By Andy Coe, Principal at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
In business attraction decisions, first impressions matter. For mid-sized metropolitan areas with populations between 100,000 and 300,000, early screening often determines if a community stays in contention. Site selectors prioritize verified data, site readiness, and execution capacity. Market size alone is no longer enough to remain competitive.
Mid-sized communities offer lower operating costs and faster approvals than major cities, while providing stronger infrastructure than small towns. However, these advantages matter only when they are documented and defensible. Without certified sites, verified utility capacity, and precise workforce data, many communities are eliminated early in the process.
Site Readiness Determines Early Elimination
Site selectors typically review 20 to 30 locations per project, eliminating many before incentives or marketing are considered. The initial screening focuses on site readiness.
Certified sites reduce risk. Environmental reviews, geotechnical studies, and clear title status shorten timelines and increase certainty. Communities lacking this preparation shift the risk to investors, often leading to the end of consideration. Written utility commitments are as important as land control. Power availability, transmission capacity, and broadband redundancy must be clearly defined, with timelines and costs specified.
Permitting processes also affect viability. Fragmented authority or unclear approval paths increase risk. Markets with centralized permitting and clear escalation authority move faster and remain competitive. Those lacking transparent processes often lose projects before cost comparisons begin.
Workforce Data Must Align with Industry Needs
General labor statistics are no longer sufficient. Site selectors require occupation-level data, wage benchmarks, turnover rates, and pipeline capacity. Mid-sized markets face additional pressure when housing shortages or long commutes increase workforce turnover.
Communities unable to document workforce stability or future supply are often eliminated early. Workforce programs are relevant only when they align with employer needs and are supported by enrollment and completion data.
Aligning with target industries reduces risk. Communities that pursue every lead dilute their credibility. Focusing on industries that match workforce depth, infrastructure capacity, and supply chain access increases the likelihood of success.
Accurate Data Builds Trust
Trust is essential in site selection. Inaccurate or outdated information undermines credibility. Independent validation by state agencies or third-party platforms increases confidence and accelerates the review process.
Communities that publish long-term utility plans, housing pipelines, and transportation improvements reduce uncertainty. Transparency about constraints also builds trust. Site selectors value clarity over optimism.
Convergent Nonprofit Solutions’ Site Selection whitepaper explains how mid-sized communities can structure readiness, align funding, and present defensible data. It outlines best practices that reduce early elimination and improve shortlist placement.
Download the Site Selection Whitepaper
Develop a Competitive Site Selection Strategy
Access Convergent’s latest whitepaper to learn how mid-sized communities can improve site readiness, workforce alignment, and data credibility to attract modern businesses.
Andy Coe,
Principal at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions
Andy has more than 20 years of experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors and is an equity principal at Convergent Nonprofit Solutions. He leads the application of Convergent’s Asking Rights™ philosophy, partnering with executive and volunteer leadership to set ambitious, outcomes-based fundraising goals. Andy has directed thousands of investment requests, raising more than $60 million across 18 states, and is a frequent speaker and author on economic and workforce development fundraising.
