimum credit
quality requirements listed in this section apply at the time the security is purchased.
Any investment currently held at the time the policy is adopted, which does not meet the new
policy guidelines, can be held until maturity and shall be exempt from the current policy. At the
time of the investment’s maturity or liquidation, such funds shall be reinvested only as provided in
the current policy. The following investments are authorized:
1. U.S. Treasuries (e.g. Treasury notes, bonds and bills) and other government
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obligations for which the full faith and credit of the Unites States are pledged for the
payment of principal and interest.
a) There is no limit on purchase of these securities.
b) Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
2. Federal Agencies or United States Government‐Sponsored Enterprise Obligations –
including those issued by or fully guaranteed as to principal and interest by federal
agencies or United States government‐sponsored enterprises (GSE).
a. There is no limit on purchase of these securities except for:
No more than 30 percent of the total portfolio may be invested in
any single federal agency/GSE issuer.
Callable and Multi‐step‐up securities provided that:
‐ The potential call dates are known at the time of purchase
‐ The interest rates at which they “step‐up” are known at the
time of purchase
‐ The entire face value of the security is redeemed at the call date
‐ No more than 20 percent of the market value of the total
portfolio may be invested in federal agency callable and step‐up
securities
b. Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
3. Municipal Securities
a) Municipal securities must be rated in a rating category of “A” or its
equivalent or better by at least one Nationally Recognized Statistical
Rating Organization (“NRSRO”) that is registered with the U.S. Securities
and Exchange Commission.
b) Municipal securities may not exceed 30 percent of the market value of
the total portfolio.
c) No more than 5 percent of the market value of the total portfolio may be
invested in any single issuer.
d) Securities will not exceed 10 years maturity.
e) Investments include:
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i) Registered state warrants or treasury notes or bonds of the State of
California and bonds, notes, warrants, or other evidences of
indebtedness of any local agency within California, including bonds
payable solely out of the revenues from a revenue producing
property owned, controlled, or operated by the state or local
agency or by a department, board, agency, or authority of the state
or local agency.
ii) Registered treasury notes or bond of any of the 49 United States in
addition to the State of California, including bonds payable solely
out of the revenues from a revenue‐producing property owned,
controlled, or operated by a state or by a department, board,
agency or authority of any of the other 49 United States, in addition
to the State of California.
4. Certificates of Deposit (CD) ‐ A debt instrument issued by a bank for a specified
period of time at a specified rate of interest. Purchase of CD’s are limited to:
a) May not exceed 20 percent of the market value of the portfolio.
b) No more than 10 percent of the market value of the portfolio in
collateralized CDs in any institution.
c) Purchase collateralized deposits only from federally insured large banks
that are rated by one NRSRO.
d) For non‐rated banks, deposit should be limited to amounts federally
insured (FDIC). – See Appendix C
e) Rollovers are not permitted without specific instruction from authorized
City staff.
5. Banker's Acceptance Notes (BA) – Bills of exchange or time drafts drawn on and
accepted by commercial banks. Purchase of banker’s acceptances are limited to:
a) No more than 40 percent of the market value of the portfolio.
b) Not to exceed 180 days maturity.
c) No more than 5 percent of the market value of the total portfolio with
any one institution.
6. Commercial Paper ‐ Short‐term unsecured obligations issued by banks, corporations,
and other borrowers. Purchases of commercial paper are limited to entities that
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meets all of the following conditions in either paragraph (a) or (b) and other
requirements specified below:
a) Securities issued by corporations:
i) A corporation organized and operating in the United States with
assets more than $500 million.
ii) The securities are rated “A‐1” or its equivalent or better by at least
one NRSRO.
iii) If the issuer has other debt obligations, they must be rated in a
rating category of “A” or its equivalent or better by at least one
NRSRO.
b) Securities issued by other entities:
i) The issuer is organized within the United States as a special purpose
corporation, trust, or limited liability company.
ii) The securities must have program‐wide credit enhancements
including, but not limited to, overcollateralization, letters of credit,
or a surety bond.
iii) The securities are rated “A‐1” or its equivalent or better by at least
one NRSRO.
Moreover, no more than 10 percent of the outstanding commercial paper of any single
issuer is permitted, and under a provision sunsetting on January 1, 2031 (SB 998), no
more than 40 percent of the total portfolio market value may be invested in Commercial
Paper. No more than 5 percent of the total portfolio market value may be invested in
any single issuer. The maximum maturity may not exceed 397 days.
7. Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) – A State of California managed investment pool
may be used up to the maximum permitted by California State Law.
8. Short‐Term Repurchase Agreements (REPO) – A contractual agreement between a
seller and a buyer, usually of U.S. government securities, whereby the seller agrees
to repurchase the securities at an agreed upon price and, usually, at a stated time.
