(Bloomberg) — More cities are hiring than at any time since the Great Recession as the reviving economy and rising property taxes allow higher spending for a second straight year, according to a report released today.

One-third of cities and towns expanded their workforces this year, compared with reductions in 18 percent, according to an annual survey by the National League of Cities.

This is the first year since 2008 that job additions outpaced cuts. The gains come as 80 percent of cities said their financial position is stronger than a year ago, the most in at least 29 years.

"Growth in those jobs is a good sign for the economy," said Christiana McFarland, the research director for the Washington-based league. "Things are going in a positive direction."

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