Since 1999, the Milken Institute’s Best-Performing Cities Index has provided a tool for evaluating the impact of high-tech job and wage growth on metro areas across the United States. During the pandemic, the results of the index illustrated the unique challenges presented by economic disruption. Some cities saw thousands of workers relocate due to high costs of living and limited job opportunities, while others benefited from uniquely resilient local industries. Beginning last year, the Best-Performing Cities Index incorporated new measures to account for the inclusiveness of local economic growth. It’s time to examine how these trends influenced the rankings in 2022. What lessons can the best-performing cities offer to others in their wake? And what issues should be the focus for metro-area leaders who want to improve their cities’ performance?

Moderator

Kevin Klowden
Executive Director, Center for Regional Economics, Milken Institute

Speakers

Steve Adler
Mayor, City of Austin

Eric Garcetti
Mayor, City of Los Angeles

Michael Hancock
Mayor, City and County of Denver

Michelle Kaufusi
Mayor of Provo, Utah

Francis Suarez
Mayor of Miami, Florida