Purchases of REPO’s must:
a) Not to exceed 1 year.
b) Market value of securities that underlay a repurchase agreement shall be
valued at 102 percent or greater of the funds borrowed against those
securities.
c) A Master Repurchase agreement must be signed with the bank or dealer.
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9. Collateralized Bank Deposits – City’s deposits with financial institutions will be
collateralized with pledged securities per California Government Code, Section 53651.
There are no limits on the dollar amount or percentage that the City may invest in
collateralized bank deposits.
10. Money Market Mutual Funds – Money Market Mutual Funds registered with the
Securities and Exchange Commission under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
issued by diversified management companies and meet either of the following
criteria:
a) Have attained the highest ranking or the highest letter and numerical
rating provided by not less than two (2) NRSROs; or
b) Have retained an investment adviser registered or exempt from
registration with the Securities and Exchange Commission with not less
than five years’ experience managing money market mutual funds with
assets under management in excess of $500 million.
11. No more than 20 percent of the total portfolio market value may be invested in the
shares of any one Money Market Mutual Fund.
12. Shares of Beneficial Interest Issued by a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) – provided that:
a) The JPA is organized pursuant to California Government Code Section
6509.7 and invests in the securities and obligations authorized in
subdivisions (a) to (r), inclusive.
b) Each share shall represent an equal proportional interest in the
underlying pool of securities owned by the JPA.
c) The JPA has retained an investment advisor who is registered with the
SEC (or exempt from registration), has assets under management in
excess of $500 million, and has at least five years’ experience investing in
instruments authorized by Section 53601, subdivisions (a) to (q).
d) No more than 20 percent of the total market value of the portfolio may
be invested in shares of beneficial interest issued by a joint powers
authority.
13. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD) issued by nationally or state‐chartered
banks, a savings association or a federal association, a state or federal credit union, or
by a federally licensed or state licensed branch of a foreign bank. Purchases of
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negotiable certificates of deposit:
a) The amount of the NCD insured up to the FDIC limit does not require any
credit ratings.
b) Any amount above the FDIC insured limit must be issued by institutions
which have short‐term debt obligations rated “A‐1” or its equivalent or
better by at least one NRSRO; or long‐term obligations rated in a rating
category of “A” or its equivalent or better by at least one NRSRO.
c) No more than 30 percent of the total portfolio market value may be
invested in NCDs.
d) No more than 5 percent of the total portfolio market may be invested in
any single issuer.
e) The maximum maturity may not exceed five (5) years.
14. Medium‐Term Corporate Notes – Issued by corporation organized and operating
within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States or
any state and operating with the United States.
a) Not to exceed 5 years maturity.
b) The securities shall be rated in a rating category of “A” or its equivalent
or better by at least one NRSRO.
c) ).
d) No more than 30 percent of the market value of the total portfolio may
be invested in medium‐term corporate notes.
e) No more than 5 percent of the market value of the total portfolio may be
invested in securities of any single issuer.
f) If securities owned by the City are downgraded by Moody’s, Fitch, or
Standard & Poor’s to a level below the rating category of A, it shall be the
City’s policy to review the credit situation and make a determination as to
whether to sell or retain such securities in the portfolio.
15. Asset‐Backed, Mortgage‐Backed, Mortgage Pass‐Through Securities, and
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations – from issuers not defined in subparagraphs 1
and 2 of the Authorized Investments section of this policy, provided that:
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a. The securities are rated in a rating category of “AA” or its equivalent or
better by a NRSRO.
b. No more than 20% of the total portfolio may be invested in these
securities.
c. No more than 5% of the total portfolio may be invested in any single
Asset‐Backed or Commercial Mortgage security issuer.
d. The maximum maturity does not exceed five (5) years.
16. Supranational Organizations Securities – Supranational organizations refer to Issues
that are US dollar denominated senior unsecured unsubordinated obligations issued
or unconditionally guaranteed by International Bank for Reconstruction and
Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Inter‐American
Development Bank (IADB).
a. Securities will not exceed five (5) years maturity.
b. No more than 30 percent of the market value of the total portfolio.
c. No more than 10 percent of the market value of the total portfolio with
any one institution.
Securities must be rated in a rating category of “AA” or its equivalent or better
by a NRSRO.
Appendix A provides a more detailed description of each investment vehicle and its security and
liquidity features.
PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS:
Includes all investments not specified above, and in particular:
1. Reverse repurchase agreements
2. Derivatives, as defined in Appendix B
3. State law notwithstanding, any investments not specifically described herein are
prohibited, including, but not limited to futures and options.
4. In accordance with Government Code, Section 53601.6, investment in inverse floaters,
range notes, or mortgage derived interest‐only strips is prohibited.
5. Investment in any security that could result in a zero interest accrual if held to maturity
is prohibited. Under a provision sunsetting on January 1, 2031, securities backed by the
U.S. Government that could result in a zero‐ or negative‐interest accrual if held to
maturity are permitted.
6. Trading securities for the sole purpose of speculating on the future direction of interest
rates is prohibited.
