DEARBORN — The City has once again been recognized for its work to foster entrepreneurial growth and economic development in the annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research.

Dearborn was honored as a five-star community, one of just 29 communities across the state. It is the third time for the five-star honor. It also earned a commendable four-star designation in 2010.

The 29 five-star communities spend a combined $2.2 million on economic development, have 15 percent of Michigan’s population with a professional degree, and 92 percent share services related to economic development with another municipality.

The study focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance to expansion and diversification of Michigan’s regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation. To date, 182 communities across Michigan have participated in the study.