Two separate credit rating companies gave the city top rankings, which means the city enjoys lower interest rates it pays to sell bonds and fund capital projects. The less money paid in interest means more to go around for projects like streets, bridges, sidewalks, trails and park improvements.

City Manager Jim Couch said the AAA rating from Standard & Poor’s on the city’s general obligation debt rating, and Moody’s Investor Service’s AAA bond rating, is the result of conservative financial management, robust retail sales and a diversified employment base.“The city’s strong fiscal practices helped us weather the recession and led us to this exceptional rating,” Couch said. “We will continue to manage our finances to ensure we are able to sustain a strong financial position.”

A March 20 report from S&P stated: “The stable outlook reflects the fundamental strength of Oklahoma City’s deep and diverse economy, combined with the city’s proactive budget-cutting efforts in periods of revenue softness to maintain strong fund balances. In addition, the outlook reflects our view that the city’s overall debt levels and pension and other post-employment benefits obligations will likely remain manageable given the city’s strong fiscal management practices.”