sr053111smit.htm
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

FORM N-CSRS

Investment Company Act file number   811-05767

 
DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust
 (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154-0004
 (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s Telephone Number, including Area Code: (201) 593-6408

Paul Schubert
100 Plaza One
Jersey City, NJ 07311
 (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

Date of fiscal year end:
11/30
   
Date of reporting period:
5/31/2011

ITEM 1.
REPORT TO STOCKHOLDERS
   
 
MAY 31, 2011
Semiannual Report
to Shareholders
 
DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust
Ticker Symbol: KSM
 
Contents
4 Performance Summary
6 Portfolio Summary
8 Investment Portfolio
18 Statement of Assets and Liabilities
19 Statement of Operations
20 Statement of Cash Flows
21 Statement of Changes in Net Assets
22 Financial Highlights
24 Notes to Financial Statements
30 Shareholder Meeting Results
31 Dividend Reinvestment Plan
33 Additional Information
34 Privacy Statement
 
The fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of current income exempt from federal income tax.
 
Closed-end funds, unlike open-end funds, are not continuously offered. There is a one time public offering and once issued, shares of closed-end funds are sold in the open market through a stock exchange. Shares of closed-end funds frequently trade at a discount to net asset value. The price of the fund's shares is determined by a number of factors, several of which are beyond the control of the fund. Therefore, the fund cannot predict whether its shares will trade at, below or above net asset value.
 
Bond investments are subject to interest-rate and credit risks. When interest rates rise, bond prices generally fall. Credit risk refers to the ability of an issuer to make timely payments of principal and interest. Investing in derivatives entails special risks relating to liquidity, leverage and credit that may reduce returns and/or increase volatility. Leverage results in additional risks and can magnify the effect of any losses. Although the fund seeks income that is federally tax-free, a portion of the fund's distributions may be subject to federal, state and local taxes, including the alternative minimum tax.
 
DWS Investments is part of Deutsche Bank's Asset Management division and, within the US, represents the retail asset management activities of Deutsche Bank AG, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. and DWS Trust Company.
 
NOT FDIC/NCUA INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE MAY LOSE VALUE NOT A DEPOSIT NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY
 
Performance Summary May 31, 2011
 
Performance is historical, assumes reinvestment of all dividend and capital gain distributions, and does not guarantee future results. Investment return and principal value fluctuate with changing market conditions so that, when sold, shares may be worth more or less than their original cost. Current performance may be lower or higher than the performance data quoted. Please visit www.dws-investments.com for the Fund's most recent month-end performance.
 
Fund specific data and performance are provided for informational purposes only and are not intended for trading purposes.
Average Annual Total Returns as of 5/31/11
DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust
6-Month
1-Year
3-Year
5-Year
10-Year
Based on Net Asset Value(a)
1.34%
3.50%
9.19%
6.84%
7.44%
Based on Market Price(a)
0.87%
-0.25%
10.63%
6.88%
7.79%
Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index(b)
2.04%
3.18%
5.06%
4.78%
5.02%
Lipper Closed-End High Yield Municipal Debt Funds Category(c)
1.38%
3.33%
3.85%
2.88%
4.77%
 
Sources: Lipper Inc. and Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
 
 Total returns shown for periods less than one year are not annualized.
 
(a) Total return based on net asset value reflects changes in the Fund's net asset value during each period. Total return based on market price reflects changes in market price. Each figure assumes that dividend and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. These figures will differ depending upon the level of any discount from or premium to net asset value at which the Fund's shares traded during the period.
 
(b) The Barclays Capital Municipal Bond Index is an unmanaged, unleveraged market-value-weighted measure of municipal bonds issued across the United States. Index issues have a credit rating of at least Baa and a maturity of at least two years. Index returns, unlike Fund returns, do not reflect any fees or expenses. It is not possible to invest directly into an index.
 
(c) The Lipper Closed-End High Yield Municipal Debt Funds category includes funds that invest at least 50% of their assets in lower-rated municipal debt issues. Lipper figures represent the average of the total returns based on net asset value reported by all of the closed-end funds designated by Lipper Inc. as falling into the Closed-End High Yield Municipal Debt Funds category. Category returns assume reinvestment of all distributions. It is not possible to invest directly in a Lipper category.
Net Asset Value and Market Price
 
   
As of 5/31/11
   
As of 11/30/10
 
Net Asset Value
  $ 12.02     $ 12.40  
Market Price
  $ 12.33     $ 12.78  
 
Prices and net asset value fluctuate and are not guaranteed.
Distribution Information
 
Six Months as of 5/31/11:
Income Dividends (common shareholders)
  $ .46  
Capital Gain Distributions
  $ .06  
May Income Dividend (common shareholders)
  $ .0770  
Current Annualized Distribution Rate (Based on Net Asset Value) as of 5/31/11+
    7.69 %
Current Annualized Distribution Rate (Based on Market Price) as of 5/31/11+
    7.49 %
Tax Equivalent Distribution Rate (Based on Net Asset Value) as of 5/31/11+
    11.83 %
Tax Equivalent Distribution Rate (Based on Market Price) as of 5/31/11+
    11.52 %
 
+ Current annualized distribution rate is the latest monthly dividend shown as an annualized percentage of net asset value/market price on May 31, 2011. Distribution rate simply measures the level of dividends and is not a complete measure of performance. Tax equivalent distribution rate is based on the Fund's distribution rate and a marginal income tax rate of 35%. Distribution rates are historical, not guaranteed, and will fluctuate.
Lipper Rankings — Closed-End High Yield Municipal Debt Funds Category as of 5/31/11
Period
Rank
 
Number of Funds Tracked
Percentile Ranking (%)
1-Year
5
of
14
34
3-Year
1
of
14
7
5-Year
1
of
13
8
10-Year
1
of
10
10
 
Source: Lipper Inc. Rankings are historical and do not guarantee future results. Rankings are based on net asset value total return with distributions reinvested.
 
Portfolio Summary
Asset Allocation (As a % of Investment Portfolio)
5/31/11
11/30/10
     
Revenue Bonds
84%
83%
General Obligation Bonds
8%
8%
ETM/Prerefunded Bonds
6%
7%
Lease Obligations
2%
2%
 
100%
100%
 

Quality
5/31/11
11/30/10
     
AAA
7%
8%
AA
11%
10%
A
24%
23%
BBB
27%
25%
BB
5%
7%
B
2%
2%
Below B
1%
1%
Not Rated
23%
24%
 
100%
100%
 

Top Five State/Territory Allocations (As a % of Investment Portfolio)
5/31/11
11/30/10
     
California
11%
11%
New York
9%
10%
Texas
8%
8%
Florida
6%
6%
Illinois
5%
4%
 
Asset allocation, quality and top five state allocations are subject to change.
 
The quality ratings represent the lower of Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") or Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") credit ratings. The ratings of Moody's and S&P represent their opinions as to the quality of the securities they rate. Ratings are relative and subjective and are not absolute standards of quality. The Fund's credit quality does not remove market risk and is subject to change.
Interest Rate Sensitivity
5/31/11
11/30/10
     
Effective Maturity
11.0 years
9.7 years
Effective Duration
7.2 years
7.4 years
 
Effective maturity is the weighted average of the bonds held by the Fund taking into consideration any available maturity shortening features.
 
Effective duration is an approximate measure of the Fund's sensitivity to interest rate changes taking into consideration any maturity shortening features.
 
Interest rate sensitivity is subject to change.
 
For more complete details about the Fund's investment portfolio, see page 8. A Fact Sheet is available upon request. Please see the Additional Information section for contact information.
 
Following the Fund's fiscal first and third quarter-end, a complete portfolio holdings listing is filed with the SEC on Form N-Q. The form will be available on the SEC's Web site at www.sec.gov, and it also may be reviewed and copied at the SEC's Public Reference Room in Washington, D.C. Information on the operation of the SEC's Public Reference Room may be obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330. The Fund's portfolio holdings as of the month-end are posted on www.dws-investments.com on or after the last day of the following month. More frequent posting of portfolio holdings information may be made from time to time on www.dws-investments.com.
 
