Rating Agencies Reaffirm Naperville's AAA Bond Rating
A Growing Economy and Low Debt Cited in Updated Rating Reports
NAPERVILLE, Ill. — The City of Naperville is proud to announce that it has once again been awarded the highest bond rating available on the City’s General Obligation bonds by both Standard & Poor’s Rating Services (S&P) and Moody’s Investors Service.
Naperville is proud to have received the ‘AAA’ rating from S&P and ‘Aaa’ rating from Moody’s for nearly thirty years. Both ratings reflect the City’s strong and expanding economy, budgetary flexibility, low debt burden and strong cash reserves.
Specifically mentioned in S&P’s Global Ratings Report was Naperville’s “robust, growing economy that is independently strong” supported by “low debt levels,” providing “consistently stable financial operating results” and “strong management, with above average policies and practices that focus on financial stability.”
While the City has a “relatively high pension obligation burden compared with that of national peers,” S&P noted that the City’s “pension is one of the best funded single-employer plans in the state,” recognizing the City for its active management of police and fire pension obligations. Moody’s Ratings Report cited Naperville’s growing economic base, “supported by significant ongoing residential, commercial and industrial development,” along with “continued growth combined with a diverse array of revenue streams and conservative budgeting.”
These ratings demonstrate the City’s overall strong financial position and the economic health of the community. They are also a testament to the City Council and City leadership’s commitment to sound fiscal management. As highlighted in the City’s 2024 Annual Operating Budget, years of conservative financial planning, debt reduction, and a focus on reinvestment and rebuilding cash reserves, contributed to the City’s financial stability.
The bond ratings process is important because independent rating agencies measure the City’s financial health. The rating agencies issue a rating based on many factors including development trends, population growth and available cash reserves. A triple-A rating generally means the bond is lower risk, which impacts the cost of borrowing.
The rating reviews were performed in conjunction with a planned $21 million bond issuance in early May, which will be used for water and wastewater infrastructure projects and other initiatives. The full rating reports are available at https://www.naperville.il.us/government/city-finances/.
About Naperville: Located 28 miles west of Chicago, Naperville, Ill., is home to approximately 145,000 people. This vibrant, thriving city consistently ranks as a top community in the nation in which to live, raise children and retire. The city is home to acclaimed public and parochial schools, the best public library system in the country, an array of healthcare options and an exceptionally low crime rate. Naperville has ready access to a variety of public transportation, housing and employment options. The city’s diversified employer base features high technology firms, retailers and factories, as well as small and home-based businesses. Residents also enjoy world-class parks, diverse worship options, the opportunity to serve on several City boards and commissions, a thriving downtown shopping and dining area, a renowned outdoor history museum known as Naper Settlement and an active civic community. For more information, please visit our website at www.naperville.il.us.