7. Purchasing or selling securities on margin is prohibited.
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8. The use of reverse repurchase agreements, securities lending or any other form of
borrowing or leverage is prohibited.
9. The purchase of foreign currency denominated securities is prohibited.
10. The purchase of a security with a forward settlement date exceeding 45 days from the
time of the investment is prohibited.
Appendix B provides a more detailed description of reverse repurchase agreements and derivatives,
which are prohibited, for City investment.
AUTHORIZED INVESTMENT PERSONNEL
Idle cash management and investment transactions are the responsibility of the Administrative
Services Department. The Administrative Services Department is under the control of the Director
of Administrative Services (Director), as treasurer, who is subject to the direction and supervision
of the City Manager.
The Assistant Directors of Administrative Services (Assistant Director), who reports to the Director,
are authorized to make all investment transactions allowed by the Statement of Investment Policy.
The Assistant Director may authorize the Manager of Treasury, Debt & Investments (Manager),
Senior Management Analyst (Analyst), and/or designated investment firm (Firm) to enter into
investments within clearly specified parameters. The City may engage the services of one or more
external investment advisers, who are registered under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, to
assist in the management of the City’s investment portfolio in a manner consistent with the City’s
objectives. External investment advisers may be granted discretion to purchase and sell investment
securities in accordance with this investment policy.
The Investment function is under the supervision of the Assistant Director. The Assistant Director is
charged with the responsibility to manage the investment program (portfolio), which includes
developing and monitoring the City's cash flow model and developing long‐term revenue and
financing strategies and forecasts.
The Manager, Analyst, and/or Firm are subject to the direction and supervision of the Assistant
Director. The Manager, Analyst, and/or Firm assist the Assistant Director, in the purchase and sale
of securities. The Manager, Analyst, and/or Firm also prepare the quarterly report, and record
daily all investment transactions as to the type of investment, amount, yield, and maturity. Cash
flow projections are prepared as needed.
No other person has authority to make investment transactions without the written authority of
the Director or Assistant Director of Administrative Services.
AUTHORIZED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, DEPOSITORIES, AND BROKER/DEALERS
A. The Director of Administrative Services or designee shall maintain procedures for establishing
a list of authorized broker/dealers and financial institutions which are approved for investment
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purposes. Due inquiry shall determine whether such authorized broker/dealers, and the
individuals covering the City are reputable and trustworthy, knowledgeable and experienced in
public agency investing and able to meet all of their financial obligations. These institutions
may include "primary" dealers or regional dealers that qualify under Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) Rule 15c3‐1 (uniform net capital rule).
B. In accordance with Section 53601.5, institutions eligible to transact investment business with
the City include:
1. Institutions licensed by the state and proof of FINRA certification as a broker‐dealer, as
defined in Section 25004 of the Corporations Code, with proof of FINRA certification.
2. Institutions that are members of a federally regulated securities exchange.
3. Primary government dealers as designated by the Federal Reserve Bank and non‐
primary government dealers.
4. Nationally or state‐chartered banks.
5. Savings association or federal association (as defined in Section 5102 of the Financial
Code).
6. The Federal Reserve Bank.
7. Direct issuers of securities eligible for purchase.
C. Selection of financial institutions and broker/dealers authorized to engage in transactions will
be at the sole discretion of the City, except where the City utilizes an external investment
adviser in which case the City may rely on the adviser for selection.
D. All financial institutions which desire to become qualified bidders for investment transactions
(and which are not dealing only with the investment adviser) must supply the Director of
Administrative Services or designee with audited financials and a statement certifying that the
institution has reviewed the California Government Code, Section 53600 et seq. and the City’s
investment policy. The Director of Administrative Services or designee will conduct an annual
review of the financial condition and registrations of such qualified bidders.
E. To the extent practicable, the Director of Administrative Services or designee shall endeavor to
complete investment transactions using a competitive bid process whenever possible. The
City’s Director of Administrative Services will determine which financial institutions are
authorized to provide investment services to the City. It shall be the City’s policy to purchase
securities only from authorized institutions and firms.
F. Selection of broker/dealers used by an external investment adviser retained by the City will be
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at the sole discretion of the adviser. Where possible, transactions with broker/dealers shall be
selected on a competitive basis and their bid or offering prices shall be recorded. If there is no
other readily available competitive offering, best efforts will be made to document quotations
for comparable or alternative securities. When purchasing original issue instrumentality
securities, no competitive offerings will be required as all dealers in the selling group offer
those securities at the same original issue price.
G. Public deposits will be made only in qualified public depositories as established by State law.
Deposits will be insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or, to the extent the
amount exceeds the insured maximum, will be collateralized in accordance with State law.
