Standard&Poor's Ratings Services assigned its 'AAA' rating to Seattle, Wash.'s series 2013A limited-tax general obligation (GO) improvement bonds, 2013B taxable limited-tax GO improvement and refunding bonds, and 2013 unlimited-tax GO improvement bonds. In addition, Standard&Poor's affirmed its 'AAA' long-term rating and underlying rating (SPUR) on the city's existing GO bonds and GO-equivalent obligations. The outlook on these ratings is stable. The 'AAA' ratings reflect our view of the city's: Economic role as the center of a very deep and dynamic regional economy; Strong income indicators and a resilient employment market that has kept the city's unemployment rate below the national average; Relatively low level of funding interdependencies with the federal government; Strong financial management policies and
