Issue 11.49

December 19, 2025

COMPETING FOR GROWTH

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE NATIONAL MARKET

At our Developing Delaware conference in October, Keynote Speaker Ron Starner gave attendees an early look at the Site Selection Business Climate Survey results, which were later released in November. All 50 states are ranked using a 14-metric index that reflects real-world site selection priorities, drawing on input from corporate real estate executives, actual corporate investment data, and indicators tied to taxes, infrastructure, and innovation ecosystems. Delaware's ranking reflects how site selectors and corporate decision-makers view our state when choosing where to invest, expand, and create jobs. Here are some key takeaways from his presentation and the survey results:

FOUR NATIONAL TRENDS IN SITE SELECTION

ANNOUNCED PROJECTS

in 2025 on pace to meet or exceed 2024

FDI PROJECT ACTIVITY SLOWS

as investors await equilibrium on tariff policies and trade deals

MOST ACTIVE SECTORS

include data centers, logistics, food processing, energy, AI software, microelectronics, and life sciences

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

remain king: Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Florida, Tennessee, the Carolinas, Georgia, Indiana, and Michigan

TOP 10 SITE SELECTION FACTORS

Utilities
Permitting/Regulations
Transportation Infrastructure
Workforce Skills
Quality of Life

6. Land/Building Prices & Supply

7. State & Local Tax Scheme

8. Workforce Development Programs

9. Higher Education Resources

10. Economic Development Strategy

THE X FACTOR: POWER When Site Selection asked site consultants an open-ended question about the role of electric power in site selection, their message was clear: “The demand for sufficient power will be a differentiating factor among states and communities for projects—such as data centers, battery factories, and clean energy facilities—that require large amounts of electricity.” Another consultant put it even more bluntly: “If you don’t have available power, you are going to get cut.”

SO WHERE DOES DELAWARE RANK?

Texas
North Carolina
Georgia
Virginia
Florida
Ohio
Illinois
Indiana
Arizona
Colorado

41. Delaware

42. Oregon

43. West Virginia

44. Maine

45. Montana

46. New Hampshire

47. Vermont

48. Alaska

49. Rhode Island

50. Hawaii

WHERE DELAWARE EXCELS

YOUNG TALENT IS DELAWARE'S COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE

Despite Delaware’s bottom-tier ranking in Site Selection’s survey results, several factors set the state apart. Chief among them is talent.

In Sussex County, coastal amenities, beach communities, and access to the Chesapeake Bay have drawn thousands of younger adults since the pandemic, accounting for much of Delaware’s recent population growth among working-age residents. Since 2020, Delaware’s population ages 25 to 44 has grown by nearly 14,000—compared with just 5,279 during the first four years of the 2010s.

That momentum is reflected in national rankings. Delaware places 8th nationwide in Lightcast’s 2025 Talent Attraction Scorecard, a sharp rise from 16th last year. In 2025, Delaware also ranks:

5^th

in college-educated population growth

7^th

in attraction of earners

8^th

in job growth

10^th

in high-earning job growth

12^th

in blue-collar job growth

15^th

in competitive effect

FAST FACT: Delaware had the 6th largest increase in the U.S. in incomes for residents ages 25 to 44 over the past five years. For residents under 25, Delaware had the largest gain in incomes in the country.

DSCC WELCOMES EVAN PARK

Bringing experience from both the public and private sectors, the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce is excited to welcome Evan Park as our new vice president of government relations. In this role, Evan leads the State Chamber’s advocacy efforts, working closely with policymakers, stakeholders, and our members and policy committees to advance a legislative agenda that supports Delaware’s business community and strengthens the state’s economic competitiveness. Learn more about Evan >

Welcome Evan to the State Chamber

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM DSCC!

The DSCC team celebrated the holiday season Thursday afternoon with a celebration at Delaware Park Casino. We wish all of our members, constituents, and partners a very happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year. We’ll return with our weekly emails in 2026 as we continue working to serve and advocate for Delaware’s business community.