Kiplinger's magazine recently named Flint one of 11 comeback cities in 2011. Mayor Dayne Walling today highlighted one factor that played a role in that decision.
During a morning news conference, Walling explained that Kiplinger's based its findings on the city's economic data. Job growth in the Flint is expected to be 2.5 percent in 2011.
Walling said he's excited to see those new jobs coming from a variety of sectors. "General Motors is adding jobs and our suppliers are adding jobs. And then the health care institutions - the hospitals, the medical centers - everyone is expanding and adding jobs coming out of this recession."
One of the bright spots in the city is Hurley Medical Center. Come June, the hospital will sport a new lobby and gift shop, a pharmacy and a new admitting area.
There will also be a new emergency room and 40 new jobs to go with it.
GM will also add a third shift at the truck plant sometime in June or July. That means 700 more jobs.
Walling also cited small business growth like Witherbee's market in downtown Flint as a key factor in the city's turnaround.
