Buckhead cityhood threatens bond ratings, experts say
By John Ruch, Saporta Report
Buckhead leaving Atlanta would likely have long-term negative effects on bond ratings in both cities and the metro area, according to two academic experts in municipal finance, supporting critics who say the secession would make local projects more expensive and budgets tighter. But cityhood advocates say they have answers to such concerns.
Bonds used to fund government projects have become a major issue in the cityhood debate, especially due to the precedent of the similar — but not identical — failed attempt of Eagle’s Landing to separate from the City of Stockbridge in 2018. That move triggered warnings from major bond rating agencies about statewide impacts and led one lender to file a lawsuit.