The Milken Institute does it again. It’s 2007 edition of "Best Performing Cities" was just released. Kudos & props to Ocala Florida and Wilmingon NC (#1 and #2 respectively).
From the report:
The top 10 performers of the 200 largest metros:
1. Ocala, Florida
2. Wilmington, North Carolina
3. Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, California
4. Phoenix-Mesa-Scottsdale, Arizona
5. Orlando-Kissimmee, Florida
6. Naples-Marco Island, Florida
7. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, Texas
8. Provo-Orem, Utah
9. Las Vegas-Paradise, Nevada
10. Raleigh-Cary, North CarolinaThe Best Performing Cities Index is outcomes-based. Its components measure job, wage and salary, and technology growth. The Index ranks U.S. metros based on their ability to create and sustain jobs. It includes both long-term (five years) and short-term (one year) measurements of employment and salary growth. There are also four measurements of technology output growth, which are included because of technology’s crucial role in regional economic growth.
Yet another way to measure prosperity? It’s still focused on "trailing" indicators. We like our overall measures which include talent (Creative Class) and tolerance (inclusiveness) and help serve more as a "leading" indicator. You can get the full report here (free sub required).
posted by Kevin Stolarick
