One of U.S.'s Best Performing Cities

September 2009
Bismarck-Mandan MSA jumps to #7 on "Best Performing Cities Index"

The Bismarck-Mandan Metropolitan Statistical Area landed at number 7 on the "Best Performing Cities Index" for 2009. This is up from #15 in 2008, and #42 in 2007. Cities with strong technology, energy and trade sectors lead the nation in job creation, according to a report released by the Milken Institute and Greenstreet Real Estate Partners. “We are very pleased with the strength of our local economy and delighted with the sustained growth of our community that continues to buck national trends,” said Bismarck Mayor John Warford. “We are one of a handful of areas in North Dakota increasing in population. Housing and construction markets remain strong, job growth is steady, and our diversified economy continues to serve the community well”, continued Warford. The Best Performing Cities ranking showcases the U.S. cities that are recording the top economic performance. The index shows which metropolitan areas are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The rankings take into account both long- and short-term employment and salary growth, in addition to technology output measurements. The report illustrates how the sharp downturn in housing and construction markets caused once-strong metros to take a sharp downward turn. Many cities that depend on industry and manufacturing also showed a continued decline. The Bismarck-Mandan metro is one of 124 smaller metros included in the rankings. Other North Dakota metro areas on the list are Fargo-Moorhead at 10 and Grand Forks at 42.