Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' rating, and stable outlook, to Minneapolis, Minn.'s series 2011 general obligation (GO) various-purpose bonds and affirmed its 'AAA' rating, with a stable outlook, on the city's existing GO debt. The rating reflects our view of the city's: Deep and diverse economic base; Role as a regional economic center for the upper Midwest; Strong financial management, bolstered by, what we consider, strong fund balances; History of actively managing long-term expenditure pressures; and Well-managed capital program with, what we regard as, moderate debt levels. The city's full-faith-and-credit pledge secures the bonds. Officials plan to use bond proceeds to finance various capital and infrastructure projects. Minneapolis, with a population estimate of 382,578, and St. Paul,
