The Best and Worst Run Cities in Amercia

A new study concludes that encouraging businesses to prosper and create jobs is the most important function of local government.

1 minute read

January 14, 2012, 9:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


24/7 Wall Street reviewed the local economies, fiscal discipline and standard of living of the 100 largest cities by population in compiling its first annual list of the best and worst run cities in America. Their analysis suggests that the most important quality separating the best run cities from the worst is access to jobs.

Of note: "Nine out of the 10 worst-run cities on this list rely on older industries that are shrinking...While residents who were able to moved away, those without resources remained. As a result, the cities' expenses remained high while their tax bases shrunk."

Check out the list to see if your city made the cut.

Thursday, January 5, 2012 in 24/7 Wall Street

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I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

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