GRAPHIC: Comparing city rates

Los Angeles’ bond rating is on a par with those of several of the nation’s 10 largest cities, even after being lowered from Aa2 to Aa3. City bonds are now at the lower end of what Moody’s Investors Service considers “high quality” securities: New York -- Aa3 Los Angeles -- Aa3 Chicago -- Aa3 Houston -- Aa3 Phoenix -- Aa1 Philadelphia -- Baa1 San Antonio -- Aa1 Dallas -- Aa1 San Diego -- A2 San Jose -- Aa1 Note: “Investment grade” bonds are ranked in descending order of safety: Aaa, Aa1, Aa2, Aa3, A1, A2, A3, Baa1, Baa2 and Baa3. Riskier “speculative bonds” range from BA1 to C. Source: Moody’s Investors Service