Public-Private Partnerships and Economic Development

Successful economic development requires more than financial incentives—it requires aligning the interests of local governments, developers, lenders, and taxpayers.

Rice Advisory specializes in structuring public-private partnerships that create lasting value for both communities and the private sector. We assist clients in evaluating incentive alternatives, modeling financial impacts, negotiating development agreements, and designing financing strategies that support responsible growth while protecting public resources.

Because we understand the priorities of both municipalities and developers, we are often able to identify creative solutions that move projects forward while balancing economic feasibility with public accountability.

From initial project evaluation through closing, Rice Advisory serves as a trusted financial advisor focused on helping all parties reach durable, mutually beneficial agreements.

Our services include:

  • Economic development incentive analysis and structuring

  • Development agreements and reimbursement agreements

  • Tax increment and revenue-sharing analyses

  • Public infrastructure financing strategies

  • Property tax abatements and other statutory incentives

  • Performance-based incentive programs

  • Infrastructure reimbursement and cost-sharing arrangements

  • Utility extension and public improvements financing

  • Financial feasibility analyses

  • Negotiation support for municipalities and private developers

Whether representing a municipality seeking to maximize public benefit or a developer pursuing a transformative project, Rice Advisory provides independent financial analysis and practical guidance throughout the negotiation process.

Group of people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on a newly paved highway with a sign for Interstate 565 pointing east towards Huntsville and west towards Decatur.

City of Madison, Alabama officials cut the ribbon on the new I-565 interchange serving Toyota Field, the Town Madison development and Redstone Arsenal. The financing was managed by Rice Advisory, the City’s financial advisor.

Night view of Protective Stadium filled with spectators, illuminated with bright stadium lights, with a parking lot and surrounding buildings visible.

Rice Advisory worked with the management and board of the Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center Authority, together with the City of Birmingham, Jefferson County, the University of Alabama System, the Alabama State Legislature and the the Birmingham business community to complete the financing of 55,000-seat Protective Stadium and a floor-to-ceiling renovation of 19,000-seat Legacy Arena.

Aerial view of the old McFarland Mall site, with cleared land and construction equipment, parking lot, and surrounding trees, under a blue sky.

Rice Advisory represented the developer in a successful effort to secure the largest economic incentive package ever awarded by the City of Tuscaloosa. The $65 million package will allow for the development of the old McFarland Mall site.

Group of people at a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside a shopping center with stores like Five Below and X Nonsense.

Rice Advisory represented the City of Troy in its negotiation of a project agreement and economic incentives for Trojan Marketplace, located on U.S. 231 in Troy.