Investment Portfolio as of May 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
   
Principal Amount ($)
   
Value ($)
 
       
Municipal Bonds and Notes 146.1%
 
Alabama 0.6%
 
Sylacauga, AL, Health Care Authority Revenue, Coosa Valley Medical Center, Series A, 6.0%, 8/1/2035
    1,000,000       829,780  
Arizona 2.4%
 
Arizona, Project Revenue, Health Facilities Authority, The New Foundation Project, 8.25%, 3/1/2019
    1,405,000       1,405,366  
Maricopa County, AZ, Pollution Control Corp. Revenue, El Paso Electric Co. Project, Series B, 7.25%, 4/1/2040
    1,570,000       1,742,794  
        3,148,160  
California 14.8%
 
California, Health Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, Catholic Healthcare West, Series A, 6.0%, 7/1/2034
    1,000,000       1,033,540  
California, M-S-R Energy Authority, Series B, 7.0%, 11/1/2034
    1,310,000       1,478,924  
California, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Enterprise Casino Revenue, Series B, 144A, 6.5%, 3/1/2028
    1,000,000       940,220  
California, South Bayside Waste Management Authority, Solid Waste Enterprise, Shoreway Environmental, Series A, 6.25%, 9/1/2029
    1,425,000       1,497,376  
California, Special Assessment Revenue, Golden State Tobacco Securitization Corp., Series 2003-A-1, Prerefunded, 6.75%, 6/1/2039
    4,000,000       4,485,600  
California, State General Obligation:
 
5.5%, 3/1/2040
    1,000,000       1,027,510  
5.75%, 4/1/2031
    1,000,000       1,073,150  
6.0%, 4/1/2038
    1,000,000       1,067,080  
6.5%, 4/1/2033
    1,950,000       2,179,671  
California, State Public Works Board Lease Revenue, Capital Projects, Series I-1, 6.375%, 11/1/2034
    1,000,000       1,058,260  
California, State Public Works Board Lease Revenue, Riverside Campus Project, Series B, 6.125%, 4/1/2028
    2,000,000       2,114,320  
Hayward, CA, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, Shorewood, Series A, 0.2%**, 7/15/2014, LIQ: Fannie Mae
    1,000,000       1,000,000  
Sacramento County, CA, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Bradshaw Road Project, 7.2%, 9/2/2015
    655,000       659,487  
        19,615,138  
Colorado 0.5%
 
Colorado, Public Energy Authority, Natural Gas Purchased Revenue, 6.25%, 11/15/2028, GTY: Merrill Lynch & Co., Inc.
    635,000       671,830  
Connecticut 3.9%
 
Connecticut, Harbor Point Infrastructure Improvement District, Special Obligation Revenue, Harbor Point Project, Series A, 7.875%, 4/1/2039
    2,000,000       2,115,320  
Greenwich, CT, Multi-Family Housing Revenue, 6.35%, 9/1/2027
    2,000,000       2,031,560  
Mashantucket, CT, Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe, Special Revenue, Series A, 144A, 6.5%, 9/1/2031*
    705,000       269,578  
Mashantucket, CT, Sports Expo & Entertainment Revenue, Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe:
               
Series B, 144A, Zero Coupon, 9/1/2017*
    2,000,000       532,340  
Series B, 144A, Zero Coupon, 9/1/2018*
    1,000,000       249,860  
        5,198,658  
Florida 9.9%
 
Florida, Capital Region Community Development District, Capital Improvement Revenue, Series A, 7.0%, 5/1/2039
    490,000       402,653  
Florida, Middle Village Community Development District, Special Assessment, Series A, 6.0%, 5/1/2035
    1,000,000       888,850  
Florida, Tolomato Community Development District, Special Assessment:
               
5.4%, 5/1/2037
    1,875,000       1,397,175  
6.55%, 5/1/2027
    850,000       555,892  
Hillsborough County, FL, Industrial Development Authority Revenue, Health Facilities, University Community Hospital, Series A, Prerefunded, 5.625%, 8/15/2029
    1,875,000       2,333,062  
Miami Beach, FL, Health Facilities Authority Hospital Revenue, Mount Sinai Medical Center, 144A, 6.75%, 11/15/2029
    1,600,000       1,601,184  
Miami-Dade County, FL, Aviation Revenue, Series A, 5.5%, 10/1/2041
    3,000,000       3,000,750  
Orlando & Orange County, FL, Expressway Authority Revenue, Series C, 5.0%, 7/1/2035
    1,080,000       1,062,860  
Orlando, FL, Greater Aviation Authority, Airport Facilities Revenue, Jet Blue Airways Corp., AMT, 6.5%, 11/15/2036
    1,000,000       922,930  
Orlando, FL, Special Assessment Revenue, Conroy Road Interchange Project, Series A, 5.8%, 5/1/2026
    960,000       895,507  
        13,060,863  
Georgia 5.7%
 
Americus-Sumter County, GA, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Hospital Authority, South Georgia Methodist, Series A, 6.375%, 5/15/2029
    1,250,000       1,074,963  
Atlanta, GA, Tax Allocation, Beltline Project, Series B, 7.375%, 1/1/2031
    1,000,000       1,018,160  
Atlanta, GA, Water & Wastewater Revenue, Series A, 6.25%, 11/1/2034
    2,000,000       2,152,160  
Gainesville & Hall County, GA, Development Authority Retirement Community Revenue, ACTS Retirement, Life Community, Series A-2, 6.625%, 11/15/2039
    1,000,000       1,028,260  
Georgia, Main Street Natural Gas, Inc., Gas Project Revenue, Series A, 5.5%, 9/15/2024
    1,220,000       1,218,865  
Georgia, Medical Center Hospital Authority Revenue, Anticipation Certificates, Columbus Regional Healthcare System, 6.5%, 8/1/2038, INS: AGC
    1,000,000       1,044,940  
        7,537,348  
Guam 2.2%
 
Guam, Government General Obligation, Series A, 7.0%, 11/15/2039
    1,000,000       1,032,220  
Guam, Government Waterworks Authority, Water & Wastewater System Revenue, 6.0%, 7/1/2025
    1,000,000       961,380  
Guam, Power Authority Revenue, Series A, 5.5%, 10/1/2030
    1,000,000       953,040  
        2,946,640  
Hawaii 0.4%
 
Hawaii, State Department of Budget & Finance, Special Purpose Revenue, Hawaiian Electric Co., 6.5%, 7/1/2039, GTY: Hawaiian Electric Co.
    500,000       503,115  
Idaho 0.2%
 
Idaho, Health Facilities Authority Revenue, St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, 6.75%, 11/1/2037
    305,000       331,813  
Illinois 8.6%
 
Chicago, IL, O'Hare International Airport Revenue, Series B, 6.0%, 1/1/2041
    2,000,000       2,095,620  
Illinois, Finance Authority Revenue, Elmhurst Memorial Healthcare, Series A, 5.625%, 1/1/2037
    3,000,000       2,684,850  
Illinois, Finance Authority Revenue, Friendship Village of Schaumburg, Series A, 5.625%, 2/15/2037
    2,000,000       1,563,840  
Illinois, Finance Authority Revenue, Park Place of Elmhurst, Series A, 8.0%, 5/15/2030
    1,000,000       979,920  
Illinois, Finance Authority Revenue, Roosevelt University Project, 6.5%, 4/1/2044
    1,000,000       1,017,890  
Illinois, Finance Authority Revenue, The Admiral at Lake Project, Series A, 8.0%, 5/15/2040
    1,000,000       965,100  
Illinois, Finance Authority Revenue, Three Crowns Park Plaza, Series A, 5.875%, 2/15/2038
    1,000,000       866,910  
Illinois, Railsplitter Tobacco Settlement Authority, 6.0%, 6/1/2028
    365,000       367,179  
Illinois, Upper River Valley Development Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Recovery Project, AMT, 5.9%, 2/1/2014, GTY: GreenGold Ray Energies, Inc.
    630,000       631,159  
University Park, IL, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Governors Gateway Industrial Park, 8.5%, 12/1/2011
    225,000       225,961  
        11,398,429  
Indiana 1.0%
 
Indiana, Finance Authority Hospital Revenue, Deaconess Hospital Obligation, Series A, 6.75%, 3/1/2039
    525,000       565,898  
Vigo County, IN, Hospital Authority Revenue, Union Hospital, Inc., 144A, 5.7%, 9/1/2037
    1,000,000       806,000  
        1,371,898  
Iowa 1.5%
 
Cedar Rapids, IA, First Mortgage Revenue, Cottage Grove Place, Series A, 5.875%, 7/1/2028
    1,670,000       1,110,016  
Iowa, Finance Authority Retirement Community Revenue, Edgewater LLC Project, 6.5%, 11/15/2027
    1,000,000       924,040  
        2,034,056  
Kansas 1.1%
 
Lenexa, KS, Health Care Facility Revenue, Lakeview Village, Inc. Project, 7.25%, 5/15/2039
    300,000       273,144  
Wyandotte County, KS, Unified Government Special Obligation Revenue, Sales Tax, Series B, 5.0%, 12/1/2020
    1,160,000       1,186,715  
        1,459,859  
Kentucky 4.3%
 
Kentucky, Economic Development Finance Authority, Health System Revenue, Norton Healthcare, Series A, 6.625%, 10/1/2028
    215,000       215,714  
Kentucky, Economic Development Finance Authority, Hospital Facilities Revenue, Owensboro Medical Health Systems, Series A, 6.5%, 3/1/2045
    2,000,000       1,997,020  
Kentucky, Economic Development Finance Authority, Louisville Arena Project Revenue, Series A-1, 6.0%, 12/1/2033, INS: AGC
    365,000       379,673  
Louisville & Jefferson County, KY, Metropolitan Government Health Systems Revenue, Norton Healthcare, Inc., 5.0%, 10/1/2030
    3,425,000       3,097,638  
        5,690,045  
Louisiana 4.3%
 
Louisiana, Local Government Environmental Facilities, Community Development Authority Revenue, 6.75%, 11/1/2032
    1,000,000       1,030,600  
Louisiana, St. John Baptist Parish Revenue, Marathon Oil Corp., Series A, 5.125%, 6/1/2037
    1,500,000       1,448,205  
Morehouse Parish, LA, Pollution Control Revenue, International Paper Co. Project, Series A, 5.25%, 11/15/2013
    3,000,000       3,217,230  
        5,696,035  
Maryland 4.4%
 
