2023-08-28MunicipalFixedIncomeFunds-A2
 
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Prospectus
November 1, 2023
Municipal Fixed Income Funds

Fund
Administrator Class
Allspring California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund
SCTIX
Allspring California Tax-Free Fund
SGCAX
Allspring High Yield Municipal Bond Fund
WHYDX
Allspring Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund
WFITX
Allspring Minnesota Tax-Free Fund
NWMIX
Allspring Municipal Bond Fund
WMFDX
Allspring Municipal Sustainability Fund
WMSDX
Allspring Short-Term Municipal Bond Fund
WSTMX
Allspring Strategic Municipal Bond Fund
VMPYX
Allspring Ultra Short-Term Municipal Income Fund
WUSMX
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has not approved or disapproved these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this Prospectus. Anyone who tells you otherwise is committing a crime.  

 
 
Table of Contents
2
6

 
Table of Contents

 
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California Limited-Term Tax-Free Fund  Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks current income exempt from federal income tax and California individual income tax, consistent with capital preservation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees
0.40%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.40%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.80%
Fee Waivers
(0.20)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1
0.60%
1. The Manager has contractually committed through October 31, 2024, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.60% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
After:
1 Year
$61
3 Years
$235
5 Years
$424
10 Years
$971
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 35% of the average value of its portfolio.

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Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in municipal securities  whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, including federal alternative minimum tax (AMT), and California individual income tax;
 
up to 20% of the Fund’s net assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including federal AMT;
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in below investment-grade municipal securities; and
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters.
 
We invest principally in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, including federal AMT, and California individual income tax. Our investment holdings may include municipal securities issued by the state of California and its subdivisions, authorities, instrumentalities and corporations, as well as municipal securities issued by the territories and possessions of the United States. Some of the securities may be below investment grade or may be unrated and deemed by us to be of comparable quality. We may also invest a portion of the Fund’s net assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including  federal AMT. We may use futures for duration and yield curve management. While we may purchase securities of any maturity, under normal circumstances, we expect the Fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity to be between 2 and 7 years.
We may invest up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters to seek enhanced returns. Inverse floaters are derivative debt instruments created by depositing a municipal security in a trust. Inverse floaters pay interest at rates that generally vary inversely with specified short-term interest rates and involve leverage. We intend to limit leverage created by the Fund’s investment in inverse floaters to an amount equal to 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
We use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research to cover the four main elements of total return: duration management, yield curve positioning, sector and credit quality allocation, and security selection. Our top-down analysis involves an evaluation of macroeconomic factors that may include, among others, the pace of economic growth, employment conditions, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policy. Our bottom-up analysis, which involves intensive research into the credit fundamentals of individual issuers and the relative value of individual issues, is used to uncover solid investment opportunities. Securities are selected based on several factors, including, among others, improving financial trends, positive industry and sector dynamics, improving economic conditions, and specific demographic trends. Securities may be sold based on relative value considerations and could be replaced with a security that presents a better value or risk/reward profile. A security may also be sold due to changes in credit characteristics or outlook, as well as changes in portfolio strategy or cash flow needs.
Principal Investment Risks
An investment in the Fund may lose money,  is not a deposit of a bank or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security may be unable, or perceived to be unable or unwilling, to pay interest or repay principal when they become due. In these instances, the value of an investment could decline and the Fund could lose money. Credit risk increases as an issuer’s credit quality or financial strength declines. Interest rate risk is the possibility that interest rates will change over time. When interest rates rise, the value of debt securities tends to fall. The longer the terms of the debt securities held by a Fund, the more the Fund is subject to this risk. If interest rates decline, interest that the Fund is able to earn on its investments in debt securities may also decline, which could cause the Fund to reduce the dividends it pays to shareholders, but the value of those securities may increase. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk.
Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed or enhanced by the taxing authority of a local government, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets, or by the credit of, or liquidity enhancement provided by, a private issuer. Various types of municipal securities are often related in such a way that political, economic or business developments affecting one obligation could affect other municipal securities held by a Fund.

