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Well-Regarded Public Finance Banker, Don Backstrom, Dead at 84

Don Backstrom, co‑founder of the municipal advisory firm Backstrom McCarley Berry & Co., died at 84 from cancer. He launched the Los Angeles‑based firm on his 61st birthday in 2002 and served as managing director through July 2025, then part‑time until his death. Backstrom’s career spanned 13 years in California state government and 22 years advising issuers such as the State of California, University of California Regents, and numerous LA‑area municipalities. He was renowned for ethical counsel that underpinned schools, hospitals and transit financing across the region.