CHARLOTTE, N.C., Nov. 17, 2023 - The Charlotte Region is among the top places in the country to live or do business, according to a new survey of more than 100 site selectors and corporate decision-makers.
Charlotte ranked No. 1 for quality of life amongst key competitor markets and No. 2 in attractiveness for expansion/relocation projects, according to the study. The survey was conducted by Slalom, a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company, on behalf of the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance. Slalom surveyed more than 100 site selectors and corporate decision-makers who compared Charlotte with 15 competitor markets including: Atlanta; Austin, TX; Boston; Chicago; Columbus, OH; Dallas, Denver, Kansas City, MO; Los Angeles; Nashville, TN; New York; Phoenix; San Francisco; Seattle; and Tampa, FL.
Slalom's study found that the cost of living is the most important factor for quality of life, followed by the availability of good K-12 education, and safety. Charlotte's cost of living is lower than the national average, which helped it secure the top spot.
The Charlotte Region came in at No. 2 for business expansions and relocations due to its strong quality of life, strategic value, and talent availability.
The study also found that talent availability and the skill level of workers are top decision drivers for both industrial and office projects. The Charlotte Region boasts a strong talent pool, with a number of universities and colleges located in the region. However, there are still potential growth areas for Charlotte to continue investing in talent training, incentives, and remote/flexible work options.
As one surveyed site selector said, "Labor is one of the most crucial aspects to site selection, and (in manufacturing) we struggle to find the right talent. Especially since COVID, there [has] been more need for flexibility in working and employers need to understand this."
Slalom's survey uncovered other key opportunities for Charlotte to enhance the perception of its region. Ranked second in market attractiveness behind Atlanta, respondents believe the Charlotte Region can improve by focusing on regional differentiators, robust university systems, economic development organizational (EDO) awareness, political climate, and a continued focus on quality of life.
About Slalom:
Slalom is a purpose-led, global business and technology consulting company. From strategy to implementation, our approach is fiercely human. In eight countries and 45 markets, we deeply understand our customers—and their customers—to deliver practical, end-to-end solutions that drive meaningful impact. Backed by close partnerships with over 400 leading technology providers, our nearly 12,000-strong team helps people and organizations dream bigger, move faster, and build better tomorrows for all. We're honored to be consistently recognized as a great place to work, including being one of Fortune's 100 Best Companies to Work For eight years running. Learn more at slalom.com.
About the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance:
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, The Charlotte Regional Business Alliance® is the leading voice of business for the City of Charlotte and the 14-county, bi-state region. Formed in 2018 through the merger of the Charlotte Chamber of Commerce and the Charlotte Regional Partnership, today's CLT Alliance is the only regional economic development organization that grows the economy, advocates for businesses, and convenes diverse stakeholders. Our mission is to enthusiastically collaborate to promote and advance the Charlotte Region, creating opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity for all. To learn more, visit charlotteregion.com.
SOURCE Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
