When we look at cities working to make themselves desirable places to live and work, the criteria for Wyse Awards expands beyond financial factors to include quality-of-life factors. In this case, we examined which U.S. cities (combined statistical areas with a population 250k+) have been most effective at improving the quality of the air their residents breathe. Using air quality index (AQI) data sourced from Puraka Clean Air Research, we found the top five cities working the hardest - or possibly the smartest - at decreasing air pollution levels over the last 15 years, with breathtaking results. Compare the results using our interactive chart, available here.

Note - These Wyse Awards are going to cities that have made significant progress in reducing air pollution, not necessarily the same as having the lowest pollution overall. We believe the effects of policy decisions are good indicators of long term city health, so with these awards we want to draw attention to metros that have been able to move the dial on measures impacting quality of life. Learn more about how the EPA measures air quality.