Moody’s Investors Service has assigned the city of Madison the highest possible bond rating for the 52nd consecutive year.
Madison is one of only a handful of Wisconsin communities with a triple-A rating on its general obligation debt. This allows the city to invest in key infrastructure projects at the lowest cost to taxpayers.
The Moody’s rating helps to bolster investor confidence in the city’s ability to meet its financial and service obligations. On Tuesday, Madison issued $137 million of general obligation promissory notes through a competitive sale to finance investments approved in its 2025 adopted capital budget, such as bike paths, a new library, an expanded recreation center and reconstruction and resurfacing of city streets. Eight bids were received.
Moody’s credit analysis states that Madison benefits from a strong and diverse economic base that’s supported by the technology and health care sectors, as well as the presence of state government and the University of Wisconsin’s flagship campus.
The city’s sustainability plan is also cited as a strength that will allow Madison to adapt “to changing environmental, social and economic conditions over time.”
Additional reasons for Madison’s bond rating include its conservative budgetary approach and multiyear capital planning process.
