Stronger Bonds
Stronger Bonds is a podcast that explores the important and sometimes complex topics that local governments and businesses face daily.
In each short, digestible episode, Ray Jones and Emily Luther, seasoned attorneys at Parker Poe, will have an honest, unfiltered conversation on a specific issue - whether that's financing, taxes, infrastructure, economic development, or more. It'll be just like sitting in on one of our chats at the office.
We have a passion for building relationships and helping clients solve problems. That's what inspired the name "Stronger Bonds" - it represents the bonds we form and the bonds used to finance projects that move communities forward.
So join us as we break down intricate subject matter in an engaging, accessible way. We'll give you the 30,000-foot view and arm you with practical knowledge you can use. Be sure to tune in and reach out with any topics you'd like us to cover.
Thanks for embarking on this podcast journey with us!
Simple Conversations about Complex Topics
Episodes
22 episodes
Stronger Bonds - Live from the GFOA!
On this special episode of Stronger Bonds, the team takes the stage live from the 2026 South Carolina Government Finance Officers Association (SC GFOA) Conference. In front of an audience of public finance leaders and professionals fro...
When Company Comes Callin'
This episode, Emily & Ray are joined by Jeff Shacker — a new member on the Parker Poe Consulting team — to explore how local governments can effectively navigate private development proposals, emphasizing due diligence, strategic planning, ...
Affordable Housing Property Tax Exemption
This episode explores the complex relationship between government investments in affordable housing and the associated public costs, focusing on property tax exemptions in South Carolina and North Carolina. We discuss the role of nonprofits, le...
Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, hosts Ray Jones and Emily Luther delve into the complexities of Installment Purchase Revenue Bonds (IPRBs), a flexible financing tool for local governments. They discuss the mechanics of IPRBs, the role of non...
You won’t believe how much a fire truck costs…
Most local governments spend millions on fire trucks and police cars—yet many citizens have no idea just how much these essential services really cost. In this eye-opening episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray Jones and Emily Luther peel back...
The Columbia Bond Team Reflects on 2025 and Looks Ahead to 2026
Welcome to a very special episode of Stronger Bonds, where we’re pulling back the curtain and inviting you behind the scenes with the entire Columbia Bond team. For our end-of-season episode, Emily and Ray are joined in the studio by colleagues...
From the Council Chair to the Senate Floor: An Interview with Senator Overture Walker
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones welcome South Carolina State Senator Overture Walker for an inspiring conversation about public service, local government partnerships, and the transformative impact of economic deve...
Bridging State and Local Government: Insights from Speaker Murrell Smith
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily sit down with a special guest who’s been at the center of decision-making in South Carolina for nearly 25 years: Murrell Smith, Speaker of the South Carolina House of Representatives.Join ...
Examining Act 388: Part 3 – A Local Government Perspective
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones sit down with Todd Glover, Executive Director of the Municipal Association of South Carolina, to dive into the real-world effects of Act 388 on local governments. From limited proper...
How Local Governments Borrow Money
Welcome back to Stronger Bonds, where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the fascinating world of government development, taxes, and public finance! In this episode, Emily and Ray are taking it back to basics—shedding light on what it ...
Examining Act 388: Part 2 – The Inside Story
Welcome to another episode of Stronger Bonds! In this installment, hosts Emily Luther and Ray Jones return after a brief hiatus to continue their deep dive into one of South Carolina's most transformative pieces of tax legislation—Act 388. Pick...
The Role of Municipal Advisors + SC GFOA Conference Insights | Stronger Bonds LIVE
Welcome to another episode of Stronger Bonds, the podcast where Emily Luther and Ray Jones dive into the world of government development, taxes, and finance. In this episode, recorded live from the bustling concourse of the Columbia Metropolita...
Examining Act 388: Part 1 - Foundations
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily Luther and Ray Jones kick off a special multi-part series focused on one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in South Carolina local government: Act 388.Emily and Ray open the con...
Opportunities and Challenges in Emerging Micropolitans: Insights from Conway and Summerville
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily sit down with Scott Slatton and Adam Emrick, two city administrators who delve into the growth, challenges, and exciting opportunities facing their booming micropolitan communities of Summerville...
Turning Market Talk into Action - What Municipalities Need to Know: Special Guests Tim Winslow & Edwards Boyles Reflect on 2024 & Forecast 2025
In the first Stronger Bonds episode of 2025, Emily Luther and Ray Jones invite listeners to reflect on the past year and look towards the challenges and opportunities of 2025 with expert insights from guests Tim Winslow of the South Carolina As...
Making Sense of the Cents: Navigating the Complexities of County Sales Tax for Public Projects
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, hosts Emily and Ray dive into the intricacies of local sales taxes and their critical role in funding infrastructure projects. From understanding the nuances between capital project sales taxes and transportat...
Unpacking FOIA Rules and Honoring a Career - Stronger Bonds LIVE
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray Jones & Emily Luther sit down with Maceo Nance to honor his remarkable 50-year career in economic development and discuss the intricacies of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Listeners will gain i...
Careers in Local Government: A Changing Landscape
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Emily and Ray explore the complex world of local government. They discuss government administrators' challenges and opportunities amid a wave of retirements and pay discrepancies. Featuring insights from estee...
Affordable Housing: Challenges and Solutions
In this episode of Stronger Bonds, Ray and Emily delve into the intricate world of affordable housing, exploring funding strategies from government sources and private sector contributions to vital policy changes and land use. They highlight th...
Understanding Home Rule: Challenges and Opportunities with Local Government Expert Clay Killian
In this episode, Ray and Emily discuss Home Rule, why South Carolina local governments act in the manner they do, and what powers and limitations they have to address the needs of their citizens. They are joined by Clay Killian, a former local ...
Introducing Stronger Bonds: Where Relationships and Bonds Meet
Join Ray Jones and Emily Luther as they take you behind the scenes of their day-to-day conversations about the complex issues their clients face. In this inaugural episode of Stronger Bonds, they introduce themselves, explain the podcast's miss...