Top Regional Economic Development Groups

Named for Site Selection Founder McKinley “Mac” Conway, the Mac Conway Awards for Economic Development Excellence this year were determined by a robust index that incorporates Conway Data/Site Selection corporate facility project, investment and jobs numbers across the country (cumulative and per capita) last year; the nationwide 2026 Milken Institute Best Performing Cities Index; the nationwide 2025 Talent Attraction Scorecard from Lightcast; and the nationwide Most Dynamic Metros report released by Heartland Forward in 2025.

By protocol, we list here the names of the chief regional economic development groups for those areas in alphabetical order by metro name, with data on recent projects, programs and initiatives as well as major partner organizations. Of note: A total of 10 of the 20 regions listed here are state capitals. Could proximity to makers of economic development policy make these areas attractive test beds for putting those policies into action?

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