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State Emphasis Risk. Securities issued by a particular state and its subdivisions, authorities, instrumentalities and corporations are subject to the risk of unfavorable developments occurring in such state. Such developments may adversely impact the liquidity and value of the municipal securities in which a Fund invests and, in turn, adversely impact the value of the Fund’s shares.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative and have a much greater risk of default or of not returning principal and their values tend to be more volatile than higher-rated securities with similar maturities.
Inverse Floater Risk. The holder of an inverse floater, which is a type of derivative, could lose more than its principal investment. An inverse floater produces less income and may decline in value when market rates and the rate payable on the floater rises. An inverse floater typically involves leverage, which may magnify a Fund’s losses, and exhibits greater price and income volatility than an unleveraged bond with a similar maturity.
Management Risk. Investment decisions,  techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Performance
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at allspringglobal.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
image
Highest Quarter:
December 31, 2022
+2.31%
Lowest Quarter:
March 31, 2022
-3.87%
Year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2023 is -0.18%

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Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2022
Inception Date of Share Class
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Administrator Class (before taxes)
9/6/1996
-4.60%
0.45%
1.13%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions)
9/6/1996
-5.33%
0.27%
1.04%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)
9/6/1996
-2.73%
0.61%
1.22%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-8.53%
1.25%
2.13%
Bloomberg California Municipal 1-5 Year Blend Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-3.36%
0.95%
1.09%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Fund Management
Manager
Sub-Adviser
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since
Allspring Funds Management, LLC
Allspring Global Investments, LLC
Terry J. Goode, Portfolio Manager / 2011
Kim Nakahara, Portfolio Manager / 2020
Adrian Van Poppel, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class  shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Allspring Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
To Buy or Sell Shares
Minimum Initial Investment
Administrator Class: $1 million (this amount may be reduced or eliminated for certain eligible investors)

Minimum Additional Investment
Administrator Class: None
Mail: Allspring Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: allspringglobal.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222
Contact your financial professional.
Tax Information
The Fund’s distributions normally consist of exempt-interest dividends, which are generally not taxable to you for federal income tax purposes, but may be subject to  federal AMT. A portion of the Fund’s distributions may not qualify as exempt-interest dividends; such distributions will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information.

Municipal Fixed Income Funds 5

 
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California Tax-Free Fund  Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks current income exempt from federal income tax and California individual income tax.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees
0.39%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.38%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.77%
Fee Waivers
(0.22)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1
0.55%
1. The Manager has contractually committed through October 31, 2024, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.55% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
After:
1 Year
$56
3 Years
$224
5 Years
$406
10 Years
$934
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 15% of the average value of its portfolio.

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Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, including federal alternative minimum tax (AMT), and California individual income tax;
 
up to 20% of the Fund’s net assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including federal AMT;
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in below investment-grade municipal securities; and
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters.
 
