Amy Bjork
PEOPLE

Amy Bjork

Senior Attorney
bjork.amy@dorsey.com

Overview

AMY HELPS MUNICIPAL CLIENTS TO NAVIGATE ALL ASPECTS OF TAX-EXEMPT AND TAXABLE MUNICIPAL BORROWING AND TO FACILITATE INNOVATIVE URBAN RENEWAL AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES.

Amy is a senior attorney in the firm’s public finance group. Amy serves as bond counsel to numerous municipal clients across the State of Iowa including cities, counties and intergovernmental entities. She advises clients in all aspects of municipal financing including state law compliance, compliance with the Internal Revenue Code and compliance with the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Commission.Amy also counsels municipal clients in structuring urban renewal and economic development initiatives through the employment of tax increment financing, municipal bond issues and negotiated development agreements with private developers.Amy’s practice also includes advising clients on special assessment procedures, public bid letting, annexation and intergovernmental agreements.Amy regards client service as all-important and works with a team of public finance attorneys organized to quickly meet the needs of her clients.

Amy also dedicates a portion of her practice to providing pro bono assistance to clients with respect to immigration matters such as cancellation of removal and relief for unaccompanied minors.

Education & Admissions

University of Iowa (B.A., Spanish, 2000)

Drake University Law School (J.D., 2003), Graduated with highest honors; Order of the Coif

Admissions

  • Iowa

Languages

  • Spanish

Experience

Representing municipalities across the State of Iowa in a variety of financing transactions and structures including:

  • The issuance of tax-exempt and taxable general obligation bonds
  • The issuance of tax-exempt and taxable utility revenue bonds
  • Financings through the Iowa Finance Authority’s State Revolving Fund
  • Financings through USDA-Rural Development Bonds
  • Municipal Lease and Lease-Purchase Agreements
  • Financings for Intergovernmental Entities
  • Municipal Home Rule Financings

Experience advising clients in economic development transactions including:

  • Establishment of Urban Renewal Areas
  • Employment of Tax Increment Financing
  • Development Agreements with Private Developers and Tax Rebates
  • Economic Development Grants
  • Establishment of Urban Revitalization Areas and Tax Abatement

Experience advising municipal clients in the following transactions:

  • Special Assessments
  • Public Bid Letting
  • Open meetings/open record laws
  • Municipal Home Rule Transactions
  • Establishment of 28E Entities and Agreements

Industries & Practices

  • Banking & Financial Institutions
  • Development & Infrastructure
  • Energy & Natural Resources
  • Public Finance
  • Public-Private Partnerships

Professional & Civic

Professional Achievements

  • Member, National Association of Bond Lawyers
  • Member, Iowa Municipal Attorneys Association
  • Member, Iowa Bar Association
  • Member, Polk County Bar Association

Accolades

  • Named "Des Moines Ones to Watch" in Municipal Law/Public Finance Law by Best Lawyers®, 2023 and 2024
Amy Bjork