Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating to Minneapolis, Minn.'s series 2012 general obligation (GO) improvement bonds. At the same time, we affirmed our 'AAA' long-term rating on the city's previously issued GO debt. The outlook is stable. The rating reflects our view of the city's: Deep and diverse economic base; Role as a regional economic center for the upper Midwest; Strong financial management, bolstered by fund balances we consider very strong; Relatively low level of funding interdependencies with the federal government; History of actively managing long-term expenditure pressure; and Well-managed capital program with a debt level we regard as moderate. Revenue from the city's unlimited-tax GO pledge secures the bonds, and the rating is based on