We invest principally in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, including federal AMT, and California individual income tax. Our investment holdings may include municipal securities issued by the state of California and its subdivisions, authorities, instrumentalities and corporations, as well as municipal securities issued by the territories and possessions of the United States. Some of the securities may be below investment grade or may be unrated and deemed by us to be of comparable quality. We may also invest a portion of the Fund’s net assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including  federal AMT. We may use futures for duration and yield curve management. While we may purchase securities of any maturity, under normal circumstances, we expect the Fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity to be between 3 and 20 years.
We may invest up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters to seek enhanced returns. Inverse floaters are derivative debt instruments created by depositing a municipal security in a trust. Inverse floaters pay interest at rates that generally vary inversely with specified short-term interest rates and involve leverage. We intend to limit leverage created by the Fund’s investment in inverse floaters to an amount equal to 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
We use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research to cover the four main elements of total return: duration management, yield curve positioning, sector and credit quality allocation, and security selection. Our top-down analysis involves an evaluation of macroeconomic factors that may include, among others, the pace of economic growth, employment conditions, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policy. Our bottom-up analysis, which involves intensive research into the credit fundamentals of individual issuers and the relative value of individual issues, is used to uncover solid investment opportunities. Securities are selected based on several factors, including, among others, improving financial trends, positive industry and sector dynamics, improving economic conditions, and specific demographic trends. Securities may be sold based on relative value considerations and could be replaced with a security that presents a better value or risk/reward profile. A security may also be sold due to changes in credit characteristics or outlook, as well as changes in portfolio strategy or cash flow needs.
The Fund is considered to be non-diversified.
Principal Investment Risks
An investment in the Fund may lose money,  is not a deposit of a bank or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security may be unable, or perceived to be unable or unwilling, to pay interest or repay principal when they become due. In these instances, the value of an investment could decline and the Fund could lose money. Credit risk increases as an issuer’s credit quality or financial strength declines. Interest rate risk is the possibility that interest rates will change over time. When interest rates rise, the value of debt securities tends to fall. The longer the terms of the debt securities held by a Fund, the more the Fund is subject to this risk. If interest rates decline, interest that the Fund is able to earn on its investments in debt securities may also decline, which could cause the Fund to reduce the dividends it pays to shareholders, but the value of those securities may increase. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk.
Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed or enhanced by the taxing authority of a local government, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets, or by the credit of, or liquidity enhancement provided by, a private issuer. Various types of municipal securities are often related in such a way that political, economic or business developments affecting one obligation could affect other municipal securities held by a Fund.

Municipal Fixed Income Funds 7

 
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State Emphasis Risk. Securities issued by a particular state and its subdivisions, authorities, instrumentalities and corporations are subject to the risk of unfavorable developments occurring in such state. Such developments may adversely impact the liquidity and value of the municipal securities in which a Fund invests and, in turn, adversely impact the value of the Fund’s shares.
Non-Diversification Risk. A Fund that is considered “non-diversified” under the 1940 Act is more vulnerable to market or economic events impacting issuers of individual portfolio securities than a “diversified” fund. Default by the issuer of an individual security in such a Fund’s portfolio may have a greater negative effect on the Fund’s return or net asset value than it would on the return or net asset value of a “diversified” fund.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative and have a much greater risk of default or of not returning principal and their values tend to be more volatile than higher-rated securities with similar maturities.
Inverse Floater Risk. The holder of an inverse floater, which is a type of derivative, could lose more than its principal investment. An inverse floater produces less income and may decline in value when market rates and the rate payable on the floater rises. An inverse floater typically involves leverage, which may magnify a Fund’s losses, and exhibits greater price and income volatility than an unleveraged bond with a similar maturity.
Management Risk. Investment decisions,  techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

8 Municipal Fixed Income Funds

 
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Performance
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at allspringglobal.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
image
Highest Quarter:
March 31, 2014
+4.15%
Lowest Quarter:
March 31, 2022
-6.31%
Year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2023 is -1.71%
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2022
Inception Date of Share Class
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Administrator Class (before taxes)
12/15/1997
-10.11%
0.63%
2.22%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions)
12/15/1997
-11.25%
0.34%
2.06%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)
12/15/1997
-5.98%
0.96%
2.34%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-8.53%
1.25%
2.13%
Bloomberg California Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-8.17%
1.25%
2.30%
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.

Municipal Fixed Income Funds 9

 
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Fund Management
Manager
Sub-Adviser
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since
Allspring Funds Management, LLC
Allspring Global Investments, LLC
Terry J. Goode, Portfolio Manager / 2011
Kim Nakahara, Portfolio Manager / 2020
Adrian Van Poppel, Portfolio Manager / 2009
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class  shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Allspring Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
To Buy or Sell Shares
Minimum Initial Investment
Administrator Class: $1 million (this amount may be reduced or eliminated for certain eligible investors)

Minimum Additional Investment
Administrator Class: None
Mail: Allspring Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: allspringglobal.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222
Contact your financial professional.
Tax Information
The Fund’s distributions normally consist of exempt-interest dividends, which are generally not taxable to you for federal income tax purposes, but may be subject to  federal AMT. A portion of the Fund’s distributions may not qualify as exempt-interest dividends; such distributions will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information.