SAFEKEEPING AND CUSTODY
All securities shall be delivered to the City's safekeeping custodian and held in the name of the
City of Palo Alto, with the exception of the following investments:
a) Certificates of deposit, which may be held by the City itself.
b) City shares in pooled investment funds, under contract.
c) Mutual funds
d) Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF)
POLICY REVIEW AND REPORTING ON INVESTMENTS
Monthly, the Administrative Services Department will review performance in relation to Council
adopted Policy. Per California Government Code Section 53646, quarterly, the Department will
report to Council (within 45 days after the end of the quarter) investment activity, including: the
portfolio’s performance in comparison to policy, explain any variances from policy, provide any
recommendations for policy changes, and discuss overall compliance with the City’s Investment
Policy. In addition, the Department will provide Council with:
a) An asset listing showing par value, cost and independent third‐party fair market value of
each security as of the date of the report, the source of the valuation, type of
investment, issuer, maturity date and interest rate.
b) A description of the funds, investments and programs (including lending programs)
managed by contracted parties (i.e. LAIF; LGIPS, outside money managers and
securities lending agents)
c) A statement of compliance with investment policy, including a schedule of any
transactions or holdings which do not comply with this policy or with the California
Government Code, including a justification for their presence in the portfolio and a
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timetable for resolution, and
d) Report on the City’s ability to meet expenditure requirements over the next six months.
Per California Government Code Section 53607, the Department shall provide a monthly report of
transactions (investments, reinvestment, sold, and exchanged securities) made during the month
to the Council. This reporting requirement is separate and distinct from the quarterly investment
report submitted under Code Section 53646.
Annually, the Administrative Services Department will present a Proposed Statement of Investment
Policy, to include the delegation of investment authority, to the City Council for review during the
annual budget process. All proposed changes in policy must be approved by the Council prior to
implementation.
Adopted by City Council October 22, 1984 Amended by City Council June 17, 2003
Monthly reporting effective January 1985 Amended by City Council June 28, 2004
Amended and Adopted by City Council June 24,
1985
Amended by City Council June 20, 2005
Amended by City Council December 2, 1985 Amended by City Council June 12, 2006
Amended by City Council June 23, 1986 Amended by City Council June 11, 2007
Amended by City Council June 22, 1987 Amended by City Council June 09, 2008
Amended by City Council August 8, 1988 Amended by City Council June 15, 2009
Amended by City Council November 28, 1988 Amended by City Council June 28, 2010
Amended by City Council June 26, 1989 Amended by City Council June 20, 2011
Amended by City Council May 14, 1990 Amended by City Council June 18, 2012
Amended by City Council June 24, 1991 Amended by City Council June 03, 2013
Amended by City Council June 22, 1992 Amended by City Council June 16, 2014
Amended by City Council June 23, 1993 Amended by City Council June 15, 2015
Amended by City Council June 20, 1994 Amended by City Council June 13, 2016
Amended by City Council June 19, 1995 Amended by City Council June 27, 2017
Amended by City Council June 24, 1996 Amended by City Council November 5, 2018
Amended by City Council June 23, 1997 Amended by City Council June 24, 2019
Amended by City Council January 26, 1998 Adopted by City Council June 22, 2020
Amended by City Council June 22, 1998 Amended by City Council June 21, 2021
Amended by City Council June 28, 1999 Adopted by City Council June 20, 2022
Amended by City Council June 19, 2000 Adopted by City Council June 19, 2023
Amended by City Council June 11, 2001 Amended by City Council June 17, 2024
Amended by City Council June 17, 2002 Adopted by City Council June 16, 2025
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APPENDIX A
EXPLANATION OF PERMITTED INVESTMENTS
1. U.S. Government Securities: United States Treasury notes, bonds, bills, or certificates of
indebtedness or those for which the faith and credit of the United States are pledged for the
payment of principal and interest.
2. U.S. Government Agency Securities: U.S. Government Agency Obligations include the
securities of the Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA), Federal Land Banks (FLB),
Federal Intermediate Credit Banks (FICB), banks for cooperatives, Federal Home Loan Banks
(FHLB), Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC), Small Business Administration (SBA), Federal Farm Credit (FFC), and
Federal Agricultural Mortgage Corporation (FAMC or FMAC). Federal agency securities differ
from other types of securities, as well as among themselves. Their characteristics depend on
the issuing agency. It is possible to distinguish three types of issues: (A) participation
certificates (pooled securities), (B) Certificates of interest (pooled loans), (C) notes, bonds, and
debentures. The securities of a few agencies are explicitly backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government. All other issues purchased by the City have implied but not guaranteed
backing from the federal government.
3. Certificates of Deposit: A certificate of deposit (CDs) is a receipt for funds deposited in a
bank, savings bank, or savings and loan association for a specified period of time at a specified
rate of interest. Denominations are $250,000 and up. The first $250,000 of a certificate of
deposit is guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), if the deposit is
with a bank or savings bank, or the Savings Association Insurance Fund (SAIF), if the deposit is
with a savings and loan. CDs with a face value in excess of $250,000 can be collateralized by
U.S. Government Agency and Treasury Department securities or first mortgage loans.
