ATLANTA – April 3, 2012 – Atlanta ranked second in job growth among major metropolitan areas between January 2011 and January 2012 with an increase of 3.1%, according to a recent study by Arizona State University. The figures, which reflect non-agricultural job growth among populations of at least a million workers, support the idea that the improving economy is stimulating the job growth throughout the U.S. and in Georgia. The study is according to researcher Lee McPheters, who based findings on the latest job figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Zipcar Study: Most Innovative City

Atlanta also bested 36 other metropolitan cities to stake its claim as the most innovative city as it continues to emerge as a leader in the technology sector. Zipcar Inc.’s first “Future Metropolis Index

” study supports other rankings, listing the city as a top innovator across several key areas which are vital for economic growth, and to stay competitive in a 21^st global economy.

The car-sharing service Zipcar, commissioned the research group KRC Research to study the 36 largest cities in the U.S., and then rank them according to five categories, including innovation. The study took into account the most universities and Wi-Fi spots per 100,000 city residents, and by those measures, Atlanta was number one.

KPMG: 2^nd Least Costly Business Location

Atlanta was ranked the second least-costly location to do business in the United States among the 27 largest metro areas, according to a new study

from audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG. The study said its 2012 “Competitive Alternatives” study measured 26 cost components in each market, including labor, taxes, real estate, and utilities, as they apply to 19 industries over a 10-year analysis horizon.

“We’re thrilled with the results of both the ASU, Zipcar, and KPMG studies,” said Brian P. McGowan, CEO of Invest Atlanta, the city of Atlanta’s economic development agency. “We’ll continue to encourage job growth among tech-start ups, small businesses and large corporations. Atlanta is a hotbed right now for innovation and job growth and we look forward to paving the way for others in the industry.”

“The city of Atlanta’s consistently high rankings are a testament to our fast growing industries across all sectors,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “The city will continue to implement its programs and incentives to retain and attract more investments – from the major fortune 500 companies to small businesses.”

Atlanta was also recently ranked ninth out of 50 large U.S. cities for startup technology jobs in a study conducted by PayScale Inc. Additional rankings for Atlanta in 2011 include:

###

About Invest Atlanta

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta.  Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.

Chaired by the Mayor of Atlanta, and governed by a nine-member board of directors, Invest Atlanta’s programs and initiatives focus on developing and fostering public/private partnerships to create jobs, grow the economy, revitalize neighborhoods, attract investment, spur innovation, and encourage entrepreneurship. To achieve these goals, Invest Atlanta leverages the benefits of bond financing, revolving loan funds, housing financing, tax increment financing (TIF), and tax credits.

For more information on how Invest Atlanta can provide solutions for you or your business, contact us at: 404-880-4100, e-mail: wcronin@investatlanta.com, or visit us at: www.InvestAtlanta.com. To get the latest updates, follow us on Twitter @InvestAtlanta, and Like us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/InvestAtlanta

.