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High Yield Municipal Bond Fund  Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks high current income exempt from federal income tax, and capital appreciation.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)1
Management Fees
0.50%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.51%
Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses
0.01%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
1.02%
Fee Waivers
(0.31)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers2
0.71%
1. Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund’s most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses.
2. The Manager has contractually committed through October 31, 2024, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.70% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
After:
1 Year
$73
3 Years
$294
5 Years
$533
10 Years
$1,220
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 24% of the average value of its portfolio.

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Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, but not necessarily federal alternative minimum tax (“AMT”);
 
up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets in securities whose interest is subject to  federal AMT;
 
at least 50% of the Fund’s total assets in municipal securities rated BBB and below  or comparable unrated municipal securities; and
 
up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters.
 
We invest principally in municipal securities of states, territories and possessions of the United States whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, but not necessarily federal AMT. A substantial portion of the securities will be rated BBB and below or unrated and deemed by us to be of comparable quality. Securities rated BB and below are often called “high yield” securities or “junk bonds”. We may invest in municipal debt of any credit quality. We may also invest a portion of the Fund’s total assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal AMT. We may use futures for duration and yield curve management. While we  may purchase securities of any maturity, under normal circumstances,  we expect the Fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity to be between 3 and 20 years. “Dollar-weighted average effective maturity” is a measure of the average time until the final payment of principal and interest is due on fixed income securities in the Fund’s portfolio.
We may invest up to 20% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters to seek enhanced returns. Inverse floaters are derivative debt instruments created by depositing a municipal security in a trust. Inverse floaters pay interest at rates that generally vary inversely with specified short-term interest rates and involve leverage. We intend to limit leverage created by the Fund’s investments in inverse floaters to an amount equal to 20% of the Fund’s total assets.
We use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research to cover the four main elements of total return: duration management, yield curve positioning, sector and credit quality allocation, and security selection. Our top-down analysis involves an evaluation of macroeconomic factors that may include, among others, the pace of economic growth, employment conditions, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policy. Our bottom-up analysis, which involves intensive research into the credit fundamentals of individual issuers and the relative value of individual issues, is used to uncover solid investment opportunities. Securities are selected based on several factors, including, among others, improving financial trends, positive industry and sector dynamics, improving economic conditions, and specific demographic trends. Securities may be sold based on relative value considerations and could be replaced with a security that presents a better value or risk/reward profile. A security may also be sold due to changes in credit characteristics or outlook, as well as changes in portfolio strategy or cash flow needs.
Principal Investment Risks
An investment in the Fund may lose money,  is not a deposit of a bank or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security may be unable, or perceived to be unable or unwilling, to pay interest or repay principal when they become due. In these instances, the value of an investment could decline and the Fund could lose money. Credit risk increases as an issuer’s credit quality or financial strength declines. Interest rate risk is the possibility that interest rates will change over time. When interest rates rise, the value of debt securities tends to fall. The longer the terms of the debt securities held by a Fund, the more the Fund is subject to this risk. If interest rates decline, interest that the Fund is able to earn on its investments in debt securities may also decline, which could cause the Fund to reduce the dividends it pays to shareholders, but the value of those securities may increase. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk.
Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed or enhanced by the taxing authority of a local government, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets, or by the credit of, or liquidity enhancement provided by, a private issuer. Various types of municipal securities are often related in such a way that political, economic or business developments affecting one obligation could affect other municipal securities held by a Fund.

