Industry Talent Gap & Succession Planning - Filling financial operation roles in state and local governments is difficult, highlighting a talent gap [1] - Fewer than half of governments have concrete succession plans, despite acknowledging its importance [2] - The industry aims to address the talent gap by connecting students with industry leaders and showcasing opportunities [6] Course & Student Demographics - The course aims to feed the talent pipeline in the municipal finance market [2] - Students come from both government/public policy and finance backgrounds [3] - Students include former public school teachers, military veterans, and individuals with prior finance or consulting experience [4] Industry Engagement & Partnerships - The Harris School's Center for Municipal Finance is positioned to scale up the market through research, industry engagement, and skill building [5] - Key industry partners include Hilltop Securities, Loop Capital, PTA Financial Solutions, and Cabrera Capital [5] Career Paths - Graduates work in state and local government, rating agencies, underwriting firms, and on the buy side [7]