Data: https://milkeninstitute.org/report/best-performing-cities-2022; Note: Large and small cities classified according to U.S. Census; Map: Kavya Beheraj/Axios
Colorado Springs is sitting in the spotlight.
What to know: The state's second biggest city — at the foot of Pikes Peak — just landed at No. 9 on the Milken Institute's new ranking of "best-performing" large U.S. cities.
It's a big jump from a year prior when it stood at No. 17.
The report cites its strong job growth and economic stability through the pandemic.
Why it matters: Colorado Springs is emerging from Denver's shadow to make its own national name.