HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-30-25 Correspondence - Heartland Forward - Bozeman named #3 Most Dynamic Metro in USAFrom:J.T. Geren
To:J.T. Geren
Subject:[EXTERNAL]Bozeman named #3 Most Dynamic Metro in USA
Date:Thursday, January 30, 2025 10:00:00 AM
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MDM24PressRelease[46].pdf
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Good morning,
Congratulations! We are excited to share that your metro area has been named #3 in Heartland
Forward’s “2024 Most Dynamic Metropolitans” report. Your metro’s high ranking is a testament to
effective planning, smart policy and a shared commitment to your citizens – all worth celebrating.
Heartland Forward is the nation’s only think-and-do tank dedicated to advancing the economic
opportunity of the 20 states we define as the heartland. For the past six years, this report has served as a
benchmark to celebrate success and identify opportunities for growth in cities across the country.
The “Most Dynamic Metropolitans” report ranks 380 metropolitan areas by measuring key indicators like
employment growth, average annual pay, real GDP, entrepreneurial activity and educational attainment.
Using multiple data points, the report is a valuable tool for governors, U.S. mayors and economic
development departments to evaluate their policies and identify best practices for growth, development
and community health.
Key trends identified in the report include:
AI investment and policy
Advanced manufacturing innovation
Post-pandemic tourism and recreation growth
Oil, gas and alternative energy
University-driven growth
You can read the full report on our website.
We issued a national press release, which you will find attached to this message. Also attached is asocial media graphic identifying your metro as a Top 30 Most Dynamic Metropolitan. Weencourage you and your team to share the graphic and tag us using the handles listed below. We
will make sure to repost on our accounts!
LinkedIn: @Heartland Forward
X: @HeartlandFwd
Instagram: @HeartlandForward
Facebook: @HeartlandFwd
Once again, congratulations on a fantastic 2024. We look forward to monitoring your metropolitans’
dynamic growth in 2025 and hope to see you back at the top next year!
Sincerely,
J.T. Geren
AI and Advanced Manufacturing are Driving America’s “Most Dynamic
Metropolitans”
Heartland Forward’s report highlights how AI, advanced manufacturing, tourism and energy are
reshaping U.S. metros
Bentonville, Ark. – American metropolitans with AI investments, advanced manufacturing,
tourism and energy sources rank among the Most Dynamic Metropolitans (MDM) in leading
think-and-do tank Heartland Forward’s most recent index. Midland, Texas; Wildwood-The
Villages, Fla.; and Bozeman, Mont. ranked as the top three most dynamic metropolitans. The
report, now in its sixth year, provides a benchmark for identifying growth areas across the
country by measuring where American communities are thriving and showcasing the strategies
these communities are using effectively.
The MDM ranks 380 metropolitan areas using key indicators of economic vitality, including
employment growth, average annual pay, real GDP, entrepreneurial activity and educational
attainment. Metrics are categorized to evaluate both short-term (2022-2023) and medium-term
(2018-2023) economic trends. Using multiple data points, the MDM is a valuable tool for U.S.
mayors and economic development departments to evaluate their policies and identify best
practices for growth, development, and community health.
Key Findings from the 2024 Report:
• AI Investment and Productivity: Major tech hubs like Silicon Valley and Austin are
investing heavily in generative artificial intelligence, boosting productivity by optimizing
operations, automating processes and streamlining decision-making across industries.
• Advanced Manufacturing Innovation: Agriculture and semiconductors are being
transformed by innovations in advanced manufacturing with regions like Boise, Idaho
and Sherman-Denison, Texas at the forefront of these advancements.
• Post-Pandemic Tourism and Recreation Growth: Real estate development in places
like Bozeman and Helena, Mont. is being spurred by the post-pandemic growth in
tourism and outdoor recreation, transforming smaller micropolitan areas into thriving
metropolitan hubs.
Oil, Gas, and Alternative Energy: Many metros, including the top-ranked Midland,
Texas and Greeley, Colo., have benefited from increased demand for oil and gas
extraction, while lithium and alternative energy sources also contributed to economic
growth.
“These leading metros demonstrate how strategic investments in AI, advanced manufacturing,
tourism and energy can create dynamic economic growth and resilient communities. We
celebrate the mayors and economic development teams whose hard work is reflected in the
rankings,” said Ross DeVol, CEO and chairman of Heartland Forward. “We hope government
leaders will continue to use the lessons of this report to make smart, long-term decisions around
economic growth.”
University-Driven Growth: Of the top 10 heartland metropolitans, six are home to universities.
Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, Auburn University, The University of
Alabama in Huntsville (UAH), The University of Arkansas and Vanderbilt University are fostering
research, innovation and workforce development, positioning their metros for long-term success
in emerging industries.
“Metros are adapting to economic shifts and leveraging their strengths to build stronger, more
resilient communities through innovation, entrepreneurship and workforce development,” said
Dave Shideler, chief research officer at Heartland Forward. “By identifying key trends and
opportunities, the report provides policymakers with valuable insights to drive sustainable
growth and improve quality of life across the country.”
The Rankings
Top 25 Metropolitan Areas for 2024
1. Midland, Texas
2. Wildwood-The Villages, Fla.
3. Bozeman, Mont.
4. Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, Texas
5. Naples-Marco Island, Fla.
6. Punta Gorda, Fla.
7. San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Calif.
8. Bend, Ore.
9. Provo-Orem-Lehi, Utah
10. St. George, Utah
11. Boulder, Colo.
12. North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, Fla.
13. Sherman-Denison, Texas
14. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, Calif.
15. Greeley, Colo.
16. Hilton Head Island-Bluffton-Port Royal, S.C.
17. Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Fla.
18. Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, S.C.
19. Durham-Chapel Hill, N.C.
20. Boise City, Idaho
21. College Station-Bryan, Texas
22. Salt Lake City-Murray, Utah
23. Auburn-Opelika, Ala.
24. Helena, Mont.
25. Wilmington, N.C.
Access the full 2024 Most Dynamic Metropolitans report here for detailed rankings and city
profiles. To learn more about Heartland Forward, please visit https://heartlandforward.org.
About Heartland Forward
Heartland Forward is a policy think-and-do tank dedicated to being a resource for states and
local communities in the middle of the country. We do this by studying broad economic trends
and building data-driven and community-tested partnerships, programs and policies to address
the needs of the heartland – all while helping to change the narrative about the middle of the
country and kick-starting economic growth.
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