Chip Barnett

"After more than 36 years as investor and leader, Peter has decided the timing is right to begin his own retirement next year," said Rich Kushel, senior managing director at BlackRock.

"I am excited to lead the team through what will be an exciting period of growth in public finance," Anjali Sharma said.

The upgrade was spurred by improving ridership as well as increased financial flexibility, said S&P credit analyst Joseph Pezzimenti.

"That puts us well on our way to hitting our ambitious goal of $25 billion awarded to MWBEs by 2026," said New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

"We were pleased to achieve such strong results, especially in light of the recent volatile market conditions," said Philadelphia Treasurer Jacqueline Dunn.

Ed Koch, the late mayor of New York, used to ask residents "How am I doin' ?" The Citizens Budget Commission plans to do that this fall with a survey.

The downgrade reflects the school district's weakened financial position, Moody's Investors Service said, adding that while the district's operating deficits have moderated significantly, they will persist over the next fiscal year.

The upgrade reflects progress and ongoing development at Hudson Yards that has led to increased payments in lieu of taxes, said S&P credit analyst Felix Winnekens.

"People are just kind of sitting on their hands and being careful because MMD is raising yields every day and people don't know which way this is heading," said John Farawell of Roosevelt & Cross.

S&P said the outlook revision reflects "our view that Pennsylvania has continued to make progress toward structural budgetary balance." Earlier this month, Moody's revised its outlook on the state to positive.

Moody's also affirmed the A3 rating on the MTA's $20.6 billion of transportation revenue bonds.

"Last year's successful social bond issuance has proven that there is growing investor demand for socially conscious investments and I am thrilled that we are able to offer this opportunity again," said City Comptroller Lander said.

The Miami metro area unemployment rate declined to 1.9% from the 2.9% reported in August 2022.

The total economic impact from the almost 292 million tourists visiting the Empire State last year was roughly $123 billion.

"In the coming weeks, we will be taking a much closer look at the challenges we face and how we will address those challenges reasonably and responsibly," said Mayor Brandon Johnson.

The Local Government Commission approved issues for Charlotte's airport and arena and other projects around the state while returning fiscal control to Robersonville.

"I am able to have a sophisticated practice while living in West Virginia and being able to see the impact of projects that I have worked on in my local community," said Carrie Cecil.   

Mentoring and a passion for helping people cultivate and achieve goals remain important to Matthew Stitt.

Travelers to the Mountain State gave West Virginia a $7 billion boost in 2022, with spending up 17% from pre-pandemic levels, which outpaced the 1% national recovery rate for the tourism industry.

"Coupling the costs of a national crisis that has fallen onto New York City with COVID funding that is running out and reduced revenue growth, our city's financial future may be at risk if we do not act," Mayor Eric Adams said.