Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AA-' rating to Colorado Springs, Colo.'s series 2009 certificates of participation (COPs). In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AA-' underlying rating (SPUR) on the city's outstanding appropriation obligations, including those issued by the City of Colorado Springs Public Facilities Authority (formerly known as The City of Colorado Springs Recreation Facilities Authority). The COPs and appropriation-backed ratings reflect: The city's general creditworthiness as lessee and obligor, and Lease payments subject to annual budget and appropriation. In our opinion, the city's primary strengths include its: Economic stability due to its role as a service center for central Colorado and a large military presence, Good financial policies and practices, and Low debt burden. Offsetting factors
