In 2000, a journey began that started as a curiosity, became a thesis, and resulted in a passion.  That passion, to know what makes America’s hometowns tick, led to the creation of Boomtown USA: The 7 ½ Keys to Big Success in Small Towns.  When research for the book began, the focus was the 15,800 communities in the U.S. that lay outside of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).  That group was narrowed to 1,200 good communities, which was narrowed to 800 better communities, before being narrowed to the 397 best communities – the agurbs®.  Out of the 397 agurbs®, 100 of them have been designated Golden Eagles for being better than the best. It took two years to compile the agurbs®.

Since the publication of Boomtown USA we have continued our research of America’s hometowns and continue to grow our knowledge of these communities and the stories behind their success.  We focus our research on economic trends that will affect the communities we serve as well as on the economic development practices that can enable these communities to thrive.  Boomtown Institute is not only a community mentor, but the resource on issues concerning America’s hometowns.