Buckeye gains coveted triple-A bond rating, amid meteoric growth

Fitch Ratings has awarded Buckeye a "AAA" bond rating, the highest credit rating possible.

"This achievement highlights the Mayor and City Council’s commitment to financial excellence, as exemplified by the outstanding work of Buckeye’s Finance Department," Buckeye spokesperson John O'Halloran  said. "Many factors are considered in the assessment of a bond rating, including the city's tax base, overall economic health, financial adaptability and the city’s management practices and policies."

The top rating positions Buckeye to secure the most favorable interest rates as it prepares to issue its first General Obligation bond in nearly 40 years this June. Voters overwhelmingly approved the bond in the November 2024 General Election.

The first $75 million bond issuance will fund vital capital projects, including street improvements and public safety enhancements, according to the city. The investments are key to keeping up with Buckeye’s exponential growth.

In 2023, SmartAsset, a financial tech company, released a list of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Buckeye ranked first, with a 54% increase in population from 2017 to 2022. Experts have suggested Buckeye could reach a population of 1.5 million within 50 years.

Buckeye has ranked among the top 10 U.S. towns with the highest share of new homes built in recent years.