Maryland, Economic Development Corp., Pollution Control Revenue, Potomac Electric Power Co., 6.2%, 9/1/2022
    1,500,000       1,753,095  
Maryland, State Economic Development Corp. Revenue, Senior Lien Project, Chesapeake Bay:
               
Series A, 5.0%, 12/1/2031
    1,000,000       615,830  
Series B, 5.25%, 12/1/2031
    1,000,000       636,030  
Maryland, State Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Anne Arundel Health Systems, Series A, 6.75%, 7/1/2039
    500,000       551,630  
Maryland, State Health & Higher Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Washington County Hospital:
               
5.75%, 1/1/2033
    1,000,000       950,210  
6.0%, 1/1/2028
    1,385,000       1,390,886  
        5,897,681  
Massachusetts 7.5%
 
Massachusetts, Development Finance Agency, Senior Living Facility Revenue, Groves-Lincoln:
               
Series A, 7.75%, 6/1/2039
    250,000       249,008  
Series A, 7.875%, 6/1/2044
    250,000       250,630  
Massachusetts, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Civic Investments, Series A, Prerefunded, 9.0%, 12/15/2015, GTY: Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc.
    1,400,000       1,566,348  
Massachusetts, Industrial Development Revenue, Development Finance Agency, Series A, 7.1%, 7/1/2032
    1,800,000       1,602,720  
Massachusetts, Project Revenue, Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Jordan Hospital, Series E, 6.75%, 10/1/2033
    1,790,000       1,657,146  
Massachusetts, State Development Finance Agency Revenue, Linden Ponds, Inc. Facility, Series A, 5.75%, 11/15/2035
    2,700,000       1,518,075  
Massachusetts, State Development Finance Agency Revenue, YMCA of Greater Worcester, 0.16%**, 9/1/2041, LOC: TD Bank NA
    1,500,000       1,500,000  
Massachusetts, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Amherst College, Series J-1, 0.11%**, 11/1/2035
    395,000       395,000  
Massachusetts, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Milford Regional Medical Center, Series E, 5.0%, 7/15/2037
    950,000       780,130  
Massachusetts, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Partners Healthcare Systems, Series C, 5.75%, 7/1/2032
    35,000       35,320  
Massachusetts, State Industrial Finance Agency Revenue, JHC Assisted Living Corp., Series A, 144A, 0.18%**, 12/1/2029, LOC: TD Bank NA
    350,000       350,000  
        9,904,377  
Michigan 3.7%
 
Kalamazoo, MI, Economic Development Corp. Revenue, Limited Obligation, Heritage Community, 5.5%, 5/15/2036
    1,000,000       754,940  
Kentwood, MI, Economic Development, Limited Obligation, Holland Home, Series A, 5.375%, 11/15/2036
    2,000,000       1,572,860  
Royal Oak, MI, Hospital Finance Authority Revenue, William Beaumont Hospital, 8.25%, 9/1/2039
    1,000,000       1,150,860  
Tawas City, MI, Hospital Finance Authority, St. Joseph Health Services:
               
Series A, ETM, 5.6%, 2/15/2013
    100,000       103,136  
Series A, ETM, 5.75%, 2/15/2023
    1,300,000       1,305,473  
        4,887,269  
Minnesota 0.8%
 
Minneapolis, MN, Health Care Systems Revenue, Fairview Health Services, Series A, 6.75%, 11/15/2032
    1,000,000       1,087,030  
Mississippi 1.3%
 
Lowndes County, MS, Solid Waste Disposal & Pollution Control Revenue, Weyerhaeuser Co. Project, Series A, 6.8%, 4/1/2022
    250,000       263,617  
Mississippi, Business Finance Corp., Pollution Control Revenue, Systems Energy Resources, Inc. Project, 5.875%, 4/1/2022
    1,000,000       995,320  
Warren County, MS, Gulf Opportunity Zone, International Paper Co., Series A, 6.5%, 9/1/2032
    435,000       453,340  
        1,712,277  
Missouri 2.3%
 
Branson, MO, Regional Airport Transportation Development District, Airport Revenue, Series B, AMT, 6.0%, 7/1/2037
    250,000       108,050  
Kirkwood, MO, Industrial Development Authority, Retirement Community Revenue, Aberdeen Heights, Series C-3, 6.5%, 5/15/2015
    825,000       825,561  
Missouri, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Lutheran Senior Services, Series C, 5.0%, 2/1/2042
    2,000,000       1,637,140  
St. Louis, MO, Lambert-St. Louis International Airport Revenue, Series A-1, 6.625%, 7/1/2034
    415,000       432,878  
        3,003,629  
Nevada 6.5%
 
Clark County, NV, School District, Series A, 5.0%, 6/15/2022, INS: FGIC, NATL
    6,140,000       6,727,905  
Henderson, NV, Health Care Facility Revenue, Catholic Healthcare West, Series B, 5.25%, 7/1/2031
    2,000,000       1,937,200  
Nevada, Director State Department of Business & Industry, Las Vegas Monorail Project, Second Tier, 7.375%, 1/1/2030*
    2,000,000       3,500  
        8,668,605  
New Hampshire 2.2%
 
New Hampshire, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Rivermead at Peterborough Retirement Community, 5.75%, 7/1/2028
    1,500,000       1,264,650  
New Hampshire, State Business Finance Authority, Solid Waste Disposal Revenue, Waste Management, Inc. Project, AMT, 5.2%, 5/1/2027
    1,750,000       1,702,838  
        2,967,488  
New Jersey 1.3%
 
New Jersey, Economic Development Authority Revenue, Cigarette Tax, 5.75%, 6/15/2034
    290,000       263,874  
New Jersey, Health Care Facilities Financing Authority Revenue, St. Joseph's Health Care System, 6.625%, 7/1/2038
    1,430,000       1,439,910  
        1,703,784  
New York 10.1%
 
Nassau County, NY, Project Revenue, North Shore Healthcare Systems Project, Series B, 5.875%, 11/1/2011
    130,000       131,754  
New York & New Jersey Port Authority, One Hundred Forty-Seventh, AMT, 5.0%, 10/15/2023, INS: FGIC, NATL
    8,260,000       8,450,475  
New York & New Jersey Port Authority, Special Obligation Revenue, JFK International Air Terminal LLC, 6.0%, 12/1/2042
    680,000       679,619  
New York City, NY, Industrial Development Agency Revenue, Liberty-7, World Trade Center, Series A, 6.25%, 3/1/2015
    2,000,000       2,008,760  
New York City, NY, Industrial Development Agency, Special Facility Revenue, American Airlines, JFK International Airport, AMT, 8.0%, 8/1/2028, GTY: AMR Corp.
    2,000,000       2,069,560  
        13,340,168  
North Carolina 1.6%
 
North Carolina, Electric Revenue, Municipal Power Agency, Series C, 5.375%, 1/1/2017
    1,000,000       1,050,080  
North Carolina, Medical Care Commission, Health Care Facilities Revenue, University Health Systems, Series D, 6.25%, 12/1/2033
    1,000,000       1,079,980  
        2,130,060  
Ohio 2.4%
 
Buckeye, OH, Tobacco Settlement Financing Authority, Series A-2, 5.875%, 6/1/2030
    4,350,000       3,185,635  
Pennsylvania 3.1%
 
Butler County, PA, Hospital Authority Revenue, Butler Health Systems Project, 7.25%, 7/1/2039
    2,000,000       2,156,820  
Montgomery County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Revenue, Whitemarsh Continuing Care, 6.25%, 2/1/2035
    600,000       490,800  
Philadelphia, Redevelopment Authority Revenue, First Lien Mortgage, Series A, 6.5%, 1/1/2029
    566,100       566,581  
Westmoreland County, PA, Industrial Development Authority Revenue, Retirement Community-Redstone, Series A, 5.875%, 1/1/2032
    1,000,000       846,070  
        4,060,271  
Puerto Rico 8.2%
 
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Revenue, Series A, 6.0%, 7/1/2038
    4,000,000       4,012,320  
Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Highway & Transportation Authority Revenue, Series L, 5.25%, 7/1/2038, INS: AMBAC
    1,300,000       1,189,643  
Puerto Rico, Public Buildings Authority Revenue, Series Q, 5.625%, 7/1/2039
    1,000,000       965,090  
Puerto Rico, Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Revenue:
 
Series A, 5.375%, 8/1/2039
    1,000,000       976,520  
Series A, 6.5%, 8/1/2044
    2,000,000       2,132,680  
Puerto Rico, Sales Tax Financing Corp., Sales Tax Revenue, Convertible Capital Appreciation, Series A, Step-up Coupon, 0% to 8/1/2016, 6.75% to 8/1/2032
    2,000,000       1,630,460  
        10,906,713  
South Carolina 1.9%
 
