Baton Rouge ranked No. 18 on the Milken Institute and Greenstreet Real Estate Partners’ Best Performing Cities list of 2009 — released in November — based on Baton Rouge’s job sustainability and economic performance.The study, which is completed annually, measures the growth and sustainment of high-quality jobs across the nation, said Jennifer Manfre, Milken Institute associate director of communications.Baton Rouge ranked on the list of the top large metro areas, which are large population areas with high economic and social integration, according to the study.Baton Rouge moved up 22 spots from No. 40 on the list in 2008 because of a slowing population growth and increased job growth, according to the study.Baton Rouge’s population grew after residents from New Orleans migrated to capital city after Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The population increase created a high demand for real estate, education and health services, the study said.Job growth in Baton Rouge from April 2008 to March 2009 increased 0.5 percent, and wage and salary growth showed significant strides, according to the study.LSU and Southern University are equipped for producing high-skilled laborers, according to the study.Dek Terrell, economics professor, said Baton Rouge has done well in comparison to other cities because of increased spending for storm damage and the state’s type of manufacturing.”We manufacture chemicals and non-durable goods, which tend to be less sensitive to recessions,” Terrell said.The study is compiled to provide information for business and economic developers, Manfre said.”They look at the study to see what areas are growing right now and what would be a good climate for business and capital,” she said.The 2009 study was based on metro areas’ sustainability because of the economic recession, Manfre said.”A lot of metros moved up in the rankings because other places didn’t do well,” she said. “If they moved up they are holding their own and hanging in there in this difficult economy.”  Anna Gradney, business management sophomore, said Baton Rouge’s high ranking on the list encourages her to stay in Baton Rouge after graduation.”It makes me feel safer that jobs are safe here,” she said.Other large Louisiana metros in Louisiana ranked on the list included New Orleans, Lafayette and Shreveport.- – – -Contact Kristen M’lissa Rowlett at [email protected]