Government securities must be at least 110 percent of the face value of the CD collateralized
in excess of the first $250,000. The value of first mortgages must be at least 150 percent of
the face value of the CD balance insured in excess of the first
$250,000. Generally, CDs are issued for more than 30 days and the maturity can be selected by
the purchaser.
4. Bankers' Acceptance: A Banker's Acceptance (BA) is a negotiable time draft or bill of
exchange drawn on and accepted by a commercial bank. Acceptance of the draft irrevocably
obligates the bank to pay the bearer the face amount of the draft at maturity. BAs are usually
created to finance the import and export of goods, the shipment of goods within the United
States and storage of readily marketable staple commodities. In addition to the guarantee by the
accepting bank, the transaction is identified with a specific commodity. Warehouse receipts verify
that the pledged commodities exist, and, by definition, these commodities are readily marketable. The
sale of the underlying goods generates the necessary funds to liquidate the indebtedness.
BAs enjoy marketability since the Federal Reserve Bank is authorized to buy and sell prime
BAs with maturities of up to nine months. The Federal Reserve Bank enters into repurchase
agreements in the normal course of open market operations with BA dealers.
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As are sold at a discount from par. An acceptance is tied to a specific loan transaction;
therefore, the amount and maturity of the acceptance is fixed.
5. Commercial Paper: Commercial paper notes are unsecured promissory notes of industrial
corporations, utilities, and bank holding companies. Interest is discounted from par and
calculated using actual number of days on a 360‐day year. The notes are in bearer form, with
maturities up to 397 days selected by the purchaser, and denominations generally start at
$100,000. There is a small secondary market for commercial paper notes and an investor may
sell a note prior to maturity.
Commercial paper notes are backed by unused lines of credit from major banks. Some
issuer's notes are insured, while some are backed by irrevocable letters of credit from major
banks. State law limits a City to investments in United States corporations having assets in
excess of five hundred million dollars with an "A" or higher rating by a nationally recognized
rating service for the issuer's debentures.
6. Local Agency Investment Fund Demand Deposit: The Local Agency Investment Fund LAIF)
was established by the State to enable treasurers to place funds in a pool for investments.
The City is limited to an investment of the amount allowed by LAIF. LAIF has been particularly
beneficial to those jurisdictions with small portfolios. Palo Alto uses this fund for short‐term
investment, liquidity, and yield.
7. Repurchase Agreements: A Repurchase Agreement (REPOS) is a contractual arrangement
between a financial institution or dealer and an investor. The agreement normally can run for
one or more days. The investor puts up funds for a certain number of days at a stated yield. In
return, the investor takes title to a given block of securities as collateral. At maturity, the
securities are repurchased and the funds repaid, plus interest. Usually, amounts are $500,000
or more, but some REPOS can be smaller.
8. Mutual Funds: Mutual funds are shares of beneficial interest issued by diversified
management companies, as defined by Section 23701 M of the Revenue and Taxation Code. To
be eligible for investment, these funds must:
a) Attain the highest ranking in the highest letter and numerical rating provided by
not less than two of the three largest nationally recognized rating services; or
b) Have an investment advisor registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission with not less than five years’ experience investing in the securities
and obligations, as authorized by subdivisions (a) to (n), inclusive, of Section
53601 of the California Government Code, and with assets under management in
excess of five hundred million dollars; and
c) Invest solely in those securities and obligations authorized by Sections 53601 and
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53635 of the California Government Code. Where the Investment Policy of the
City of Palo Alto may be more restrictive than the State Code, the Policy
authorizes investments in mutual funds that shall have minimal investment in
securities otherwise restricted by the City's Policy. Minimal investment is
defined as less than 5 percent of the mutual fund portfolio; and
d) The purchase price of shares of beneficial interest purchased shall not include
any commission that these companies may charge.
e) Have a net asset value of $1.00.
9. Callable Securities and Multi‐Step‐ups: Callable securities are defined as fixed interest rate
government agency securities that give the issuing agency the option of returning the
invested funds at a specific point in time to the purchaser. Multi‐step‐ups are government
agency securities in which the interest rate increases ("steps‐up") at preset intervals, and
which also have a callable option that allows the issuing agency to return the invested funds at
a preset interval.
10. Negotiable Certificates of Deposit (NCD): NCDs are large‐dollar‐amount, short‐term
certificate of deposit. Such certificates are issued by large banks and bought mainly by
corporations and institutional investors. They are payable either to the bearer or to the order
of the depositor, and, being negotiable, they enjoy an active secondary market, where they
trade in round lots of $5 million. Although they can be issued in any denomination from
$100,000 up, the typical amount is $1 million also called a Jumbo Certificate of Deposit.
