Unlocking the Power of CFDs: How CREDE Supports Development Through Public Administration Services

As infrastructure demands grow and public funding becomes more complex, Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) have emerged as a powerful financing tool for cities, developers, and public agencies to fund essential improvements. At CREDE, our Public Administration team specializes in guiding clients through every phase of CFD-supported projects—from transparent bidding and labor compliance to cost recovery and reimbursement.

What Is a Community Facilities District (CFD)?

A Community Facilities District (CFD) is a special tax district - commonly referred to as Mello-Roos - created by local governments to finance public improvements and services through voter-approved special taxes. These districts are often established to fund infrastructure such as roads, parks, utilities, fire stations, and schools in new or growing communities.

CFDs provide a vital funding mechanism for infrastructure without placing undue strain on general municipal budgets. However, they come with strict administrative, bidding, and labor compliance requirements to protect public funds and ensure transparency. That’s where CREDE’s expertise becomes invaluable.

How CFDs Are Used in Development

CFDs are typically leveraged during the early stages of residential, commercial, or mixed-use development to:

• Finance upfront infrastructure costs that benefit both the developer and future residents.

• Secure long-term reimbursements for developers via credit or funding agreements.

• Ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws, bid transparency, and audit readiness.

• Provide equitable cost distribution through voter-approved tax levies on future property owners.

To navigate the legal, financial, and compliance landscape tied to CFDs, developers and municipalities alike turn to firms with specialized expertise—and CREDE stands out as a comprehensive, integrated partner.

CREDE’s Three-Pillar Approach to Public Administration Services

Our Public Administration team is structured to deliver seamless support across three key service areas, all commonly triggered by CFD-funded projects:

1. Public Bid Administration: Building a Solid Foundation

Our Bid Administration Division ensures every project starts with a compliant, competitive and transparent procurement process.

We manage:

• Bid Solicitation & Qualification

• Public Agency Compliance & Documentation

• Pre-Bid Meetings, Job Walks & Public Bid Openings

• Bid Analysis, Tabulations & Award Recommendations

Working closely with our construction management team, we evaluate each project from a contractor’s perspective to minimize change orders and gaps between design and execution. With a deep bench of qualified contractors and relationships across jurisdictions, we drive both compliance and cost-efficiency.

2. Labor Compliance: Minimizing Risk, Maximizing Accountability

CFDs trigger labor compliance requirements, particularly California’s DIR Prevailing Wage Requirements.

Our Labor Compliance Division ensures clients stay in full regulatory alignment through:

• DIR Project Registration & Wage Determination

• Certified Payroll Review & Restitution Monitoring

• Onsite Worker Interviews & Contractor Training

• Apprenticeship Compliance & Fringe Benefit Tracking

• Post-Construction Audits

Rather than reacting to violations or audit findings, we embed early to proactively prevent risk. We also liaise with oversight agencies like DIR, DLSE, HUD, DOL, IRS, and the trade councils—ensuring peace of mind and uninterrupted project progress.

3. Reimbursement Services: Recovering What You’re Owed

CFD participation often qualifies developers for both hard and soft cost reimbursements, helping to offset project expenses. CREDE’s consulting services—considered reimbursable soft costs—are designed to maximize your recovery while streamlining the often complex documentation and approval processes.

Our Reimbursement Team offers:

• Credit & Reimbursement Agreement Management

• Cost Validation & Reconciliation

• CFD, DIF, TUMF, SCIP, & RBBD Reimbursement Support

• Impact Fee Credit Transfers & Unclaimed Property Refunds

• Agency Liaison & Process Streamlining

With our team’s financial expertise and proactive coordination, we ensure your eligible consulting costs are accurately documented, responsibly managed, and reimbursed as quickly as possible—turning compliance services into valuable, recoverable project investments.

Why CREDE?

With more than two decades of experience, a robust team of specialists, and over 135 active public works projects in motion, CREDE is not just a service provider—we’re a development partner. We bring:

• Proven expertise with CFD-backed infrastructure and vertical development

• Integrated administration, compliance, and reimbursement services under one roof

• Pre-designed templates and systems that accelerate delivery and reduce friction

• Direct municipal relationships that streamline approvals

• A reimbursement-minded approach to labor and administrative costs

Ready to Navigate Your Next CFD?

Whether you're planning a new community, overseeing public infrastructure, or managing post-entitlement compliance, CREDE’s Public Administration team ensures your CFD-funded project is executed legally, transparently, and profitably.

Talk to our team:

• Bid Administration: Erica Langham — [email protected]

• Labor Compliance: Chantel Shore — [email protected]

• Reimbursement: Ashley Jones — [email protected]

Let us help you turn complexity into confidence.