Research from Brookings identifies metro areas with economies that are not only growing, but growing in an equitable way. The list is short, but may offer some insights.
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."
FULL STORY: The surprisingly short list of U.S. metro areas achieving inclusive economic growth
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City of Albany
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research