OKC receives highest possible bond ratings for 18 years in a row

Published on May 13, 2026

Moody’s Investors Service and S&P Global have each affirmed the City of Oklahoma City’s highest attainable bond rating with a stable long-term outlook.

S&P Global Ratings affirmed the City's AAA long-term rating and stable outlook in an April 7, 2026, report, and Moody's affirmed its Aaa rating in an April 6, 2026, report. The triple-A ratings are the highest awarded by each agency.

These ratings are used to price General Obligation (GO) bonds the City sells to fund the bond package included in the 2017 Better Streets, Safer City infrastructure investment program and the 2025 GO Bond program. They keep Oklahoma City in an elite group of major American municipalities with the highest possible rating. Oklahoma City is one of only 13 U.S. cities with a population of 500,000 or more that holds a triple-A credit rating from Moody's and Standard and Poor's rating agencies.

Arena sales tax revenue bonds; stable outlook

On May 5, 2026, Moody's assigned an Aa1 rating to the arena sales tax revenue bonds. The rating reflects a stable outlook on the city. The Series 2026 bonds are payable from a 1 percent sales and use tax approved by Oklahoma City voters in December 2023. Collections will begin in April 2028 upon expiration of the MAPS 4 Sales Tax.

"We are grateful for the Aa1 rating as it will provide the City with an opportunity to fund the new home for the World Champion Oklahoma City Thunder," Assistant City Manager Brent Bryant said. "The Arena sales tax revenue bonds are scheduled to be sold on May 20th through Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley and BOK."

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Media Contact

Kristy Yager
405-297-2550
kristy.yager@okc.gov