As we commemorate Tallahassee’s bicentennial, it is fitting that we have just been recognized as the strongest economy in the United States.
The report was published by Area Development, a publication focusing on the corporate site selection and relocation industry. While we are often ranked as having the best parks, being a top place to start a career, or one of the best places to retire, this report was an objective measure of our economy.
Indeed, it measured Tallahassee against 383 other metro areas across the U.S. in two dozen categories that reflect the health and strength of an economy, including jobs, GDP, unemployment, advanced industries employment, and the preparedness of the workforce. The report’s methodology was centered on identifying locations with an upward economic trajectory and where growth is expected to continue.
As I reflect on my time at Florida State University and the London School of Economics, where I studied the essential pillars of a flourishing economy—namely, job creation, sustained growth, and increased economic productivity—it is evident that our current standing is a testament to our concerted efforts.
This achievement is not a stroke of luck or an overnight success; rather, it is the result of deliberate planning and execution outlined in our strategic plan. By focusing on attracting new businesses, nurturing existing ones, and fostering a highly skilled workforce adaptable to the demands of modern industries, we’ve witnessed remarkable progress.
Over the past five years alone, we’ve seen the creation of more than 15,000 new jobs, with nearly all of them originating from the private sector. Notably, these jobs span across diverse sectors, including research, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and professional services, offering competitive wages and fostering economic stability.
Our commitment to enhancing infrastructure has also played a pivotal role in our economic strength. By prioritizing the development of our airport and investing strategically, we’ve boosted its annual economic impact by almost 50%, reaching nearly $1 billion annually. Additionally, initiatives such as the $28 million International Processing Facility and the forthcoming Foreign Trade Zone have fortified our position as a regional economic powerhouse, catering to the evolving needs and diversification of our economy.
In the past five years alone, our local economy has surged by nearly 25%, with GDP surpassing $19.2 billion—a testament to our clear priorities and strategic investments.
These recent rankings, grounded in rigorous economic indicators and job growth metrics, underscore our unwavering commitment to fostering economic vitality and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. Importantly, these rankings were crafted with a specific audience in mind: C-suite executives, businesses exploring expansion opportunities, and national site selectors. This deliberate approach is pivotal, as attracting external investments not only bolsters our economy but also generates new job opportunities and enhances overall quality of life within our community.
This recognition reflects our focus on economic growth and further positions Tallahassee for future economic success as one of the country’s prime areas for business investment and job creation.
I’m proud to serve as mayor of this strong city.
John Dailey is the mayor of the city of Tallahassee.
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