Mesa Ranked 11th Best-Run City in the U.S. According to WalletHub Study

Mesa, Arizona has achieved recognition as the 11th best-run city in the nation, according to a recent study conducted by WalletHub. This ranking reflects the city’s efficiency in utilizing its budget to provide quality services to residents.

Overview of the Study

The WalletHub study evaluated 148 of the largest cities in the United States, taking into account various factors including financial stability, education, health, safety, economy, and infrastructure and pollution. The aim was to determine how well cities managed their resources in relation to the services they provided.

Mesa’s Key Rankings

Mesa scored notably in several categories within the study. It placed:

• 10th in total budget per capita
• 19th for economy
• 33rd for safety
• 55th for quality of city services
• 67th for financial stability
• 82nd for education
• 74th for health
• 137th for infrastructure and pollution

Comparison with Other Cities

Other cities in Arizona were also evaluated in the study. Phoenix was ranked 39th, while Tucson came in at 57th. Provo, Utah topped the list as the best-run city in the country, followed by Nampa, Idaho; Manchester, New Hampshire; Boise, Idaho; and Nashua, New Hampshire in the top five positions.

Conversely, Detroit, Michigan, and San Francisco, California were identified as the two cities with the lowest rankings, underscoring the contrasting performance among U.S. cities.

Methodology of the Study

The WalletHub study used 36 metrics to assess the performance of each city. These metrics included credit rating, graduation rates, life expectancy, and road quality. The final scores were determined by averaging the performance across all metrics and dividing these scores by the total budget per capita. This methodology aimed to provide a comprehensive look at how effectively cities are being run.

Significance of Rankings

Analysts from WalletHub noted that the cities ranked highest in the study were those that effectively allocate their budgets to deliver high-quality services to their residents. The rankings reflect not only the financial health of the cities but also the overall well-being and safety of their communities. Such rankings can serve as a benchmark for city officials and residents alike, fostering discussions on potential improvements and best practices.

Conclusion

As Mesa continues to earn accolades for its management and service delivery, other cities may look to its practices as a model for improving their own operations. Such studies highlight the varying capabilities of urban administrations across America and underscore the importance of effective governance in fostering livable communities.