Luring business has long been a major strategy among cities to stay prosperous. This ranking lists the cities in America that are best at bringing in and harboring small businesses.
Austin, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and Charleston, South Carolina top the list.
"We used a six-part formula to analyze the nation's 100 largest metropolitan areas, searching for the places that offer the best climates for small businesses. See the bottom of this page for a database with the top-to-bottom standings.
Austin emerged as the clear leader, thanks to its outstanding records in three statistical categories that have a direct impact on small-business activity:"
Population, employment and small business growth.
FULL STORY: Austin leads nation in small-business vitality rankings
2024: The Year in Zoning
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NACTO Releases Updated Urban Bikeway Guide
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Chicago Transit Leaders Call for $1.5B Funding Package
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Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Placer County
Skagit Transit
Berkeley County
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service
City of Cambridge, Maryland