State law prohibits the investment of local agency funds in negotiable certificates of deposit
issued by a state or federal credit union if a member of the legislative body of the local
agency, or any person with investment decision making authority in the administrative,
manager’s, budget, auditor‐controller’s, or treasurer’s offices of the local agency also serves on
the board of directors, other credit committee or the supervisory committee of the state or
federal credit union issuing the negotiable certificate of deposit.
11. Medium‐Term Corporate Notes: All corporate and depository institution debt securities with
a maximum remaining maturity of five years or less, issued by corporations organized and
operating within the United States or by depository institutions licensed by the United States
or any state and operating within the United States. According to California Government
Code Section 53601, “Notes eligible for investment under this subdivision shall be rated in a
rating category of “A” or its equivalent or better by a nationally recognized rating service.
Purchase of medium‐term notes shall include other instruments authorized by this section and
shall not exceed 30 percent of the agency’s moneys that may be invested pursuant to this
section.”
12. Supranational Securities: California Government Code Section 53601 defines allowable
supranational securities as United States dollar denominated senior unsecured
unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for
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Reconstruction and Development, the International Finance Corporation, and Inter‐ American
Development Bank. Supranationals are well capitalized and in most cases have strong credit
support from contingent capital calls from their member countries. Section 53601 was
amended effective January 1, 2015 to allow local agencies to invest in the senior debt
obligations of these three supranational issuers which are eligible for purchase and resale
within the United States. These entities were established with the purpose of ending poverty
and raising the standard of living around the world through sustainable economic growth.
a) The supranationals are international organization owned by member countries.
These are:
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD or World
Bank), a member of the World Bank Group, provides direct loans and
guarantees to sovereigns and government‐backed projects
International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank
Group, supports the creation and growth of private companies through direct
lending and equity investment, attracting third party capital, and providing advisory
services
Inter‐American Development Bank (IADB), a member of the Inter‐ American
Development Bank Group, provides loans, grants, and guarantees to
sovereigns in Latin America and the Caribbean
b) Additional characteristics shared by the IBRD, IFC, and IADB include:
Headquartered in Washington, D.C. with the United States as the largest
shareholder of each organization
13. Asset‐Backed, Mortgage‐Backed, Mortgage Pass‐Through Securities, and Collateralized
Mortgage Obligations are securities that represent pools of debt collateralized by an
underlying pool of assets—usually ones that generate a cash flow from debt, such as
mortgages, loans, leases, credit card balances, or receivables. It takes the form of a bond or
note, paying income at a fixed rate for a set amount of time, until maturity.
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APPENDIX B
EXPLANATION OF PROHIBITED INVESTMENTS
1. Reverse Repurchase Agreements: A Reverse Repurchase Agreement (Reverse REPO) is a
contractual agreement by the investor (e.g. local agency) to post a security it owns as
collateral, and a bank or dealer temporarily exchanges cash for this collateral, for a specific
period of time, at an agreed‐upon interest rate. During the period of the agreement, the local
agency may use this cash for any purpose. At maturity, the securities are repurchased from
the bank or dealer, plus interest.
California law contains a number of restrictions on the use of Reverse REPOS by local
agencies.
2. Derivatives: A derivative is a financial instrument created from, or whose value depends on (is
derived from), the value of one or more underlying assets or indices. The term "derivative"
refers to instruments or features, such as forwards, futures, currency and interest rate swaps,
options, caps and floors. Except for those callable and multi‐step‐up securities as described
under Permitted Investments, derivatives are prohibited.
Certain derivative products have characteristics which could include high price volatility,
liquid markets, products that are not market‐tested, products that are highly leveraged,
products requiring a high degree of sophistication to manage, and products that are difficult to
value.
According to California law, a local agency shall not invest any funds in inverse floaters, range
notes, or interest‐only strips that are derived from a pool of mortgages.
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APPENDIX C
GLOSSARY OF INVESTMENT TERMS
AGENCIES: Federal agency and instrumentality securities.
ASKED: The price at which securities are offered.
BID: The price offered by a buyer of securities (when one sells securities, one asks for a bid). See
“Offer”.
BROKER: A person or institution that conducts investment transactions on behalf of the buyer and
seller of the investment and earns a commission on the transaction.
COLLATERAL: Securities, evidence of deposit, or other property, which a borrower pledges to
secure repayment of a loan. Also refers to securities pledged by a bank to secure deposits of public
monies.
ANNUAL COMPREHENSIVE FINANCIAL REPORT (ACFR): The official annual report for the City of
Palo Alto. It includes combined financial statements for each individual fund and account group
prepared in conformity with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and pronouncements set
forth by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB). The ACFR also includes supporting
schedules that are necessary to demonstrate compliance with finance‐ related legal and
contractual provisions, extensive introductory material, and a detailed statistical section.
COUPON: The annual rate of interest that a bond’s issuer promises to pay the bondholder on the
bond’s face value or the certificate attached to a bond evidencing interest due on a payment date.
