Chandler, Arizona has become a poster child for fiscal responsibility, landing itself in the national spotlight. Garnering praise from the National League of Cities, the city has been heralded as a national model for financial best practices. According to a recent statement from the City of Chandler, Chandler's strategy includes a commitment to aligning ongoing revenues with ongoing expenses, ensuring that one-time revenues cater to one-time costs. This sober approach to budgeting has allowed Chandler to maintain a AAA rating from all three major bond rating agencies on its general obligation bonds since 2010, a feat it repeated on its excise tax revenue obligations in 2023, a first for an Arizona city.
Sharing insights on how cities can improve their credit standing, Chandler's Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer, Dawn Lang, alongside Daniel Golliday from S&P Global Ratings, detailed the city's financial frameworks. They shed light on criteria influencing municipal bond ratings, including the city's tenets of conservative budget forecasting and creating financial cushions for tougher economic times. With these practices, even after economic downturns, the city manages to avoid a situation where operations are overextended, as reported by the City of Chandler.
Moreover, Chandler doesn't just keep these strategies close to the chest. Collaboration with the League of Arizona Cities and Towns has allowed the city to be a significant influence in Arizona's financial policy, enhancing bond security for municipalities statewide. "Chandler has become a key voice for Arizona cities in shaping statewide financial policy," underscored Chandler's leadership in championing robust municipal finance practices. This level of dedication highlights the City of Chandler broader commitment to a fiscally healthy region.
Looking towards the future, Chandler seeks to hold fast to its principles of sound governance and aim for a transparent approach to financial management. A Special Bond Election on the horizon for Nov. 4, 2025, will give Chandler residents the power to green-light the issuance of general obligation bonds. This move strategizes to fund an array of projects, spanning enhancements in community infrastructure, public safety, and transportation—truly a reflection of the adage to plan ahead and stay the course. "Chandler plans to stick to the same principles that brought it to this point: responsible budgeting, transparent governance and strategic investments," City of Chandler reports the city's ongoing commitment and foresight.
