Between stock market gyrations and Washington incalcitrance, 2011 was an exhausting year. Every time it looked like the economy was improving, crankiness grabbed the headlines.

It’s worth reflecting that in fact, 2011 wasn’t such a bad year after all. As Doug Hanks points out in his annual retrospective, many conditions improved.

Unemployment dropped. Home sales increased. Condo cranes again migrated to our shores. A trio of new megaprojects were announced, and the free trade pact with Colombia was at last approved.

Hotel occupancy and room rates grew significantly, the Frank Gehry-designed New World Symphony center opened and Art Basel Miami Beach hit record attendance that translates into dollars for restaurants, hotels and taxis.

Much remains uncertain as we head into 2012. Will gambling come to South Florida? Will more locals find jobs? Will Congress get anything done? Will the Heat take the national finals?

On this cusp of the new year, let’s hope for the best.