DEALER: A dealer, as opposed to a broker, acts as a principal in all transactions, buying and selling
for his own account.
DEBENTURE: A bond secured only by the general credit of the issuer.
DELIVERY VERSUS PAYMENT: There are two methods of delivery of securities: (1) delivery versus
payment (DVP); and (2) delivery versus receipt (DVR). DVP is delivery of securities with an exchange
of money for the securities. DVR is delivery of securities with an exchange of a signed receipt for
the securities.
DISCOUNT: The difference between the acquisition cost of a security and its value at maturity
when quoted at lower than face value. A security that sells below original offering price shortly
after sale, is also is considered to be at a discount.
DISCOUNT SECURITIES: Non‐interest‐bearing money market instruments that are issued a
discount and that are redeemed at maturity for full face value (e.g., U.S. Treasury Bills).
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DIVERSIFICATION: Dividing investment funds among a variety of securities that offer
independent returns.
FEDERAL AGRICULTURAL MORTGAGE CORPORATION (“FAMC” or “FMAC”): A federal agency
established in 1988 to provide a secondary market for farm mortgage loans. Informally called
Farmer Mac.
FEDERAL CREDIT AGENCIES: Agencies of the Federal Government that were established to supply
credit to various classes of institutions and individuals (e.g., S&Ls, small business firms, students,
farmers, farm cooperatives, and exporters).
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (“FDIC”): A federal agency that insures all types of
deposits received at an insured bank, including deposits in a checking account, negotiable order of
withdrawal (NOW) account, savings account, money market deposit account (MMDA) or time
deposit such as a certificate of deposit (CD). FDIC insurance covers depositors' accounts at each
insured bank, dollar‐for‐dollar, including principal and any accrued interest through the date of the
insured bank's closing, up to the insurance limit.
The FDIC does not insure money invested in stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance policies,
annuities or municipal securities, even if these investments are purchased at an insured bank. The
FDIC does not insure U.S. Treasury bills, bonds or notes, but these investments are backed by the
full faith and credit of the United States government.
The standard maximum deposit insurance amount is described as the “SMDIA” in FDIC regulations.
The SMDIA is $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank.
FEDERAL FUNDS RATE: The rate of interest at which Fed funds are traded. This rate is currently
pegged by the Federal Reserve through open‐market operations.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANKS (“FHLB”): Government‐sponsored wholesale banks (currently 12
regional banks) which lend funds and provide correspondent banking services to member
commercial banks, thrift institutions, credit unions, and insurance companies. The mission of the
FHLBs is to liquefy the housing‐related assets of its members, who must purchase stock in their
District Bank.
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“FNMA”): FNMA, like GNMA, was chartered
under the Federal National Mortgage Association Act in 1938. FNMA is a federal corporation
working under the auspices of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). It is the
largest single provider of residential mortgage funds in the United States. Fannie Mae, as the
corporation is called, is a private stockholder‐owned corporation. The corporation’s purchases
include a variety of adjustable mortgages and second loans, in addition to fixed‐rate mortgages.
FNMA’s securities are also highly liquid and are widely accepted. FNMA assumes and guarantees
that all security holders will receive timely payment of principal and interest.
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FEDERAL OPEN MARKET COMMITTEE (“FOMC”): The FOMC consists of seven members of the
Federal Reserve Board and five of the 12 Federal Reserve Bank Presidents. The President of the
New York Federal Reserve Bank is a permanent member, while the other Presidents serve on a
rotating basis. The Committee periodically meets to set Federal Reserve guidelines regarding
purchases and sales of government securities in the open market, as a means of influencing the
volume of bank credit and money.
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM: The central bank of the United States created by Congress and
consisting of a seven‐member Board of Governors in Washington, D.C., 12 regional banks, and
about 5,700 commercial banks that are members of the system.
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (“GNMA” or “Ginnie Mae”): Securities
that influence the volume of bank credit that is guaranteed by GNMA and issued by mortgage
bankers, commercial banks, savings and loan associations, and other institutions. A security holder
is protected by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. Ginnie Mae securities are backed by
the FHA, VA, or FMHM mortgages. The term “pass‐throughs” is often used to describe Ginnie Maes.
LIQUIDITY: A liquid asset is one that can be converted easily and rapidly into cash without a
substantial loss of value. In the money market, a security is said to be liquid if the spread between bid
and asked prices is narrow, and reasonable amount can be done at those quotes.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY: A local government agency is any city, county, city and county,
district, or other local governmental body or corporation, including the California State Universities
(CSU) and University of California (UC) systems, K‐12 schools and community colleges empowered to
expend public funds.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT FUND (“LAIF”): Monies from local governmental units may be
remitted to the California State Treasurer for deposit in this special fund for the purpose of
investment.
MARKET VALUE: The price at which a security is trading and could presumably be purchased or
sold.
