Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Albuquerque, N.M.'s series 2012A general obligation (GO) general purpose bonds and series 2012B GO storm sewer bonds. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AAA' long-term rating and underlying rating on the city's existing GO debt. The outlook on these ratings is stable. The ratings reflect what we view as the city's: Relatively stable economy, with what we consider strong links to the government, defense-related research, health care, and high-tech sectors, which has allowed Albuquerque to successfully manage its operations through previous economic cycles; Strong financial management and maintenance of what we regard as strong general fund balances; Additional flexibility to raise gross tax