Hardeeville, SC, Assessment Revenue, Anderson Tract Municipal Improvement District, Series A, 7.75%, 11/1/2039
    983,000       802,629  
South Carolina, Jobs Economic Development Authority Revenue, Bon Secours Health System, Series B, 5.625%, 11/15/2030
    1,585,000       1,563,761  
South Carolina, Jobs Economic Development Authority, Hospital Facilities Revenue, Palmetto Health Alliance, Series C, Prerefunded, 7.0%, 8/1/2030
    170,000       193,193  
        2,559,583  
South Dakota 1.6%
 
South Dakota, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Sioux Valley Hospital, Series E, 5.375%, 11/1/2024
    2,000,000       2,078,180  
Tennessee 3.6%
 
Clarksville, TN, Natural Gas Acquisition Corp., Gas Revenue:
 
5.0%, 12/15/2017
    500,000       519,585  
5.0%, 12/15/2018
    540,000       552,031  
Jackson, TN, Energy Authority, Water Systems Revenue, 0.18%**, 12/1/2023, LOC: US Bank NA
    500,000       500,000  
Johnson City, TN, Health & Educational Facilities Board Hospital Revenue, Mountain States Health Alliance, Series A, 7.75%, 7/1/2038
    1,000,000       1,085,030  
Johnson City, TN, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health & Educational Facilities Board Hospital, Series A, Prerefunded, 7.5%, 7/1/2033
    2,000,000       2,180,680  
        4,837,326  
Texas 13.1%
 
Abilene, TX, Senior Care Revenue, Health Facilities Development, Sears Methodist Retirement Facilities, Series A, 5.9%, 11/15/2025
    2,500,000       1,964,025  
Austin, TX, Austin-Bergstrom Landhost Enterprises, Inc., Airport Hotel Project, Series A, 3.375%, 4/1/2027 (a)
    1,960,000       1,109,046  
Brazos River, TX, Harbor Navigation District, Brazoria County Environmental Health, Dow Chemical Co. Project:
               
Series B-2, 4.95%, 5/15/2033
    1,000,000       900,340  
Series A-3, AMT, 5.125%, 5/15/2033
    1,000,000       933,200  
Houston, TX, Transportation/Tolls Revenue, Special Facilities, Continental Airlines, Inc., Series E, AMT, 6.75%, 7/1/2029
    2,000,000       1,957,000  
Matagorda County, TX, Navigation District No. 1, Pollution Control Revenue, AEP Texas Central Co. Project, Series A, 4.4%, 5/1/2030, INS: AMBAC
    2,250,000       2,070,720  
North Texas, Tollway Authority Revenue, Toll Second Tier, Series F, 5.75%, 1/1/2033
    2,000,000       2,015,120  
San Antonio, TX, Convention Center Hotel Finance Corp., Contract Revenue, Empowerment Zone, Series A, AMT, 5.0%, 7/15/2039, INS: AMBAC
    1,000,000       847,570  
Tarrant County, TX, Cultural Education Facilities Finance Corp., Retirement Facility, Mirador Project, Series A, 8.25%, 11/15/2044
    1,000,000       991,510  
Texas, Industrial Development Revenue, Waste Disposal Authority, Series A, AMT, 6.1%, 8/1/2024
    1,000,000       1,006,110  
Texas, Love Field Airport Modernization Corp., Special Facilities Revenue, Southwest Airlines Co. Project, 5.25%, 11/1/2040
    1,055,000       954,163  
Texas, SA Energy Acquisition Public Facility Corp., Gas Supply Revenue, 5.5%, 8/1/2020
    2,000,000       2,053,140  
Travis County, TX, Health Facilities Development Corp. Revenue, Westminster Manor Health, 7.125%, 11/1/2040
    510,000       503,467  
        17,305,411  
Virgin Islands 2.3%
 
Virgin Islands, Sales & Special Tax Revenue, Public Finance Authority, Series A, 6.375%, 10/1/2019
    3,000,000       3,021,810  
Virginia 1.2%
 
Washington County, VA, Industrial Development Authority, Hospital Facility Revenue, Mountain States Health Alliance, Series C, 7.75%, 7/1/2038
    1,370,000       1,530,167  
Washington 1.9%
 
Washington, State Health Care Facilities Authority Revenue, Series C, 5.375%, 8/15/2028, INS: Radian
    595,000       556,587  
Washington, State Health Care Facilities Authority Revenue, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Series A, 6.125%, 8/15/2037
    2,000,000       1,925,400  
        2,481,987  
Wisconsin 3.7%
 
Wisconsin, Hospital & Healthcare Revenue, Health & Educational Facilities Authority, Aurora Health Care, Inc., 6.875%, 4/15/2030
    1,000,000       1,026,210  
Wisconsin, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Aurora Health Care, Inc., Series A, 5.6%, 2/15/2029
    1,000,000       999,980  
Wisconsin, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Prohealth Care, Inc. Obligation Group, 6.625%, 2/15/2039
    1,110,000       1,174,602  
Wisconsin, State Health & Educational Facilities Authority Revenue, Thedacare, Inc., Series A, 5.5%, 12/15/2038
    1,765,000       1,755,045  
        4,955,837  
Total Municipal Bonds and Notes (Cost $187,589,678)
      193,718,955  
   
Municipal Inverse Floating Rate Notes (b) 12.7%
 
California 3.2%
 
San Diego County, CA, Water Authority Revenue, Certificates of Participation, Series 2008-A, 5.0%, 5/1/2027, INS: AGMC (c)
    2,121,349       2,225,741  
San Diego County, CA, Water Authority Revenue, Certificates of Participation, Series 2008-A, 5.0%, 5/1/2028, INS: AGMC (c)
    1,930,312       2,025,302  
Trust: San Diego County, CA, Water Utility Improvements, Certificates of Participation, Series 2008-1104, 144A, 9.203%, 5/1/2027, Leverage Factor at purchase date: 2 to 1
               
        4,251,043  
New York 4.6%
 
New York, State Dormitory Authority, State Personal Income Tax Revenue, Series A, 5.0%, 3/15/2023 (c)
    5,535,000       6,045,747  
Trust: New York, State Dormitory Authority Revenue, Secondary Issues, Series 1955-2, 144A, 17.854%, 3/15/2023, Leverage Factor at purchase date: 4 to 1
               
Tennessee 4.9%
 
Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Metropolitan Government, 5.0%, 1/1/2024 (c)
    5,918,585       6,507,743  
Trust: Nashville & Davidson County, TN, Metropolitan Government, Series 2631-1, 144A, 17.866%, 1/1/2024, Leverage Factor at purchase date: 4 to 1
               
Total Municipal Inverse Floating Rate Notes (Cost $15,915,392)
      16,804,533  
 

   
% of Net Assets
   
Value ($)
 
       
Total Investment Portfolio (Cost $203,505,070)+
    158.8       210,523,488  
Other Assets and Liabilities, Net
    (6.0 )     (7,970,972 )
Preferred Shares, at Redemption Value
    (52.8 )     (70,000,000 )
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders
    100.0       132,552,516  
 
The following table represents bonds that are in default:
Security
 
Coupon
 
Maturity Date
 
Principal Amount ($)
   
Acquisition Cost ($)
   
Value ($)
 
Mashantucket, CT, Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe, Special Revenue, Series A, 144A*
    6.5 %
9/1/2031
    705,000       735,378       269,578  
Mashantucket, CT, Sports Expo & Entertainment Revenue, Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe, Series B, 144A*
    0.0 %
9/1/2017
    2,000,000       930,679       532,340  
Mashantucket, CT, Sports Expo & Entertainment Revenue, Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe, Series B, 144A*
    0.0 %
9/1/2018
    1,000,000       436,601       249,860  
Nevada, Director State Department of Business & Industry, Las Vegas Monorail Project, Second Tier*
    7.375 %
1/1/2030
    2,000,000       1,933,273       3,500  
Austin, TX, Austin-Bergstrom Landhost Enterprises, Inc., Airport Hotel Project,
Series A (a)
    3.375 %
4/1/2027
    1,960,000       1,960,000       1,109,046  
                        5,995,931       2,164,324  
 
* Non-income producing security. In the case of a bond, generally denotes that the issuer has defaulted on the payment of principal or interest.
 
** Variable rate demand notes are securities whose interest rates are reset periodically at market levels. These securities are often payable on demand and are shown at their current rates as of May 31, 2011.
 
+ The cost for federal income tax purposes was $202,679,654. At May 31, 2011, net unrealized appreciation for all securities based on tax cost was $7,843,834. This consisted of aggregate gross unrealized appreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of value over tax cost of $15,652,549 and aggregate gross unrealized depreciation for all securities in which there was an excess of tax cost over value of $7,808,715.
 
(a) Partial interest paying security. The rate shown represents 50% of the original coupon rate.
 
(b) Securities represent the underlying municipal obligations of inverse floating rate obligations held by the Fund.
 
(c) Security forms part of the below tender option bond trust. Principal Amount and Value shown take into account the leverage factor.
 
144A: Security exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act of 1933. These securities may be resold in transactions exempt from registration, normally to qualified institutional buyers.
 
AGC: Assured Guaranty Corp.
 
AGMC: Assured Guaranty Municipal Corp.
 
AMBAC: Ambac Financial Group, Inc.
 
AMT: Subject to alternative minimum tax.
 
