Yuma has received affirmation once again that it is doing better economically than many metropolitan areas of comparable size, this time from a national economic think tank.

  The annual Milken Institute report released this week ranked Yuma 13th on a list of 124 small cities for job growth and economic performance. Last year, it was ranked 32nd.

  The report was welcome news for Ken Rosevear, executive director of the Yuma County Chamber of Commerce. "In spite of what's happening around the country, Yuma is remaining strong, especially compared to the rest of the state."

   Among other cities in Arizona, Prescott dropped from seventh to ninth on the small cities index, while the Phoenix metropolitan area plunged to 32nd from fourth among large cities.

  The best-performing cities index, based on the previous year's numbers, is designed to pinpoint what cities are most successful at creating and sustaining jobs, where wages are increasing and where businesses are thriving, said Michelle Suzuki, spokeswoman for Milken Institute.

  This year's Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Report also reflects another factor: which cities are best weathering the housing market bubble and the slowing economy, she said.

  That was definitely a plus for Yuma, said Armen Bedroussian, research economist for Milken. "It's not necessarily that Yuma had large growth, it hasn't declined as much as other areas. Other metro areas were impacted more severely by the housing downtown and resulting negative impact on construction jobs."

  Another factor in Yuma's favor, he said, is that the city doesn't have a high concentration of manufacturing. "We're finding that those who have saw more of a decline.

  "Yuma was able to dodge the bullet with the housing slump and manufacturing downturn," he said.

  On the other hand, Yuma's strong military presence provides economic stability for the city, Bedroussian said. "That creates a ripple effect for services."

  Julie Engel, interim executive director of Greater Yuma Economic Development Corp., thinks Yuma's advancement in the Milken list is more than just the city holding its own.

  "There was some growth," she said. That's been true for Yuma Proving Ground and Marine Corps Air Station Yuma, as well as the medical profession, the college and some manufacturing.

  In many cases, the job growth in those sectors also contributed to Yuma's excellent standing in the creation of new high-tech positions as well as increased wages, she said.

  The Milken report ranked Yuma second among small cities around the nation for growth in the high-tech sector last year and third for the past five years. It also ranked Yuma fifth for five-year job growth between 2002 and 2007, and eighth in wage and salary growth over the past five years.

  The Milken index was begun in 2002, said Bedroussian. Yuma consistently has had a good showing, placing 17th in 2002, sixth in 2003, sixth in 2004, ninth in 2005, 32nd in 2007 and 13th this year. There was no report for 2006.

  Engel expects Yuma to do well next year, too. YPG has seen 40 percent growth in personnel this year and a 30 percent increase in workload, in large part because of the fight on terrorism, she said. MCAS also has grown, and those added personnel often bring spouses who also fill new high-tech jobs.

  The opening of the Allstate call center will also help boost next year's score for Yuma, as will the ramping up of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol and expansion of the Northwest Industries Inc. glass fabrication plant.