OKC receives highest possible bond ratings for 17 years in a row

Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global reaffirmed the City of Oklahoma City’s highest possible bond ratings, citing strong financial management and stability. 

In separate reports, S&P Global Ratings maintained the city’s AAA long-term rating with a stable outlook in a March 11 report, while Moody’s affirmed its Aaa rating in a March 6 report. The triple-A ratings are the highest available from both agencies. 

The strong ratings allow OKC to secure favorable financing for bonds used in projects under the Better Streets, Safer City infrastructure program. The city remains one of a select group of large U.S. municipalities to hold top-tier credit ratings. 

“Our AAA/Aaa ratings are the result of a longstanding conservative financial culture supported by Mayor and Council and is a reflection of our commitment to high financial standards,” said Assistant City Manager Brent Bryant. 

The S&P report stated, “Our view of Oklahoma City's general creditworthiness reflects the city's role as the primary employment and economic center of Oklahoma, with stable operating performance and robust reserves supported by comprehensive management policies and practices, as well as the city's manageable debt, pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB).” 

Moody’s credited the city’s robust financial position to careful budgeting, stating, “The city's financial position is very strong with management's conservative budgeting practices materially reducing budgetary pressures from the city's reliance on economically sensitive sales tax revenue.” 

OKC is one of just 13 U.S. cities with a population of at least 500,000 that holds the highest credit rating from both Moody’s and S&P Global.