Midwest

The City Colleges of Chicago is planning to issue $201 million in unlimited tax GO refunding bonds, bolstered by an upgrade and a new positive rating outlook.

Moody's Investors Service revised its outlook to positive from stable and affirmed its Aa1 issuer and general obligation unlimited tax bond ratings on the city.

Moody's, which last rated the state triple-A in 1979, pointed to an economy that's "poised for diversification and growth."

Illinois spreads tightened considerably after ratings upgrades earlier this year. The state saw up to 10 bidders on $875 million of taxable and tax-exempt GOs.

The city has made some important progress on the expenditure side, but the new mayor's first budget didn't make similar strides on revenues, according to Fitch.

Final responses are due by Dec. 8 from muni underwriters who want to be on Wisconsin sale syndicates.

St. Louis County Council approved $155 million in tax breaks for the company and the state added $37.7 million to the pot.

The Metropolitan Airports Commission will sell about $125 million of bonds to complete its share of financing for the largest interior renovation of 61-year-old Terminal 1.

The Bond Buyer's Deal of the Year awards will mark the 22nd year it has recognized outstanding achievement in municipal finance. The event, to be held Dec. 5 in New York City, will also include the presentation of the Freda Johnson Awards for Trailblazing Women in Public Finance.

The deal will finance construction of an 800-room convention headquarters hotel as part of a wider expansion of the facility.