Which U.S. Cities Are Growing Inclusively?

The economy can look very different depending on where you're standing. Richard Shearer and Alan Berube write, "inclusive growth occurs when all segments of society share in the benefits of economic growth [...] recent failures to achieve inclusive growth, especially in advanced economies like Europe and the United States, helps to explain the political and societal divisions they increasingly face."

According to data from the Brookings Metro Monitor, inclusive growth is hard to achieve these days. "Measured one way—by improving the employment rate, median earnings, and relative poverty—only 11 of the 30 [most prosperous] metro areas achieved inclusive economic outcomes: Albany, Austin, Charleston, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Oklahoma City, Omaha, San Antonio, Tulsa, and Worcester."

The piece lists some characteristics of more inclusive urban economies. "These patterns indicate a 'high-road' economic development strategy that prioritizes both high-skilled, innovative sectors like technology and middle-skill traded sectors like manufacturing and logistics can facilitate inclusive growth."