Quad Cities named top metro for economic projects on Mississippi River Corridor
Recent investment in the Quad Cities metro region has been recognized by Site Selection Magazine as part of its 2022 Governor’s Cup Awards. The economic development magazine annually ranks metropolitan and micropolitan areas by number of projects per capita and by total number of projects. Site Selection's Conway Projects Database tracks projects that meet one or more of these criteria: a minimum investment of $1 million, creation of 20 or more new jobs or 20,000 square feet or more of new construction. Awards are based on growth in the industries of manufacturing, call centers, headquarters, data centers, distribution warehouse, office and research and development.
With 24 total projects, the Quad Cities ranked #6 in total number of large-scale economic investment projects on the Mississippi River Corridor, ranking behind only larger metros such as St. Louis, Minneapolis, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Memphis. The Quad Cities also ranked #10 in projects per capita in the same category.
“The continued acknowledgement of economic growth in our region pushes us to the forefront of competing communities in terms of corporate investments, talent and jobs,” said Tami Petsche, Vice President of Business & Economic Growth for the Quad Cities Chamber. “This achievement brings awareness of the Quad Cities to companies and site location consultants across the country, presenting our region as a premier place to do business.”
Local communities that earned recognition as top micropolitans by number of large-scale economic investments are:
- Muscatine (5)
- Clinton (2)
Muscatine also received the distinction of having the second most projects per capita on the Mississippi River Corridor. Statewide, Illinois is ranked #2 in total number of large-scale investments, and #4 in projects per capita. Iowa ranked #9 in number of large-scale investments per capita. View the full list of national and metro rankings in the 2022 Governor's Cup Awards.