S&P Global Ratings assigned its 'AA-' long-term rating to the city of Atlanta's series 2017A water and wastewater revenue refunding bonds. The rating reflects our opinion of the combination of very strong enterprise and financial risk profiles. The outlook is stable. The enterprise risk profile reflects our view of Atlanta's: Role as one of the largest economic and employment anchors in the southeastern U.S., with a metropolitan statistical area (MSA) that continues to demonstrate robust growth, depth, and diversity; Very high rates, which could be further pressured in future years should the utility system need to lessen its reliance on allocated municipal option sales tax (MOST) revenues; and Operational management practices and policies that we deem as good despite ongoing
