While the national unemployment rate hovers around 8.2 percent, Boulder's unemployment rate has consistently beaten the national average for the past three years. That's not to say that the city hasn't been impacted by the recession. It has, but not to the extent of other cities.
I'd like to say it's because Boulderites are an incredible breed of entrepreneurs, our businesses are savvy, and we saw it coming in time to prepare. But other cities also have great entrepreneurs, and strong businesses.
So what's working for Boulder? It's our focus on the total package.
Boulder is a lifestyle. People want to be here for the recreation, the culture and the opportunity to be a part of something with global impact. The Boulder culture is not about competing with other cities to attract the biggest employers. It's about keeping the businesses we already have, finding the right mix of companies to complement existing businesses and creating a culture of innovation that grows new companies.
Boulder creates and enhances our culture of innovation in several significant ways:
- We enhance quality of life attributes. Boulder's vibrant community depends on careful attention to creating, protecting and sustaining an environment that provides recreational amenities, supports biking and alternative transportation modes, and ensures a high quality of life that attracts and retains a talented pool of creative workers. Boulder has carefully preserved more than 45,000 acres of open space and built an infrastructure that fosters alternative transportation for commuters and access to Colorado's great outdoors. This attention to "Life in Boulder" is a tremendous asset when recruiting businesses and employees who want to take it to the next level.