Moody’s Revises City of St. Louis Credit Outlook to Positive

(St. Louis - August 14, 2026) - Moody's has revised the City of St. Louis' credit outlook to positive, while affirming the city's “A2” credit rating. 

The report recognizes the city's strong financial position, improved reserves and liquidity, and continued commitment to structural balance. Moody's also noted the city's diverse economy and role as the regional employment center, while identifying ongoing challenges including the below-average incomes, population decline, and long-term infrastructure needs. 

“This positive outlook from Moody's is a clear recognition of the City of St. Louis' continued commitment to sound financial management,” Comptroller Donna M.C. Baringer said. “Our strong reserves and focus on structural balance give us a solid foundation to make strategic investments in the future of our city while maintaining fiscal responsibility.”

The city's available fund balance stood at approximately $941 million, with approximately $1.16 billion in net unrestricted cash at the end of the fiscal year 2025. Available fund balance represented approximately 61.5 percent of revenue, while liquidity was approximately 76 percent of revenue. 

Moody's concluded that the city's positive outlook reflects its expectation that St. Louis will maintain a healthy financial position despite the planned used of Rams settlement funds for one time capital projects. The agency expects the city's available fund balance to remain about 45 percent of revenue at the close of fiscal year 2027. 

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Comptroller Donna M.C Baringer is the chief fiscal officer of the City of St. Louis and is charged with safeguarding the city's credit rating and with protecting taxpayer dollars. Visit www.stlouismo.gov-comptroller to learn more about the Office of the Comptroller.