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High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative and have a much greater risk of default or of not returning principal and their values tend to be more volatile than higher-rated securities with similar maturities.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.
Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
Inverse Floater Risk. The holder of an inverse floater, which is a type of derivative, could lose more than its principal investment. An inverse floater produces less income and may decline in value when market rates and the rate payable on the floater rises. An inverse floater typically involves leverage, which may magnify a Fund’s losses, and exhibits greater price and income volatility than an unleveraged bond with a similar maturity.
Management Risk. Investment decisions,  techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.

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Performance
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at allspringglobal.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
image
Highest Quarter:
March 31, 2014
+5.78%
Lowest Quarter:
March 31, 2022
-6.84%
Year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2023 is -0.92%
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2022
Inception Date of Share Class
1 Year
5 Year
Since Inception
Administrator Class (before taxes)
1/31/2013
-11.87%
1.40%
3.35%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions)
1/31/2013
-13.32%
0.98%
3.03%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)
1/31/2013
-7.00%
1.65%
3.26%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-8.53%
1.25%
2.11%
High Yield Municipal Bond Blended Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)1
-11.29%
2.11%
2.91%
Bloomberg High Yield Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-13.10%
2.63%
3.40%
1. Source: Allspring Funds Management, LLC. The High Yield Municipal Bond Blended Index is composed 60% of the Bloomberg  High Yield Municipal Bond Index and 40% of the Bloomberg  Municipal Bond Index. You cannot invest directly in an index.
After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.

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Fund Management
Manager
Sub-Adviser
Portfolio Managers, Title/Managed Since
Allspring Funds Management, LLC
Allspring Global Investments, LLC
Dennis Derby, Portfolio Manager / 2013
Terry J. Goode, Portfolio Manager / 2013
Kerry Laurin, Portfolio Manager / 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class  shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Allspring Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
To Buy or Sell Shares
Minimum Initial Investment
Administrator Class: $1 million (this amount may be reduced or eliminated for certain eligible investors)

Minimum Additional Investment
Administrator Class: None
Mail: Allspring Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: allspringglobal.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222
Contact your financial professional.
Tax Information
The Fund’s distributions normally consist of exempt-interest dividends, which are generally not taxable to you for federal income tax purposes, but may be subject to  federal AMT. A portion of the Fund’s distributions may not qualify as exempt-interest dividends; such distributions will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information.

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Intermediate Tax/AMT-Free Fund  Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks current income exempt from federal income tax.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)
Management Fees
0.38%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.38%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.76%
Fee Waivers
(0.16)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers1
0.60%
1. The Manager has contractually committed through October 31, 2024, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.60% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
After:
1 Year
$61
3 Years
$227
5 Years
$407
10 Years
$927
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 17% of the average value of its portfolio.

16 Municipal Fixed Income Funds

 
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Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, including federal alternative minimum tax (AMT);
 
up to 15% of the Fund’s total assets in below investment-grade municipal securities; and
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters.
 