ETM: Bonds bearing the description ETM (escrow to maturity) are collateralized usually by US Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on bonds so designated.
 
FGIC: Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
 
GTY: Guaranty Agreement
 
INS: Insured
 
LIQ: Liquidity Facility
 
LOC: Letter of Credit
 
NATL: National Public Finance Guarantee Corp.
 
Prerefunded: Bonds which are prerefunded are collateralized usually by US Treasury securities which are held in escrow and used to pay principal and interest on tax-exempt issues and to retire the bonds in full at the earliest refunding date.
 
Radian: Radian Asset Assurance, Inc.
 
Fair Value Measurements
 
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
The following is a summary of the inputs used as of May 31, 2011 in valuing the Fund's investments. For information on the Fund's policy regarding the valuation of investments, please refer to the Security Valuation section of Note A in the accompanying Notes to Financial Statements.
Assets
 
Level 1
   
Level 2
   
Level 3
   
Total
 
   
Municipal Investments (d)
  $     $ 210,523,488     $     $ 210,523,488  
Total
  $     $ 210,523,488     $     $ 210,523,488  
 
There have been no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements during the period ended May 31, 2011.
 
(d) See Investment Portfolio for additional detailed categorizations.
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
as of May 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
Assets
 
Investments in non-affiliated securities, at value (cost $203,505,070)
  $ 210,523,488  
Receivable for investments sold
    215,000  
Interest receivable
    3,261,752  
Other assets
    1,321  
Total assets
    214,001,561  
Liabilities
 
Cash overdraft
    617,813  
Payable for floating rate notes issued
    10,615,039  
Distributions payable
    4,088  
Accrued management fee
    103,338  
Other accrued expenses and payables
    108,767  
Total liabilities
    11,449,045  
Preferred shares, at redemption value
    70,000,000  
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, at value
  $ 132,552,516  
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shareholders Consist of
 
Undistributed net investment income
    3,268,213  
Net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
    7,018,418  
Accumulated net realized gain (loss)
    (175,046 )
Paid-in capital
    122,440,931  
Net assets applicable to common shareholders, at value
  $ 132,552,516  
Net Asset Value
 
Net Asset Value per common share ($132,552,516 ÷ 11,029,858 outstanding shares of beneficial interest, $.01 par value, unlimited number of common shares authorized)
  $ 12.02  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
Statement of Operations
for the six months ended May 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
Investment Income
 
Income:
Interest
  $ 6,468,384  
Expenses:
Management fee
    595,760  
Services to shareholders
    16,717  
Custodian fee
    4,240  
Professional fees
    37,082  
Reports to shareholders
    29,778  
Trustees' fees and expenses
    3,335  
Interest expense and fees on floating rate notes issued
    44,106  
Auction service fee
    88,816  
Stock exchange listing fees
    13,463  
Other
    24,645  
Total expenses
    857,942  
Net investment income
    5,610,442  
Realized and Unrealized Gain (Loss)
 
Net realized gain (loss) from investments
    (733,902 )
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments
    (3,170,304 )
Net gain (loss)
    (3,904,206 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
    1,706,236  
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders
    (145,740 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders
  $ 1,560,496  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
Statement of Cash Flows
for the six months ended May 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
 
Increase (Decrease) in Cash:
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
 
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations (excluding distributions to Preferred Shareholders)
  $ 1,706,236  
Adjustments to reconcile net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations to net cash provided (used) by operating activities:
Purchases of long-term investments
    (21,349,495 )
Net amortization/accretion of premium (discount)
    (185,520 )
Proceeds from sales and maturities of long-term investments
    20,081,132  
(Increase) decrease in interest receivable
    50,615  
(Increase) decrease in other assets
    43,428  
(Increase) decrease in receivable for investments sold
    390,821  
Increase (decrease) in other accrued expenses and payables
    (31,976 )
Change in net unrealized (appreciation) depreciation on investments
    3,170,304  
Net realized (gain) loss from investments
    733,902  
Cash provided (used) by operating activities
    4,609,447  
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash overdraft
    617,813  
Distributions paid (net of reinvestment of distributions)
    (5,588,589 )
Cash provided (used) by financing activities
    (4,970,776 )
Increase (decrease) in cash
    (361,329 )
Cash at beginning of period
    361,329  
Cash at end of period
  $  
Supplemental Disclosure of Non-Cash Financing Activities:
 
Reinvestment of distributions
  $ 294,781  
Interest expense and fees paid on floating rate notes
  $ (44,106 )
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 
Six Months Ended May 31, 2011 (Unaudited)
   
Year Ended November 30, 2010
 
Operations:
Net investment income
  $ 5,610,442     $ 11,034,311  
Net realized gain (loss)
    (733,902 )     943,002  
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation)
    (3,170,304 )     2,750,310  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations
    1,706,236       14,727,623  
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders
    (145,740 )     (286,504 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets applicable to common shareholders
    1,560,496       14,441,119  
Distributions to common shareholders from:
Net investment income
    (5,089,812 )     (10,218,975 )
Net realized gains
    (645,970 )      
Total distributions
    (5,735,782 )     (10,218,975 )
Fund share and paid-in capital transactions:
Net proceeds from shares issued to common shareholders from reinvestment of distributions
    294,781       519,519  
Net increase (decrease) in net assets from Fund share and paid-in capital transactions
    294,781       519,519  
Increase (decrease) in net assets
    (3,880,505 )     4,741,663  
Net assets at beginning of period applicable to common shareholders
    136,433,021       131,691,358  
Net assets at end of period applicable to common shareholders (including undistributed net investment income of $3,268,213 and $2,893,323, respectively)
  $ 132,552,516     $ 136,433,021  
Other Information
 
Common shares outstanding at beginning of period
    11,004,594       10,963,153  
Shares issued to common shareholders from reinvestment of distributions
    25,264       41,441  
Common shares outstanding at end of period
    11,029,858       11,004,594  
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements.
 
Financial Highlights
         
Years Ended November 30,
 
   
Six Months Ended 5/31/11 (Unaudited)
   
2010
   
2009
   
2008
   
2007
   
2006
 
Selected Per Share Data Applicable to Common Shareholders
 
Net asset value, beginning of period
  $ 12.40     $ 12.01     $ 9.66     $ 12.11     $ 12.48     $ 12.29  
Income (loss) from investment operations:
Net investment incomea
    .51       1.00       1.01       .95       .93       .93  
Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    (.36 )     .35       2.25       (2.50 )     (.42 )     .23  
Total from investment operations
    .15       1.35       3.26       (1.55 )     .51       1.16  
Distributions to Preferred Shareholders from net investment income (common share equivalent)
    (.01 )     (.03 )     (.05 )     (.24 )     (.24 )     (.22 )
Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations applicable to common shareholders
    .14       1.32       3.21       (1.79 )     .27       .94  
Less distributions to common shareholders from:
Net investment income
    (.46 )     (.93 )     (.86 )     (.66 )     (.66 )     (.75 )
Net realized gains
    (.06 )                              
Total distributions
    (.52 )     (.93 )     (.86 )     (.66 )     (.66 )     (.75 )
Reimbursement by Advisor
                            .02        
Net asset value, end of period
  $ 12.02     $ 12.40     $ 12.01     $ 9.66     $ 12.11     $ 12.48  
Market price, end of period
  $ 12.33     $ 12.78     $ 12.33     $ 7.80     $ 10.89     $ 12.26  
Total Return
 
Based on net asset value (%)c
    1.34 **     11.18       35.09       (14.99 )b     2.53 b,d     7.80 b
Based on market price (%)c
    .87 **     11.61       71.76       (23.67 )     (6.14 )     (8.02 )
Ratios to Average Net Assets and Supplemental Data
 
Net assets, end of period ($ millions)
    133       136       132       106       133       137  
Ratio of expenses before fee reductions (%) (based on net assets of common shares, including interest expense)e,f
    1.33 *     1.32       1.48       1.90       1.64       1.26  
Ratio of expenses after fee reductions (%) (based on net assets of common shares, including interest expense)e,g
    1.33 *     1.32       1.48       1.89       1.62       1.25  
Ratio of expenses after fee reductions (%) (based on net assets of common shares, excluding interest expense)h
    1.26 *     1.26       1.39       1.33       1.26       1.25  
Financial Highlights (continued)
 
