Which American Cities are Leading the Economic Recovery?

While California's cities continue to be a drag on the country's job growth, cities in the Northeast and the South are doing better than average, says a new report from the Urban Institute.

1 minute read

August 9, 2012, 11:00 AM PDT

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


Conor Dougherty discusses the findings contained in a new report released this week by the Urban Institute. "Despite a nascent real-estate recovery, cities that were hard hit by the
bust remain worst off while southern cities, buoyed by faster
population growth and industries like manufacturing and energy
exploration, remain the most insulated by the recession," writes Dougherty, summarizing the report's results. "Most of the
rest of the nation remains a hodgepodge of conflicting trends that are
emblematic of the jagged national recovery."

The reason for the wide variation in job growth can be attributed the industry composition of local job markets. For instance, according to the report, "Metros with large Education and Health
and, in some cases Government, sectors were generally resistant to the
worst negative employment effects during the recession and remain
relatively strong in the recovery.  Other areas were hit harder but are
recovering well -these include metros with focal Manufacturing,
Professional and Business Services, and to a lesser extent Leisure and
Hospitality and Trade, Transport, Utilities industries."

However, "The areas of highest concern are metros
that are the 'Vulnerable' metros, which have experienced both steep
recessions and slower than average recoveries, include many metros
dominated by Retail Trade, Leisure and Hospitality, or Trade,
Transportation, and Utilities."

Wednesday, August 8, 2012 in The Wall Street Journal

portrait of professional woman

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

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

Get top-rated, practical training

Close-up of "Apartment for rent" sign in red text on black background in front of blurred building

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program

Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

April 21, 2025 - Housing Wire

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 30, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Ken Jennings stands in front of Snohomish County Community Transit bus.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series

The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

April 20, 2025 - Streetsblog USA

Close-up of white panel at top of school bus with "100% electric" black text.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation

California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

April 30 - California Air Resources Board

Aerial view of Freeway Park cap park over I-5 interstate freeway in Seattle, Washington at night.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

April 30 - Streetsblog USA

"No Thru Traffic - Open Streets Restaurants" sign in New York City during Covid-19 pandemic.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street

How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.

April 30 - Next City