September 2007 Milken Institute Says Bend is Nation’s Best Performing Small Metro
In yet more positive national press for the region’s business climate, Bend was ranked as the nation’s top performing small city by the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank. The study is outcomes-based, and focuses on the ability of large and small metros to create and sustain jobs. Measures include both short and long term (year-over-year and five-year) job growth, wages & salaries growth, and high tech GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth. The measurements for technology output growth are included because of “technology’s crucial role in regional economic growth.” The 2007 study reflects data through 2006.
Last year’s Milken study ranked Bend #2 among 179 U.S. small cities, behind Ft. Walton Beach-Crestview-Destin FL, which fell 20 spots in the 2007 report. St. George UT held steady at the #2 position. Other Oregon small metros on the 2007 rankings included Medford at #26 (unchanged from previous study) and Corvallis (#71, up from #117 in 2005). For all the rankings, click here.