           
Years Ended November 30,
 
 
Six Months Ended 5/31/11 (Unaudited)
      2010       2009       2008       2007       2006  
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) (based on net assets of common shares)
    8.71 *     8.00       9.35       8.34       7.56       7.55  
Ratio of net investment income (loss) (%) (based on net assets of common and preferred shares)
    5.65 *     5.31       5.87       5.34       4.96       4.97  
Portfolio turnover rate (%)
    10 **     26       79       65       44       41  
Preferred shares information at end of period:
Aggregate amount outstanding ($ millions)
    70       70       70       70       70       70  
Asset coverage per share ($)i
    72,340       73,726       72,033       62,784       72,352       73,752  
Liquidation and market price per share ($)
    25,000       25,000       25,000       25,000       25,000       25,000  
 

a Based on average common shares outstanding during the period.
b Total return would have been lower had certain fees not been reduced.
c Total return based on net asset value reflects changes in the Fund's net asset value during each period. Total return based on market price reflects changes in market price. Each figure assumes that dividend and capital gain distributions, if any, were reinvested. These figures will differ depending upon the level of any discount from or premium to net asset value at which the Fund's shares traded during the period.
d Includes a non-recurring reimbursement from the Advisor for a fee previously charged to the Fund. Excluding this non-recurring reimbursement, total return would have been 0.13% lower.
e Interest expense represents interest and fees on short-term floating rate notes issued in conjunction with inverse floating rate securities. Interest income from such transactions is included in income from investment operations.
f The ratio of expenses before fee reductions (based on net assets of common and preferred shares, including interest expense) were 0.86%*, 0.88%, 0.93%, 1.22%, 1.07% and 0.83% for the periods ended May 31, 2011 and November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
g The ratio of expenses after fee reductions (based on net assets of common and preferred shares, including interest expense) were 0.86%*, 0.88%, 0.93%, 1.21%, 1.07% and 0.82% for the periods ended May 31, 2011 and November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
h The ratio of expenses after fee reductions (based on net assets of common and preferred shares, excluding interest expense) were 0.82%*, 0.84%, 0.88%, 0.86%, 0.83% and 0.82% for the periods ended May 31, 2011 and November 30, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 and 2006, respectively.
i Asset coverage per share equals net assets of common shares plus the redemption value of the preferred shares divided by the total number of preferred shares outstanding at the end of the period.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
 
Notes to Financial Statements (Unaudited)
 
A. Organization and Significant Accounting Policies
 
DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust (the "Fund") is registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), as a closed-end, diversified management investment company organized as a Massachusetts business trust.
 
The Fund's financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America which require the use of management estimates. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The policies described below are followed consistently by the Fund in the preparation of its financial statements.
 
Security Valuation. Investments are stated at value determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange on each day the exchange is open for trading.
 
Various inputs are used in determining the value of the Fund's investments. These inputs are summarized in three broad levels. Level 1 includes quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. Level 2 includes other significant observable inputs (including quoted prices for similar securities, interest rates, prepayment speeds, and credit risk). Level 3 includes significant unobservable inputs (including the Fund's own assumptions in determining the fair value of investments). The inputs or methodology used for valuing securities are not necessarily an indication of the risk associated with investing in those securities.
 
Debt securities are valued by independent pricing services approved by the Fund's Board, whose valuations are intended to reflect the mean between the bid and asked prices. If the pricing services are unable to provide valuations, the securities are valued at the mean of the most recent bid and asked quotations or evaluated prices, as applicable, obtained from one or more broker-dealers. Such services may use various pricing techniques which take into account appropriate factors such as yield, quality, coupon rate, maturity, type of issue, trading characteristics and other data, as well as broker quotes. These securities are generally categorized as Level 2.
 
Money market instruments purchased with an original or remaining maturity of sixty days or less, maturing at par, are valued at amortized cost, which approximates value, and are categorized as Level 2.
 
Securities and other assets for which market quotations are not readily available or for which the above valuation procedures are deemed not to reflect fair value are valued in a manner that is intended to reflect their fair value as determined in accordance with procedures approved by the Board and are generally categorized as Level 3. In accordance with the Fund's valuation procedures, factors used in determining value may include, but are not limited to, the type of the security; the size of the holding; the initial cost of the security; the existence of any contractual restrictions on the security's disposition; the price and extent of public trading in similar securities of the issuer or of comparable companies; quotations or evaluated prices from broker-dealers and/or pricing services; information obtained from the issuer, analysts, and/or the appropriate stock exchange (for exchange-traded securities); an analysis of the company's or issuer's financial statements; an evaluation of the forces that influence the issuer and the market(s) in which the security is purchased and sold and with respect to debt securities; the maturity, coupon, creditworthiness, currency denomination and the movement of the market in which the security is normally traded. The value determined under these procedures may differ from published values for the same securities.
 
Disclosure about the classification of fair value measurements is included in a table following the Fund's Investment Portfolio.
 
Inverse Floaters. The Fund invests in inverse floaters. Inverse floaters are debt instruments with a weekly floating rate of interest that bears an inverse relationship to changes in the short-term interest rate market. Inverse floaters are created by depositing a fixed-rate municipal bond into a special purpose trust (the "Trust"). In turn the Trust issues a short-term floating rate note and an inverse floater. The income stream from the underlying bond in the Trust is divided between the floating rate note and the inverse floater. The income provided by the inverse floater bears an inverse relationship with the short-term rate paid to the floating rate note holder. The short-term floating rate note is issued in a face amount equal to some fraction of the underlying bond's par amount and is paid to a third party, usually a tax-exempt money market fund, at rates that generally reset weekly. The inverse floater earns all of the interest from the underlying fixed-rate bond less the amount of interest paid on the floating rate note and the expenses of the Trust. The inverse floater represents an investment in the underlying bond on a leveraged basis; the Fund bears all of the price risk of the underlying bond in the Trust and receives all the benefits from any potential appreciation of the underlying bond's value.
 
By holding the inverse floater, the Fund has the right to collapse the Trust by causing the holders of the floating rate instrument to tender their notes at par and have the broker transfer the underlying bond to the Fund. The floating rate note holder can also elect to tender the note for redemption at par at each reset date. The Fund accounts for these transactions as a form of secured borrowing, by reflecting the value of the underlying bond in the investments of the Fund and the amount owed to the floating rate note holder as a liability under the caption "Payable for floating rate notes issued" in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. Income earned on the underlying bond is included in interest income, and interest paid on the floaters and the expenses of the Trust are included in "Interest expense and fees on floating rate notes issued" in the Statement of Operations.
 
The Fund may enter into shortfall and forbearance agreements by which the Fund agrees to reimburse the Trust, in certain circumstances, for the difference between the liquidation value of the underlying bond held by the Trust and the liquidation value of the floating rate notes plus any shortfalls in interest cash flows. This could potentially expose the Fund to losses in excess of the value of the Fund's inverse floater investments. In addition, the value of inverse floaters may decrease significantly when interest rates increase. The market for inverse floaters may be more volatile and less liquid than other municipal bonds of comparable maturity. The Trust could be terminated outside of the Fund's control, resulting in a reduction of leverage and disposal of portfolio investments at inopportune times and prices. Investments in inverse floaters generally involve greater risk than in an investment in fixed-rate bonds.
 
The weighted average outstanding daily balance of the floating rate notes during the six months ended May 31, 2011 was approximately $10,615,000, with a weighted average interest rate of 0.83%.
 
Federal Income Taxes. The Fund's policy is to comply with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended, which are applicable to regulated investment companies, and to distribute all of its taxable and tax-exempt income to its shareholders.
 
On December 22, 2010, the Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010 (the "Act") was enacted. Under the Act, net capital losses may be carried forward indefinitely, and their character is retained as short-term and/or long-term losses. Previously, net capital losses were carried forward for eight years and treated as short-term losses. As a transition rule, the Act requires that post-enactment net capital losses be used before pre-enactment net capital losses. This change is effective for fiscal years beginning after the date of enactment.
 
The Fund has reviewed the tax positions for the open tax years as of November 30, 2010 and has determined that no provision for income tax is required in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund's federal tax returns for the prior three fiscal years remain open subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service.
 
Distribution of Income and Gains. Net investment income of the Fund, if any, is declared and distributed to shareholders monthly. Net realized gains from investment transactions, in excess of available capital loss carryforwards, would be taxable to the Fund if not distributed, and, therefore, will be distributed to shareholders at least annually.
 
The timing and characterization of certain income and capital gains distributions are determined annually in accordance with federal tax regulations which may differ from accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These differences primarily relate to certain securities sold at a loss and accretion of market discount on debt securities. As a result, net investment income (loss) and net realized gain (loss) on investment transactions for a reporting period may differ significantly from distributions during such period. Accordingly, the Fund may periodically make reclassifications among certain of its capital accounts without impacting the net asset value of the Fund.
 
The tax character of current year distributions will be determined at the end of the current fiscal year.
 
Preferred Shares. The Fund has issued and outstanding 2,800 Series T municipal auction rate cumulative preferred shares ("Preferred Shares"), at a liquidation value of $25,000 per share. The Preferred Shares are senior to and have certain class specific preferences over the common shares. The dividend rate on the Preferred Shares is set through a "Dutch" auction process, and the dividends are generally paid every seven days. An auction fails if there are more Preferred Shares offered for sale than there are buyers. Since February 2008, auctions for the Preferred Shares have failed. Under the terms of the Preferred Shares designation statement, in the event of a failed auction, the Preferred Shares' dividend rate adjusts to a "maximum rate." Based on current Preferred Share ratings (AAA as of May 31, 2011), the maximum rate is 110% times the higher of the "Taxable Equivalent of the Short-Term Municipal Bond Rate" (defined as the approximate taxable yield equivalent of the yield on short-term municipal securities derived by reference to the S&P Kenny 30-day High Grade Index) and the applicable AA Composite Commercial Paper Rate. Preferred Shareholders may offer their shares for sale at the next scheduled auction, subject to the same risk that the subsequent auction will not attract sufficient demand for a successful auction to occur. Broker-dealers may also try to facilitate secondary trading in the Preferred Shares, although such secondary trading may be limited and may only be available for shareholders willing to sell at a discount.
 
