SF Named One Of Nation's Strongest Economies
by Laura Monteverdi, Reporter
January 18, 2013 6:28 PM
It's no surprise that Sioux Falls is expanding rapidly and this year that growth has been recognized on a national level. The city has been named one of the top 20 strongest economies in the country.
In the 2012 Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index, Sioux Falls has been ranked 14th nationally, a thirteen spot jump from last year.
“We went from 27th to 14th. That's a big jump!" said Darrin Smith, Director of Community Development for the city.
The index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary and technology growth.
“We've been very successful in recent years with being able to not only recruit new businesses to the economy and bring good paying jobs, but also help local businesses that have been here for years to expand," said Smith.
Sioux Falls Community Development said the key to a successful city is a vibrant and growing economy, an example they are setting for the rest of the nation.
“Others across the country are really starting to take note of the strength of our economy and the business friendly environment and the growth friendly environment in Sioux Falls as well," said Smith.
They are confident that if the city continues to develop at this rate, 2013 will yield even bigger results.
“My hunch is when we look at the 2012 numbers and the Milken Institute looks at what we did in 2012 and coming up here, it is very possible we'll be in the top 10 next year,” said Smith.
San Jose, CA topped the list as the best performing metro area in the United States.
