Jacksonville has seen a rise in several key areas of its market over the past 12 months, according to an economic growth study. The Milken Institute's 2014 best-performing cities index ranked Jacksonville No. 64, up from No. 133 the previous year.
The report, which grades about 200 large and 179 small metro markets, ranks metro areas for job growth, wage and salary growth, relative high-tech gross domestic product growth and the number of high-tech industries. The Milken Institute is a nonprofit based in Santa Monica, Calif. "This is just another example of putting Jacksonville on the map," Ted Carter, executive director of the Office of Economic Development Director, said during the NE FL Regional Economic Development CREW Luncheon at The River Club.
Jacksonville received a better economic ranking compared to other cities in the state, including Miami and Tampa, which demonstrates growth in the job market and overall economic stability, Carter said."We're seeing a ton of international companies looking at Jacksonville," he said. "There are probably four international prospects that we're in discussions with."
"We see positive trends in the Jacksonville market and it is good to see these reflected in the rankings. Go Jax!" Said Prime Realty's CEO Tyler Saldutti.
This is an article published by The Jacksonville Biz Journal, written by Andrew Thurlow.
