Rationale The ratings on the City of Lausanne are supported by: The city's high wealth levels, as GDP per capita is estimated at 165% of the EU-15 average; Its highly service-oriented economy, particularly in real estate and business-oriented services, health and social care, and financial services; The city's collaborative network of research institutions and private companies, which are the basis of future development, and enjoy excellent location factors; The city's special status and importance as capital of the State of Vaud, and its strategy to increase regional cooperation, which should improve Lausanne's economy and infrastructure; The newly-elected city government's goal to balance overall accounts by 2005; and Lausanne's solid financial performance--although it has budgeted for a weakening trend over the
