The 'AA+' rating on Cuyahoga County, Ohio's GO bonds reflects the county's: Deep, diverse economic base that is anchored by the city of Cleveland; Average income levels; Financial management team with a proven track record of proactive management in maintaining a strong financial position; and Average overall debt burden. Limitations on the strengths above include the continuing challenge of funding general fund operations partly from economically sensitive sales tax revenues. Cuyahoga County is located in northeastern Ohio, on Lake Erie. The county is anchored by the city of Cleveland ('A'/Stable), which constitutes approximately 34% of the county's population and 19% of its assessed value (AV). Population in the county continues to decline, as does Cleveland's, decreasing 5.7% between 2000 and