MASTER REPURCHASE AGREEMENT: A written contract covering all future transactions between the
parties to repurchase‐reverse repurchase agreements that establish each party’s rights in the
transactions. A master agreement will often specify, among other things, the right of the buyer
(lender) to liquidate the underlying securities in the event of default by the seller (borrower).
MATURITY: The date upon which the principal or stated value of an investment becomes due and
payable.
MONEY MARKET: The market in which short‐term debt instruments (e.g., bills, commercial paper,
and bankers’ acceptances) are issued and traded.
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OFFER: The price asked by a seller of securities (when one buys securities, one asks for an offer). See
“Asked” and “Bid”.
OPEN MARKET OPERATIONS: Purchases and sales of government and certain other securities in the
open market by the New York Federal Reserve Bank, as directed by the FOMC in order to influence
the volume of money and credit in the economy. Purchases inject reserves into the bank system
and stimulate growth of money and credit; sales have the opposite effect. Open market operations
are the Federal Reserve’s most important and most flexible monetary policy tool.
PORTFOLIO: A collection of securities that an investor holds.
PRIMARY DEALER: A group of government securities dealers that submit daily reports of market
activity and positions, and monthly financial statements to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York,
and are subject to its informal oversight. Primary dealers include Securities and Exchange
Commission (SEC) ‐‐ registered securities broker‐dealers, banks, and a few unregulated firms.
PRUDENT INVESTOR RULE: An investment standard cited in the California Government Code
Section 53600 et seq. Under this standard, all governing bodies of local agencies or persons
authorized to make investment decisions on behalf of the City are trustees and therefore
fiduciaries subject to the prudent investor standard. When investing, reinvesting, purchasing,
acquiring, exchanging, selling, or managing public funds, a trustee shall act with care, skill,
prudence, and diligence under the circumstances then prevailing, including, but not limited to the
general economic conditions and the anticipated needs of the agency, that a prudent person acting
in a like capacity and familiarity with those matters would use in the conduct of funds of a like
character and with like aims, to safeguard the principal and maintain the liquidity needs of the
agency.
QUALIFIED PUBLIC DEPOSITORIES: A financial institution that: (1) does not claim exemption from
the payment of any sales, compensating use, or ad valorem taxes under the laws of this state; (2)
has segregated for the benefit of the commission eligible collateral having a value of not less than
its maximum liability; and (3) has been approved by the Public Deposit Protection Commission to
hold public deposits.
RATE OF RETURN: The yield obtainable on a security based on its purchase price or its current
market price.
SAFEKEEPING: A service to customers rendered by banks for a fee whereby securities and
valuables of all types and descriptions are held in the bank’s vaults for protection.
SECONDARY MARKET: A market made for the purchase and sale of outstanding issues following the
initial distribution.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION: An agency created by Congress to administer
securities legislation for the purpose of protecting investors in securities transactions.
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STRUCTURED NOTES: Notes issued by instrumentalities (e.g., FHLB, FNMA, SLMA) and by
corporations, that have imbedded options (e.g., call features, step‐up coupons, floating rate
coupons, derivative‐based returns) in their debt structure. The market performance of structured
notes is affected by fluctuating interest rates; the volatility of imbedded options; and shifts in the
yield curve.
SUPRANATIONALS: International institutions that provide development financing, advisory services
and/or financial services to their member countries to achieve the overall goal of improving living
standards through sustainable economic growth. The California Government Code Section 53601
allows local agencies to purchase the United States dollar denominated senior unsecured
unsubordinated obligations issued or unconditionally guaranteed by the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), International Finance Corporation (IFC), or Inter‐American
Development Bank (IADB).
TIME CERTIFICATE OF DEPOSIT: A non‐negotiable certificate of deposit, which cannot be sold prior
to maturity.
TREASURY BILLS: A non‐interest‐bearing discount security that is issued by the U.S. Treasury to
finance the national debt. Most T‐bills are issued to mature in three months, six months, or one
year.
TREASURY BONDS: Long‐term, coupon‐bearing U.S. Treasury securities that are issued as direct
obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of more than 10 years.
TREASURY NOTES: Medium‐term, coupon‐bearing U.S. Treasury securities that are issued as direct
obligations of the U.S. Government, and having initial maturities of two to 10 years.
YIELD: The rate of annual income return on an investment, expressed as a percentage.
YIELD‐TO‐CALL (YTC): The rate of return an investor earns from a bond assuming the bond is
redeemed (called) prior to its nominal maturity date.
YIELD‐TO‐MATURITY: The current income yield minus any premium above par or plus any discount
from par in purchase price, with the adjustment spread over the period from the date of purchase to the
date of maturity.
ZERO‐COUPON SECURITIES: Security that is issued at a discount and makes no periodic interest
payments. The rate of return consists of a gradual accretion of the principal of the security and is
payable at par upon maturity.
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Recommended: Date:__________________
Chief Financial Officer
Approved: Date:__________________
City Manager
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