What is a Certificate of Participation in government financing?

A Certificate of Participation (COP) is a financing mechanism used by government entities where investors purchase a share of the lease revenues generated by a specific asset or projects, such as a building or infrastructure. This arrangement allows the government to obtain the necessary funding for a project without directly incurring debt in the traditional sense. Instead, the COP represents an interest in the lease payments made by the government for the use of the asset, making it accessible for various funding initiatives while also providing flexibility in governmental financing options.

This mode of financing is particularly advantageous because it allows local governments to engage in projects without needing to find the full amount upfront. The revenues generated from the asset or project serve as collateral, providing a form of financial security for investors. As such, it operates collaboratively among various stakeholders, such as financial institutions, which may share in the financing and underwriting processes.