DEARBORN — The city has been recognized as a hub for entrepreneurial growth and economic development for the fifth consecutive year. 

The annual eCities study conducted by researchers at iLabs, University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Center for Innovation Research, gave Dearborn the distinction.

Dearborn was one of 19 communities across the state to receive a five-star designation in the study. Dearborn has received a five-star honor each year since 2011. The city earned four-stars in 2010.

“We appreciate this recognition, which once again acknowledges that the city is always looking for opportunities to promote Dearborn to business investors and reflects our success in attracting new development,” Mayor Jack O’Reilly, Jr. said in a press release.

Dearborn and the other 19 municipalities selected as five-star communities spent more than $3.4 million on economic development, had more than $31 million in additions to assets in the past year and had more than $29 billion in combined real and personal property values.

The eCities study surveyed 66 communities from 29 Michigan counties that are home to more than 19 percent of the state’s residents and 10 percent of its college graduates.

Tim Davis, director of iLabs, said the eCities project highlights how local governments from across the state are cultivating and supporting economic development. 

“These communities show how local governments can work in distinct and strategic ways to energize public spaces, while investing in businesses and job development,” he said. 

The annual eCities project, which began in 2007, uses data supplied by participants, as well other public records to assemble a six-factor, 32-item index of entrepreneurial activity, examining factors like clustering, incentives, growth, policies, community and education.