Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' long-term rating, and stable outlook, to Minneapolis' series 2009 various-purpose general obligation (GO) bonds and affirmed its 'AAA' long-term rating, with a stable outlook, on the city's existing GO debt. The rating reflects the city's: Deep and diverse economic base; Role as a regional economic center for the upper Midwest; Strong financial management, bolstered by good fund balances; History of actively managing long-term expenditure pressures; and Well-managed capital program, with reasonable debt levels. The city's full faith and credit pledge secures the bonds. Officials will use bonds proceeds to fund utility and capital improvements and refund maturities of the city's 1998 bonds outstanding. Minneapolis, with a population estimate of 382,400, and St.