While prolonged auction failures have affected the liquidity for the Preferred Shares, a failed auction does not represent a default on or loss of capital of, the Fund's Preferred Shares and the Preferred Shareholders have continued to receive dividends at the previously defined "maximum rate." As of May 31, 2011, the Preferred Shares of the Fund continue to be AAA rated by the respective rating agencies. Prolonged auction failures may increase the cost of leverage to the Fund.
 
During the six months ended May 31, 2011, the dividend rates ranged from 0.305% to 0.773%. The 1940 Act requires that the Preferred Shareholders of the Fund, voting as a separate class, have the right to: a) elect at least two trustees at all times, and b) elect a majority of the trustees at any time when dividends on the Preferred Shares are unpaid for two full years. Unless otherwise required by law or under the terms of the Preferred Shares designation statement, each Preferred Share is entitled to one vote and Preferred Shareholders will vote together with common shareholders as a single class and have the same voting rights.
 
Leverage involves risks and special considerations for the Fund's common stockholders, including the likelihood of greater volatility of net asset value and market price of, and dividends on, the Fund's common shares than a comparable portfolio without leverage; the risk that fluctuations in interest rates will reduce the return to common stockholders; and the effect of leverage in a declining market, which is likely to cause a greater decline in the net asset value of the Fund's common shares than if the Fund were not leveraged, which may result in a greater decline in the market price of the Fund's common shares. Changes in the value of the Fund's portfolio will be borne entirely by the common stockholders. If there is a net decrease (or increase) in the value of the Fund's investment portfolio, leverage will decrease (or increase) the net asset value per share to a greater extent than if leverage were not used. It is also possible that the Fund will be required to sell assets at a time when it would otherwise not do so, possibly at a loss, in order to redeem Preferred Shares to comply with asset coverage or other restrictions imposed by the rating agencies that rate the Preferred Shares. The Fund is subject to certain restrictions on its investments imposed by guidelines of the rating agencies. These guidelines may impose asset coverage or portfolio composition requirements that are more stringent than those imposed on the Fund by the 1940 Act. There is no assurance that the Fund's leveraging strategy will be successful.
 
Statement of Cash Flows. Information on financial transactions which have been settled through the receipt and disbursement of cash is presented in the Statement of Cash Flows. The cash amount shown in the Statement of Cash Flows represents the cash overdraft position at the Fund's custodian bank at May 31, 2011.
 
Contingencies. In the normal course of business, the Fund may enter into contracts with service providers that contain general indemnification clauses. The Fund's maximum exposure under these arrangements is unknown as this would involve future claims that may be made against the Fund that have not yet been made. However, based on experience, the Fund expects the risk of loss to be remote.
 
Other. Investment transactions are accounted for on a trade date plus one basis for daily net asset value calculations. However, for financial reporting purposes, investment transactions are reported on trade date. Interest income is recorded on the accrual basis. Realized gains and losses from investment transactions are recorded on an identified cost basis. All premiums and discounts are amortized/accreted for financial reporting purposes, with the exception of securities in default of principal.
 
B. Purchases and Sales of Securities
 
During the six months ended May 31, 2011, purchases and sales of investment securities (excluding short-term investments) aggregated $21,349,495 and $20,081,132, respectively.
 
C. Related Parties
 
Management Agreement. Under the Investment Management Agreement with Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc. ("DIMA" or the "Advisor"), an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Deutsche Bank AG, the Advisor directs the investments of the Fund in accordance with its investment objectives, policies and restrictions. The Advisor determines the securities, instruments and other contracts relating to investments to be purchased, sold or entered into by the Fund. In addition to portfolio management services, the Advisor provides certain administrative services in accordance with the Management Agreement. The management fee payable under the Investment Management Agreement is equal to an annual rate of 0.60% of the Fund's average weekly net assets, computed and accrued daily and payable monthly. Average weekly net assets, for purposes of determining the management fee, means the average weekly value of the total assets of the Fund, minus the sum of accrued liabilities of the Fund (other than the liquidation value of the Preferred Shares).
 
Service Provider Fees. DWS Investments Service Company ("DISC"), an affiliate of the Advisor, is the transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent for the Fund. Pursuant to a sub-transfer agency agreement between DISC and DST Systems, Inc. ("DST"), DISC has delegated certain transfer agent, dividend-paying agent and shareholder service agent functions to DST. DISC compensates DST out of the shareholder servicing fee it receives from the Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2011, the amount charged to the Fund by DISC aggregated $11,863, of which $7,932 is unpaid.
 
Typesetting and Filing Service Fees. Under an agreement with DIMA, DIMA is compensated for providing typesetting and certain regulatory filing services to the Fund. For the six months ended May 31, 2011, the amount charged to the Fund by DIMA included in the Statement of Operations under "reports to shareholders" aggregated $6,552, of which $6,378 is unpaid.
 
Trustees' Fees and Expenses. The Fund paid each Trustee not affiliated with the Advisor retainer fees plus specified amounts for various committee services and for the Board Chairperson.
 
Other Related Parties. Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, an affiliate of the Advisor, is the auction agent with respect to the preferred shares. The auction agent pays each broker-dealer a service charge from funds provided by the Fund ("Auction Service Fee"). The Auction Service Fee charged to the Fund for the six months ended May 31, 2011 aggregated $88,816, of which $3,444 is unpaid.
 
In addition, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas charges an administration fee for the preferred shares. For the six months ended May 31, 2011, the amount charged to the Fund by Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas included in the Statement of Operations under "other" aggregated $2,973, all of which is unpaid.
 
D. Share Repurchases
 
The Fund is authorized to effect periodic repurchases of its outstanding shares in the open market from time to time when the Fund's shares trade at a discount to their net asset value. During the six months ended May 31, 2011, the Fund did not repurchase shares.
 
Shareholder Meeting Results (Unaudited)
 
The Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") of DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust (the "Fund") was held on June 3, 2011 at the offices of Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc., 24th Floor, 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154. At the close of business on April 8, 2011, the record date for the determination of shareholders entitled to vote at the Meeting, there were issued and outstanding 11,022,613 common shares and 2,800 preferred shares, each share being entitled to one vote, constituting all of the Fund's outstanding voting securities. At the Meeting, the holders of 9,874,708 common shares and 2,557 preferred shares were represented in person or by proxy, constituting a quorum. The following matter was voted upon by the shareholders (the resulting votes are presented below).
 
1. Election of Trustees — Class III — Common and Preferred Shareholders voting together
 
Number of Votes:
 
For
Withheld
John W. Ballantine
9,305,783
568,925
Kenneth C. Froewiss
9,372,299
502,409
Rebecca W. Rimel
9,312,002
562,706
 
Election of Trustees — Preferred Shareholders only
 
Number of Votes:
 
For
Withheld
Keith R. Fox
2,557
0
Robert H. Wadsworth
2,557
0
 
Dividend Reinvestment Plan
 
A summary of the Fund's Dividend Reinvestment Plan (the "Plan") is set forth below. Shareholders may obtain a copy of the entire Plan by visiting the Fund's Web site at www.dws-investments.com or by writing or calling DWS Investment Service Company ("DISC") at:
 
P.O. Box 219066
 
Kansas City, Missouri 64121-9066
 
(800) 294-4366
 
If you wish to participate in the Plan and your shares are held in your own name, simply contact DISC for the appropriate form. If your shares are held in the name of a broker or other nominee, you should contact the broker or nominee in whose name your shares are held to determine whether and how you may participate in the Plan. The Fund's transfer agent and dividend disbursing agent (the "Transfer Agent") will establish a Dividend Investment Account (the "Account") for each shareholder participating in the Plan. The Transfer Agent will credit to the Account of each participant any cash dividends and capital gains distributions (collectively, "Distributions") paid on shares of the Fund (the "Shares"). Shares in a participant's Account are transferable upon proper written instructions to the Transfer Agent. Upon request to the Transfer Agent, a certificate for any or all full Shares in a participant's Account will be sent to the participant.
 
If, on the record date for a Distribution (the "Record Date"), Shares are trading at a discount from net asset value per Share, funds credited to a participant's Account will be used to purchase Shares (the "Purchase"). The Plan Agent (currently Computershare Inc.) will attempt, commencing five days prior to the Payment Date and ending at the close of business on the Payment Date ("Payment Date" as used herein shall mean the last business day of the month in which such Record Date occurs), to acquire Shares in the open market. If and to the extent that the Plan Agent is unable to acquire sufficient Shares to satisfy the Distribution by the close of business on the Payment Date, the Fund will issue to the Plan Agent, Shares valued at net asset value per Share in the aggregate amount of the remaining value of the Distribution. If, on the Record Date, Shares are trading at a premium over net asset value per Share, the Fund will issue on the Payment Date Shares valued at net asset value per Share on the Record Date to the Transfer Agent in the aggregate amount of the funds credited to the participants' Accounts. The Fund will increase the price at which Shares may be issued under the Plan to 95% of the fair market value of the shares on the Record Date if the net asset value per Share of the Shares on the Record Date is less than 95% of the fair market value of the Shares on the Record Date. If Shares are issued at a discount to the price at market on the Record Date, shareholders are treated for federal income tax purposes as having received a taxable distribution equal to the fair market value of the shares. In effect, the discount from market price is added to the amount of the distribution. Such amount is considered taxable income and is added to the cost basis of the issued Shares.
 
