Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Atlanta, Ga.'s series 2008 solid waste authority revenue bonds, issued for the Atlanta Solid Waste Management Authority. At the same time, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA-' rating and stable outlook on the city of Atlanta's general obligation (GO) bonds. The city's 'AA-' rating reflects the city's: Diversified regional economic base that while undergoing a housing market correction, is poised to outpace the national employment growth rate over the next five years; Reserve levels that, although declining, remain good; and Moderate debt ratios with manageable general fund-supported capital needs. The strengths are partly offset by slightly above-average unemployment levels and below-average wealth levels on a median household basis. The bonds
