Your district holds a revenue asset the carrier already knows how to price. Do you?
Before your board approves the extension, the amendment, or the buyout, get an independent benchmark. We have helped special districts capture hundreds of thousands in additional long-term revenue from leases that almost went the other way.
Built for public-sector workflow.
Third-party valuation your directors and counsel can review, reference, and defend to ratepayers in open session.
Higher rent, stronger escalators, and cleaner language on renewals, extensions, and buyouts.
Staff stays focused on operations. We handle the carrier conversation and deliver a deal your board can approve.
The first offer is not a mistake. It is a starting position.
Special districts are stewards of public assets. A cell tower lease on district property is one of the most underanalyzed revenue lines in most budgets.
The carrier's first offer is not a mistake. It is priced to close quickly with a counterparty who has not benchmarked the market.
Once signed, the terms typically run 25 years or more.
Escalators that sound reasonable today can leave five or six figures of revenue on the table over the life of the lease. Buyout offers often undervalue the site by 20% to 30%.
A district that signs the first offer is not being reckless. It is operating at an information disadvantage. That is what we exist to fix
We used to play the game.
Now we help you win it.
We understand the realities of public governance: open meetings, staff bandwidth, counsel review, and the need to document every decision in a way that holds up to public scrutiny. Our work is built to fit that process, not fight it.
18+ years inside telecom.
Nigel led carrier-side negotiations for years before becoming a landowner advocate. He knows exactly how the offers are constructed and where the flex sits.
Documented results for public agencies
Big Bear Airport District: initial cumulative rent $461,970 — negotiated to $875,022. Net gain of $413,052 over the term. Hesperia Recreation and Park District: over $228,000 in additional long-term rent plus a $35,000 upfront prepayment
Built for public-sector workflow.
Written engagement letters, documented market comparables, board-ready summaries, and transparent fee terms.
Why Districts Choose Aries
Five concerns we hear from district GMs, finance directors, and boards, and how we answer each.
"We need to follow our procurement and approval process."
Good. Our engagement is documented, scoped, and priced in writing. We regularly work inside RFP processes, board approvals, and general counsel review. Nothing moves forward without authorization.
"We already have counsel reviewing the lease."
Counsel reviews legal risk. We benchmark financial value. The two are complementary, not duplicative. Many of our best engagements run in parallel with district counsel.
"We don't want to slow down the deal."
In almost every case, carrier deadlines are negotiating pressure, not real constraints. Bringing in an independent advisor typically adds two to four weeks and adds five or six figures of long-term value.
"Our budget doesn't have a line item for outside advisors."
Our fees come out of the improved value we create, structured as a flat fee plus a percentage or a portion of the improvement. If we cannot improve your deal, there is nothing to pay.
"The board will want to see comparable data."
So do we. Every engagement includes documented market comparables your board and finance team can review. The goal is a decision the district can defend publicly, not a handshake.
What they say about us
Your Trusted Experts in Cell Tower Lease Consulting.
What is a Clarity Call?
A 30-minute conversation with Nigel, our principal. You walk us through the lease, the pending offer, or the asset. We give you an honest read on whether the terms are at or below market and what options your district has. No fee.
How does Aries get paid?
Our fees are aligned with your outcome. For lease prepayments, we typically charge around 5% of the improved value at close. For new leases and renewals, the fee structure is a small flat fee plus a percentage of the improved value. Either way, if we do not improve your deal, there is nothing to pay.
Can you work inside our procurement or RFP process?
Yes. We have completed engagements that went through board approval, counsel review, and formal procurement. We will provide whatever documentation your process requires.
Do you work alongside our general counsel?
Yes, and we recommend it. Counsel owns the legal review. We own the financial benchmark and negotiation strategy. The combination consistently produces the strongest outcomes.
What types of district deals do you handle?
New tower leases, renewals, amendments, extensions, and lease buyouts (also called prepayments). We have represented airport districts, recreation and park districts, water districts, and municipalities.
How long does a typical engagement take?
Most extensions and amendments close in 60 to 120 days. Prepayments typically close in 45 to 90 days. We work at the district's pace, not the carrier's.