\u201cThis milestone is a reflection of the momentum our community has built together,\u201d said Tampa Mayor Jane Castor. \u201cWe\u2019re creating an environment where businesses thrive, families succeed and big ideas feel right at home.\u201d<\/p>\n
What\u2019s driving Tampa\u2019s rise<\/p>\n
Site selection consultants cited several factors behind Tampa\u2019s ranking, including a favorable tax climate, access to a diverse and skilled workforce, quality of life and a growing increase in foreign direct investment.<\/p>\n
READ: TAMPA BAY BUSINESS NEWS<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cWhen companies choose Tampa for their headquarters, they do so because this city is welcoming, rich in highly skilled talent and supportive of the success of those who live, work and grow their companies here,\u201d said Archie Collins, president and CEO of Tampa Electric. \u201cTampa\u2019s magic is its people, followed by the exceptional quality of life this region offers.\u201d<\/p>\n USF partnership and a talent pipeline strategy<\/p>\n The ranking lands as the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council continues to emphasize talent, research and industry targeting as the engine behind Tampa\u2019s momentum.<\/p>\n Craig Richard<\/a>, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay EDC, was recognized in December with the University of South Florida\u2019s Distinguished Citizen Award, an honor for distinguished public service to Florida, particularly within USF\u2019s service area. <\/p>\n READ: TAMPA BAY REAL ESTATE NEWS<\/a><\/p>\n Richard said the long-running partnership between the EDC<\/a> and USF<\/a> has shaped Tampa Bay\u2019s economic strategy in ways that are now showing up in national rankings.<\/p>\n \u201cSince 2009, the partnership between the Tampa Hillsborough Economic Development Corporation, now the Tampa Bay EDC and the University of South Florida has been a cornerstone of innovation and opportunity in our region,\u201d Richard said. \u201cFrom the start, USF has been more than a partner. It has charted our course for connecting talent, research and entrepreneurship.\u201d<\/p>\n Richard credited USF President Rhea Law and President Emerita Dr. Judy Genshaft with helping establish the organization and guiding its work through the years. <\/p>\n READ: Tampa Bay\u2019s growth is no accident: 2026 outlook<\/a><\/p>\n He said Law chaired the EDC in 2011 and served on the steering committee for the EDC\u2019s new strategic plan, while Genshaft, through her family\u2019s Genspiration Foundation, made a gift to the EDC\u2019s Foundation to fund a USF intern program designed to train future economic developers<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cUSF has played a key role in the EDC\u2019s economic diversification and strengthening of our target industries over the years,\u201d Richard said. \u201cThis focused effort has propelled the Tampa Bay EDC to one of the top economic development organizations in the country and Tampa as the top city in the United States for foreign businesses.\u201d<\/p>\n What still needs work to stay competitive<\/p>\n Even with Tampa\u2019s rise, Richard said the next five years will require focus on talent retention, innovation and infrastructure investment<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cRegardless of what we\u2019ve achieved and our rise in global and national rankings, Tampa Bay can\u2019t afford to rest on its laurels,\u201d he said. \u201cStaying competitive means keeping our focus on recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent.\u201d<\/p>\n READ: Downtown Tampa Development & Real Estate News<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Craig](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Untitled-8-22-728x410.jpeg.optimal.jpeg\")
Craig J. Richard, president and CEO of the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council, is recognized with the University of South Florida\u2019s Distinguished Citizen Award, honoring his public service and role in shaping Tampa Bay\u2019s economic growth.<\/p>\n