Kiplinger's Kevin Stolarick evaluated the listed cities for growth potential, judging the number of professional jobs, the quality of the jobs, and the ability of cities to hold on to them in tough times. Stolarick is quoted as saying, "Although downturns are felt by everyone, our research has shown that the impact is less severe for those in the creative class - people who are paid to think."
Stolarick looked for the presence of occupations and people filling them in the industries of science, engineering, architecture, and education. Albuquerque's recent acquisition of the Schott solar power plant was cited, as well as the industries that attracted it; Sandia National Laboratories and Lockheed Martin's national defense plant, and the PHD's at the University of New Mexico. UNM has special programs to educate workers in these industries.
Other attractions are the growing film industry in Albuquerque as well as it's "Green City" promotions such as energy efficient requirements for home and commercial buildings, and the city's bike trails all along the Rio Grande.
All manner of "upwardly mobile" residents will find a happy home in Albuquerque, NM.
The Top 10 Cities on the list were:
- Huntsville, AL
- Albuquerque, NM
- Washington DC
- Charlottesville, VA
- Athens, GA
- Olympia, WA
- Madison, WI
- Austin, TX
- Flagstaff, AZ
- Raleigh, NC
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