We invest principally in municipal securities  of  states, territories and possessions of the United States whose interest is exempt from federal income tax, including federal AMT. Some of the securities may be below investment grade or unrated and deemed by us to be of comparable quality. Under normal circumstances, we do not invest in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including federal AMT. We may use futures for duration and yield curve management. While we may purchase securities of any maturity, under normal circumstances, we expect the Fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity to be between 3 and 10 years.
We may invest up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters to seek enhanced returns. Inverse floaters are derivative debt instruments created by depositing a municipal security in a trust. Inverse floaters pay interest at rates that generally vary inversely with specified short-term interest rates and involve leverage. We intend to limit leverage created by the Fund’s investment in inverse floaters to an amount equal to 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
We use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research to cover the four main elements of total return: duration management, yield curve positioning, sector and credit quality allocation, and security selection. Our top-down analysis involves an evaluation of macroeconomic factors that may include, among others, the pace of economic growth, employment conditions, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policy. Our bottom-up analysis, which involves intensive research into the credit fundamentals of individual issuers and the relative value of individual issues, is used to uncover solid investment opportunities. Securities are selected based on several factors, including, among others, improving financial trends, positive industry and sector dynamics, improving economic conditions, and specific demographic trends. Securities may be sold based on relative value considerations and could be replaced with a security that presents a better value or risk/reward profile. A security may also be sold due to changes in credit characteristics or outlook, as well as changes in portfolio strategy or cash flow needs.
Principal Investment Risks
An investment in the Fund may lose money,  is not a deposit of a bank or its affiliates, is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency, and is primarily subject to the risks briefly summarized below.
Market Risk. The values of, and/or the income generated by, securities held by the Fund may decline due to general market conditions or other factors, including those directly involving the issuers of such securities. Securities markets are volatile and may decline significantly in response to adverse issuer, regulatory, political, or economic developments. Different sectors of the market and different security types may react differently to such developments.
Debt Securities Risk. Debt securities are subject to credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk is the possibility that the issuer or guarantor of a debt security may be unable, or perceived to be unable or unwilling, to pay interest or repay principal when they become due. In these instances, the value of an investment could decline and the Fund could lose money. Credit risk increases as an issuer’s credit quality or financial strength declines. Interest rate risk is the possibility that interest rates will change over time. When interest rates rise, the value of debt securities tends to fall. The longer the terms of the debt securities held by a Fund, the more the Fund is subject to this risk. If interest rates decline, interest that the Fund is able to earn on its investments in debt securities may also decline, which could cause the Fund to reduce the dividends it pays to shareholders, but the value of those securities may increase. Very low or negative interest rates may magnify interest rate risk.
Municipal Securities Risk. Municipal securities may be fully or partially backed or enhanced by the taxing authority of a local government, by the current or anticipated revenues from a specific project or specific assets, or by the credit of, or liquidity enhancement provided by, a private issuer. Various types of municipal securities are often related in such a way that political, economic or business developments affecting one obligation could affect other municipal securities held by a Fund.
Derivatives Risk. The use of derivatives, such as futures, options and swap agreements, can lead to losses, including those magnified by leverage, particularly when derivatives are used to enhance return rather than mitigate risk. Certain derivative instruments may be difficult to sell when the portfolio manager believes it would be appropriate to do so, or the other party to a derivative contract may be unwilling or unable to fulfill its contractual obligations.

Municipal Fixed Income Funds 17

 
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Futures Contracts Risk. A Fund that uses futures contracts, which are a type of derivative, is subject to the risk of loss caused by unanticipated market movements. In addition, there may at times be an imperfect correlation between the movement in the prices of futures contracts and the value of their underlying instruments or indexes, and there may at times not be a liquid secondary market for certain futures contracts.
High Yield Securities Risk. High yield securities and unrated securities of similar credit quality (commonly known as “junk bonds”) are considered speculative and have a much greater risk of default or of not returning principal and their values tend to be more volatile than higher-rated securities with similar maturities.
Inverse Floater Risk. The holder of an inverse floater, which is a type of derivative, could lose more than its principal investment. An inverse floater produces less income and may decline in value when market rates and the rate payable on the floater rises. An inverse floater typically involves leverage, which may magnify a Fund’s losses, and exhibits greater price and income volatility than an unleveraged bond with a similar maturity.
Management Risk. Investment decisions,  techniques, analyses or models implemented by a Fund’s manager or sub-adviser in seeking to achieve the Fund’s investment objective may not produce expected returns, may cause the Fund’s shares to lose value or may cause the Fund to underperform other funds with similar investment objectives.
Performance
The following information provides some indication of the risks of investing in the Fund by showing changes in the Fund’s performance from year to year. The Fund’s average annual total returns are compared to the performance of one or more indices. Past performance before and after taxes is no guarantee of future results. Current month-end performance is available on the Fund’s website at allspringglobal.com.
Calendar Year Total Returns for Administrator Class as of 12/31 each year
image
Highest Quarter:
December 31, 2022
+3.18%
Lowest Quarter:
March 31, 2022
-5.36%
Year-to-date total return as of September 30, 2023 is -0.77%
Average Annual Total Returns for the periods ended 12/31/2022
Inception Date of Share Class
1 Year
5 Year
10 Year
Administrator Class (before taxes)
3/31/2008
-6.33%
1.14%
1.70%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions)
3/31/2008
-7.31%
0.53%
1.36%
Administrator Class (after taxes on distributions and the sale of Fund Shares)
3/31/2008
-3.75%
0.84%
1.55%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-8.53%
1.25%
2.11%
Bloomberg Municipal Bond 1-15 Year Blend Index (reflects no deduction for fees, expenses, or taxes)
-5.95%
1.44%
1.95%