The cost of Shares acquired for each participant's Account in connection with a Purchase shall be determined by the average cost per Share, including brokerage commissions, of the Shares acquired in connection with that Purchase. There will be no brokerage charges with respect to Shares issued directly by the Fund as a result of Distributions. However, each participant will pay a pro rata share of brokerage commissions incurred with respect to open market purchases. Brokerage charges for purchasing small amounts of Shares for individual Accounts through the Plan can be expected to be less than the usual brokerage charges for such transactions, as the Plan Agent will be purchasing Shares for all participants in blocks and prorating the lower commission thus attainable.
 
A participant may from time to time make voluntary cash contributions to his Account in a minimum amount of $100 (no more than $500 may be contributed per month). Participants making voluntary cash investments will be charged a $0.75 service fee for each such investment and will be responsible for their pro rata share of brokerage commissions. Please contact DISC for more information on voluntary cash contributions.
 
The Fund reserves the right to amend the Plan, including provisions with respect to any Distribution paid, subsequent to notice thereof sent to participants in the Plan at least ninety days before the record date for such Distribution, except when such amendment is necessary or appropriate to comply with applicable law or the rules or policies of the Securities and Exchange Commission or any other regulatory authority, in which case such amendment shall be effective as soon as practicable. The Plan may be terminated by the Fund.
 
Shareholders may withdraw from the Plan at any time by giving the Transfer Agent a written notice. A notice of withdrawal will be effective for the next Distribution following receipt of the notice by the Transfer Agent provided the notice is received by the Transfer Agent at least ten days prior to the Record Date for the Distribution. When a participant withdraws from the Plan, or when the Plan is terminated by the Fund, the participant will receive a certificate for full Shares in the Account, plus a check for any fractional Shares based on market price; or, if a Participant so desires, the Transfer Agent will notify the Plan Agent to sell his Shares in the Plan and send the proceeds to the participant, less brokerage commissions and a $2.50 service fee.
 
Shareholders will receive tax information annually for personal records and to assist in preparation of their federal income tax returns.
 
Additional Information
     
Automated Information Line
 
DWS Investments Closed-End Fund Info Line
(800) 349-4281
Web Site
 
www.dws-investments.com
Obtain fact sheets, financial reports, press releases and webcasts when available.
Written Correspondence
 
Deutsche Investment Management Americas Inc.
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Proxy Voting
 
The fund's policies and procedures for voting proxies for portfolio securities and information about how the fund voted proxies related to its portfolio securities during the 12-month period ended June 30 are available on our Web site — www.dws-investments.com (click on "proxy voting"at the bottom of the page) — or on the SEC's Web site — www.sec.gov. To obtain a written copy of the fund's policies and procedures without charge, upon request, call us toll free at (800) 621-1048.
Legal Counsel
 
Vedder Price P.C.
222 North LaSalle Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Dividend Reinvestment Plan Agent
 
Computershare Inc.
P.O. Box 43078
Providence, RI 02940-3078
Shareholder Service Agent and Transfer Agent
 
DWS Investments Service Company
P.O. Box 219066
Kansas City, MO 64121-9066
(800) 294-4366
Custodian
 
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Lafayette Corporate Center
2 Avenue De Lafayette
Boston, MA 02111
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
 
Ernst & Young LLP
200 Clarendon Street
Boston, MA 02116
NYSE Symbol
 
KSM
 

CUSIP Number
 
Common Shares
23338T 101
   
Preferred Shares
23338T 200
 
Privacy Statement
FACTS
What Does DWS Investments Do With Your Personal Information?
Why?
Financial companies choose how they share your personal information. Federal law gives consumers the right to limit some but not all sharing. Federal law also requires us to tell you how we collect, share and protect your personal information. Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do.
What?
The types of personal information we collect and share can include:
• Social Security number
• Account balances
• Purchase and transaction history
• Bank account information
• Contact information such as mailing address, e-mail address and telephone number
How?
All financial companies need to share customers' personal information to run their everyday business. In the section below, we list the reasons financial companies can share their customers' personal information, the reasons DWS Investments chooses to share and whether you can limit this sharing.
 

Reasons we can share your personal information
Does DWS Investments share?
Can you limit this sharing?
For our everyday business purposes — such as to process your transactions, maintain your account(s), respond to court orders or legal investigations
Yes
No
For our marketing purposes — to offer our products and services to you
Yes
No
For joint marketing with other financial companies
No
We do not share
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your transactions and experiences
No
We do not share
For our affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness
No
We do not share
For non-affiliates to market to you
No
We do not share
 

Questions?
Call (800) 621-1048 or e-mail us at dws-investments.info@dws.com
 

Who we are
Who is providing this notice?
DWS Investments Distributors, Inc.; Deutsche Investment Management Americas, Inc.; DeAM Investor Services, Inc.; DWS Trust Company; the DWS Funds
What we do
How does DWS Investments protect my personal information?
To protect your personal information from unauthorized access and use, we use security measures that comply with federal law. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files and buildings.
How does DWS Investments collect my personal information?
We collect your personal information, for example. When you:
• open an account
• give us your contact information
• provide bank account information for ACH or wire transactions
• tell us where to send money
• seek advice about your investments
Why can't I limit all sharing?
Federal law gives you the right to limit only
• sharing for affiliates' everyday business purposes — information about your creditworthiness
• affiliates from using your information to market to you
• sharing for nonaffiliates to market to you
State laws and individual companies may give you additional rights to limit sharing.
Definitions
Affiliates
Companies related by common ownership or control. They can be financial or non-financial companies. Our affiliates include financial companies with the DWS or Deutsche Bank ("DB") name, such as DB AG Frankfurt and DB Alex Brown.
Non-affiliates
Companies not related by common ownership or control. They can be financial and non-financial companies.
Non-affiliates we share with include account service providers, service quality monitoring services, mailing service providers and verification services to help in the fight against money laundering and fraud.
Joint marketing
A formal agreement between non-affiliated financial companies that together market financial products or services to you. DWS Investments does not jointly market.
 

 
Rev. 09/2010
 
Notes
 
Notes
 
 
   
ITEM 2.
CODE OF ETHICS
   
 
Not applicable.
   
ITEM 3.
AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT
   
 
Not applicable
   
ITEM 4.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
   
 
Not applicable
   
ITEM 5.
AUDIT COMMITTEE OF LISTED REGISTRANTS
   
 
Not applicable
   
ITEM 6.
SCHEDULE OF INVESTMENTS
   
 
Not applicable
   
ITEM 7.
DISCLOSURE OF PROXY VOTING POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
   
 
Not applicable
   
ITEM 8.
PORTFOLIO MANAGERS OF CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANIES
   
   Not applicable
   
ITEM 9.
PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY CLOSED-END MANAGEMENT INVESTMENT COMPANY AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS
   
 
 Period
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
Total Number of Shares Purchased
Average Price Paid per Share
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
December 1 through December 31
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
January 1 through January 31
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
February 1 through February 28
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
March 1 through March 31
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
April 1 through April 30
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
May 1 through May 31
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
Total
0
n/a
n/a
n/a
The Fund may from time to time repurchase shares in the open market.
 
   
ITEM 10.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
   
 
There were no material changes to the procedures by which shareholders may recommend nominees to the Fund’s Board.  The primary function of the Nominating and Governance Committee is to identify and recommend individuals for membership on the Board and oversee the administration of the Board Governance Guidelines. Shareholders may recommend candidates for Board positions by forwarding their correspondence by U.S. mail or courier service to Paul K. Freeman, Independent Chairman, DWS Funds, P.O. Box 101833, Denver, CO 80250-1833.
   
ITEM 11.
CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
   
 
(a)
The Chief Executive and Financial Officers concluded that the Registrant’s Disclosure Controls and Procedures are effective based on the evaluation of the Disclosure Controls and Procedures as of a date within 90 days of the filing date of this report.
 
(b)
There have been no changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the second fiscal quarter of the period covered by this report that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal controls over financial reporting.
   
ITEM 12.
EXHIBITS
   
 
(a)(1)
Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(a) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(a)) is filed and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.CERT.
 
(b)
Certification pursuant to Rule 30a-2(b) under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (17 CFR 270.30a-2(b)) is furnished and attached hereto as Exhibit 99.906CERT.


Form N-CSRS Item F

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

Registrant:
DWS Strategic Municipal Income Trust
   
   
By:
/s/W. Douglas Beck
W. Douglas Beck
President
   
Date:
July 27, 2011

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Investment Company Act of 1940, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

By:
/s/W. Douglas Beck
W. Douglas Beck
President
   
Date:
July 27, 2011
   
   
   
By:
/s/Paul Schubert
Paul Schubert
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
   
Date:
July 27, 2011