(Lawrenceville, Ga., June 2, 2026) – For the 29th consecutive year, Gwinnett County has earned the highest possible bond ratings, securing AAA ratings from Moody’s Investors Services, Fitch Ratings and S&P Global Ratings. 

The prestigious ratings determine a county’s credit worthiness, which in turn allows the County to issue or refinance bonds at the most favorable rates — reducing the amount of interest paid over the term of the bonds and generating savings for taxpayers. 

According to the rating agencies, the County benefits from a robust and diversified tax base; ample budgetary flexibility with strong reserves; low debt and liabilities; strong demographic trends indicating a young, growing, and highly educated workforce; and a prudent and tenured management team.

“For nearly three decades, through changing economic circumstances, we have been able to show the people who live and work in Gwinnett that stewardship and accountability are essential facets of County operations,” said County Administrator Glenn Stephens. “I’m proud that the County continues to secure the highest-level ratings through responsible financial practices that create a stable, resilient local government and protect our taxpayers.”

The County has historically issued debt to invest in infrastructure improvements that spur economic development and boost quality of life. Leveraging these top ratings, the Board of Commissioners on Tuesday approved the issuance of $140 million in revenue bonds through the Development Authority of Gwinnett County for renovations to the Gas South Arena at a 5.31% interest rate. The updates to the Arena include enhanced security, updated technology, more concession options and more parking. 

“Earning the highest bond ratings reflects years of disciplined financial management, positioning the County to make dynamic investments that directly benefit our residents while spreading the cost over time,” said Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Nicole Love Hendrickson. “Issuing bonds with these ratings allows us to borrow at the lowest cost and invest in these renovations responsibly, ensuring that Gas South District can keep attracting top-tier events and strong economic activity to Gwinnett for decades to come.”

S&P noted Gwinnett County’s “conservative budgeting … robust planning culture and solid financial performance with high reserves maintained over several economic cycles” as reasons for its AAA rating. Moody’s cited its “history of prudent budget management, exceptional financial disclosure and transparency” as evidence of the County’s resilience and capacity to respond to shocks. Fitch noted “ample budgetary flexibility” as a reason behind its score in the agency’s Local Government Rating Model, which positions Gwinnett County Government in the upper end of the range for a AAA rating.

Moody’s also noted how voter approved SPLOST, which allows the County to fund other infrastructure improvements like parks, libraries, roads and more on a pay-as-you-go basis, has contributed to Gwinnett’s financial stability. The report said, “Strong special purpose local option sales tax collections and consistent voter renewal of the SPLOST have allowed the county to invest in its infrastructure while maintaining very low debt levels, another credit strength.”

Less than 2% of counties nationwide hold this elite AAA/Aaa rating from all three major credit rating agencies.