18 Municipal Fixed Income Funds

 
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After-tax returns are calculated using the historical highest individual federal marginal income tax rates and do not reflect the impact of state, local or foreign taxes. Actual after-tax returns depend on an investor’s tax situation and may differ from those shown, and after-tax returns shown are not relevant to tax-exempt investors or investors who hold their Fund shares through tax-deferred arrangements, such as 401(k) Plans or Individual Retirement Accounts.
Fund Management
Manager
Sub-Adviser
Portfolio Manager, Title/Managed Since
Allspring Funds Management, LLC
Allspring Global Investments, LLC
Bruce R. Johns, Portfolio Manager / 2019
Robert J. Miller, Portfolio Manager / 2008
Adrian Van Poppel, Portfolio Manager / 2019
Nicholos Venditti, Portfolio Manager / 2020
Purchase and Sale of Fund Shares
Administrator Class  shares are generally available through intermediaries for the accounts of their customers and directly to institutional investors and individuals. Institutional investors may include corporations; private banks and trust companies; endowments and foundations; defined contribution, defined benefit and other employer sponsored retirement plans; institutional retirement plan platforms; insurance companies; registered investment advisor firms; bank trusts; 529 college savings plans; family offices; and funds of funds, including those managed by Allspring Funds Management. In general, you can buy or sell shares of the Fund online or by mail, phone or wire, on any day the New York Stock Exchange is open for regular trading. You also may buy and sell shares through a financial professional.
Minimum Investments
To Buy or Sell Shares
Minimum Initial Investment
Administrator Class: $1 million (this amount may be reduced or eliminated for certain eligible investors)

Minimum Additional Investment
Administrator Class: None
Mail: Allspring Funds
P.O. Box 219967
Kansas City, MO 64121-9967
Online: allspringglobal.com
Phone or Wire: 1-800-222-8222
Contact your financial professional.
Tax Information
The Fund’s distributions normally consist of exempt-interest dividends, which are generally not taxable to you for federal income tax purposes, but may be subject to  federal AMT. A portion of the Fund’s distributions may not qualify as exempt-interest dividends; such distributions will generally be taxable to you as ordinary income or capital gains, unless you are investing through a tax-deferred arrangement, such as a 401(k) plan or an individual retirement account. However, subsequent withdrawals from such a tax advantaged investment plan may be subject to federal income tax. You should consult your tax adviser about your specific situation.
Payments to Intermediaries
If you purchase a Fund through an intermediary, the Fund and its related companies may pay the intermediary for the sale of Fund shares and related services. These payments may create a conflict of interest by influencing the intermediary and your financial professional to recommend the Fund over another investment. Consult your financial professional or visit your intermediary’s website for more information.

