The good news for Lafayette just keeps on coming.

Area Development, the premier publication covering site selection and facility planning, has ranked Lafayette number one for their "Leading Locations" list in the Best Midsize City, Best City in the South, and Best Overall City categories.

City-Parish President Joey Durel joined “Mornings with Ken and Bernie” for his weekly “Lafayette Live” segment to discuss the accolades and what they mean for Lafayette.

380 MSAs (Metropolitan Statistical Area) were graded over 21 different economic and workforce indicators to determine Area Development's prestigious "Leading Locations" list.

LEDA (Lafayette Economic Development Authority) CEO Gregg Gothreaux credits Lafayette's ability to show growth in the face of economic adversity as the reason why the city is being recognized.

Lafayette has seen significant economic growth in recent years and this recognition from Area Development reflects that. Local economic indicators have rebounded and, in many cases, exceeded pre-recession levels. - Gregg Gothreaux, president and CEO of LEDA

Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel was all smiles when describing the national recognition.

The nice thing about these rankings is it's not just your local politician telling you how things are good. You have somebody outside recognizing it. It lends a much higher level of credibility. It reminds us that no matter how much you may be struggling, we've got it a lot better than most. - Joey Durel

Durel pointed out in tongue in cheek manner that Lafayette actually beat out Austin, Texas, the city many have brought up as a model for Lafayette during the Lafayette Comprehensive Plan discussions.

You know, I've always heard that Austin says they want to be the Lafayette of Texas. - Joey Durel

To listen to the full interview, click the play button below: