S&P Global

S&P Global Ratings has upgraded West Haven, Connecticut's long-term general obligation bond rating from A- to A, with a stable outlook. Mayor Dorinda Borer said the upgrade may mark the city's first-ever A rating and called it a "vote of confidence" from the agency, pointing to improved financial stability as a signal to businesses and developers considering investment in the city.

The upgrade comes after West Haven exited Tier IV oversight under Connecticut's Municipal Accountability Review Board in May 2025, ending a period of state financial monitoring. S&P also cited the city's ongoing infrastructure resilience efforts, including hardening floodwalls and floodgates, upgrading stormwater systems, and raising shoreline pumping stations, as supporting factors in the improved outlook. Borer credited city staff and residents for the turnaround, describing it as a shared municipal achievement rather than a single policy win.

S&P Global has revised its outlook on Houston's Combined Utility System (CUS) from stable to negative, while affirming its AA+ credit rating. The change follows a city decision to shift the Waste and Recycling budget from the general fund into CUS, a move that stabilized Houston's general fund outlook but added financial strain to the utility system. S&P said it will watch how the city plans to raise revenue to cover the added costs.

Houston has already introduced a $5 monthly waste and recycling fee on water bills, which could climb to $25 per month over six years, drawing resident criticism. S&P expects water and sewer rates to rise further as the city pursues a large capital plan requiring significant debt or cash funding. A downgrade isn't imminent, but officials warn one could raise borrowing costs. Mayor John Whitmire said the city plans to meet with S&P again in January to address the utility fund's finances.