Municipal Fixed Income Funds 19

 
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Minnesota Tax-Free Fund  Summary
Investment Objective
The Fund seeks current income exempt from federal income tax and Minnesota individual income tax.
Fees and Expenses
These tables are intended to help you understand the various costs and expenses you will pay if you buy, hold and sell shares of the Fund.
Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)
Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a percentage of offering price)
None
Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that you pay each year as a percentage of the value of your investment)1
Management Fees
0.40%
Distribution (12b-1) Fees
0.00%
Other Expenses
0.46%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
0.86%
Fee Waivers
(0.26)%
Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waivers2
0.60%
1. Expenses have been adjusted as necessary from amounts incurred during the Fund’s most recent fiscal year to reflect current fees and expenses.
2. The Manager has contractually committed through October 31, 2024, to waive fees and/or reimburse expenses to the extent necessary to cap Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses After Fee Waiver at 0.60% for Administrator Class. Brokerage commissions, stamp duty fees, interest, taxes, acquired fund fees and expenses (if any), and extraordinary expenses are excluded from the expense cap. Prior to or after the commitment expiration date, the cap may be increased or the commitment to maintain the cap may be terminated only with the approval of the Board of Trustees.
Example of Expenses
The example below is intended to help you compare the costs of investing in the Fund with the costs of investing in other funds. The example assumes a $10,000 initial investment, 5% annual total return, and that fees and expenses remain the same as in the tables above. To the extent that the Manager is waiving fees or reimbursing expenses, the example assumes that such waiver or reimbursement will only be in place through the date noted above. Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions, your costs would be:
After:
1 Year
$61
3 Years
$248
5 Years
$451
10 Years
$1,037
Portfolio Turnover
The Fund pays transaction costs, such as commissions, when it buys and sells securities (or “turns over” its portfolio). A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses or in the example, affect the Fund’s performance. During the most recent fiscal year, the Fund’s portfolio turnover rate was 28% of the average value of its portfolio.

20 Municipal Fixed Income Funds

 
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Principal Investment Strategies
Under normal circumstances, we invest:
at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in municipal securities whose interest is  exempt from federal income tax, including federal alternative minimum tax (AMT), and Minnesota individual income tax;
 
up to 20% of the Fund’s net assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including federal AMT;
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in below investment-grade municipal securities; and
 
up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters.
 
We invest principally in municipal securities whose interest is  exempt from federal income tax, including federal AMT, and Minnesota individual income tax. Our investment holdings may include municipal securities issued by the state of Minnesota and its subdivisions, authorities, instrumentalities and corporations, as well as municipal securities issued by the territories and possessions of the United States. Some of the securities may be below investment grade or may be unrated and deemed by us to be of comparable quality. We may also invest a portion of the Fund’s net assets in securities whose interest is subject to federal income tax, including  federal AMT. While the Fund is required, under normal circumstances, to invest at least 80% of the Fund’s net assets in municipal securities whose interest is exempt from Minnesota individual income tax, we currently intend to manage the portfolio so that at least 95% of the income generated by the Fund is exempt from Minnesota individual income tax. We may use futures for duration and yield curve management. While we may purchase securities of any maturity, under normal circumstances, we expect the Fund’s dollar-weighted average effective maturity to be between 3 and 20 years.
We may invest up to 10% of the Fund’s total assets in inverse floaters to seek enhanced returns. Inverse floaters are derivative debt instruments created by depositing a municipal security in a trust. Inverse floaters pay interest at rates that generally vary inversely with specified short-term interest rates and involve leverage. We intend to limit leverage created by the Fund’s investment in inverse floaters to an amount equal to 10% of the Fund’s total assets.
We use a combination of top-down and bottom-up research to cover the four main elements of total return: duration management, yield curve positioning, sector and credit quality allocation, and security selection. Our top-down analysis involves an evaluation of macroeconomic factors that may include, among others, the pace of economic growth, employment conditions, inflation, and monetary and fiscal policy. Our bottom-up analysis, which involves intensive research into the credit fundamentals of individual issuers and the relative value of individual issues, is used to uncover solid investment opportunities. Securities are selected based on several factors, including, among others, improving financial trends, positive industry and sector dynamics, improving economic conditions, and specific demographic trends. Securities may be sold based on relative value considerations and could be replaced with a security that presents a better value or risk/reward profile. A security may also be sold due to changes in credit characteristics or outlook, as well as changes in portfolio strategy or cash flow needs.
Principal Investment Risks