1. publication (of a newspaper, magazine, book, etc.); issue
今朝発行されたばかりの学園新聞だよ。It's the school newspaper that was just published this morning.
2. issue (of banknotes, bonds, passport, etc.)
そのお金を発行できるのは国家です。It is the state that can issue that money.
3. raising (an event)