Biography Photo of Roger A Swets

Roger A. Swets

Roger A. Swets practices in the area of public sector finance law, acting as bond counsel to a wide range of public entities and as underwriter's counsel and bank counsel in tax-exempt financings.

Education & Credentials

Education

Calvin College

B.A.

University of Michigan Law School

J.D.
  • cum laude

Bar Admission

  • Michigan

Acknowledgements

  • Grand Rapids Magazine
    • "Top Lawyers," Public Finance Law, 2020

Prominent Assignments

Roger works with municipalities on bond financings for a wide variety of capital projects and working capital needs. He also represents municipal water and sewer systems, and a wide range of municipal authorities. He also works with municipalities on special assessments, tax increments, ballot proposals, millage issues and many other areas.

Roger also works on a regular basis with county drain commissioners. He acts as bond counsel on bond and note financings for drainage districts to provide interim and long-term financing for drain projects.

Roger represents schools and libraries on finance and business related matters, including bond issues, state aid notes, installment purchases, ballot proposals, millage issues, and the use of bond proceeds.

Roger also specializes in economic development law, including work on brownfield redevelopment projects, tax increment financing projects, economic development corporation projects and the issuance of tax-exempt bonds for non-profit organizations and expanding businesses.

Roger also represents banks and underwriters in public finance transactions, including acting as underwriter’s counsel to underwriters in bond transactions and as bank counsel to banks in bank placements of bonds.

Roger represents cities, counties, drain commissioners, educational institutions, fire departments, public and mental health departments, road commissions, tax increment authorities, townships, villages, utility authorities, as well as a wide range of public authorities created by these public entities.

Projects that have been financed through Roger's work include school buildings, school buses, drains, water and sewer systems, road improvements, streetscape improvements, emergency services equipment, many kinds of public buildings, open space preservation, marinas, parks, recreational facilities, and complex redevelopment projects.

Professional Involvement

  • State Bar of Michigan
  • Grand Rapids Bar Association
  • International Municipal Lawyers Association
  • National Association of Bond Lawyers
  • Michigan Association of County Drain Commissioners (Consultant Member)
  • Michigan Association of Municipal Attorneys
  • Michigan Local Government Management Association (Consultant Member)
  • Public Corporations Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan
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