For nine years, the Regional Competitiveness Report has served not only as a mirror but also as a compass for the Tampa Bay region. It reflects where we are, clearly and sometimes uncomfortably, while helping chart where we must go next. Over nearly a decade of shared work, we have learned that progress is rarely linear. At times it feels incremental, even glacial. Yet this pace is not unexpected. We are, after all, turning a colossal vessel. It takes time to align a crew, build trust, and move in sync.
What continues to encourage us each year goes beyond movement in the data. It is the growing belief across our region that the challenges we face are best solved with collective effort. That trust among business, government, education, and nonprofit leaders has unlocked smarter strategies, deeper collaboration, and solutions transforming Tampa Bay.
The 2026 Regional Competitiveness Report shows proof of that progress. Across the dataset, values improved in 39 of 61 indicators (64%). Of the remaining indicators, one was removed and five were not updated due to the absence of new data.
Talent is a bright spot, with 83% of talent indicators showing positive performance. Civic Quality indicators also advanced, with gains in eight of ten measures (80%).
At a macro level, Tampa Bay’s ranking against national peers is improving. We have shifted away from the bottom quintile, with five fewer indicators in the lowest tier (9% less YOY) and four fewer in the fourth quintile. In 2026, more than a quarter of national indicators (25.86%) now rank in the top half.
This year’s theme, “Shaping the Mindset,” is timely and necessary. Competitiveness is not defined solely by rankings, but by the conditions we create for ideas to emerge and grow. In Tampa Bay, we aim to continue innovating by encouraging environments that reward experimentation and signal opportunity to entrepreneurs, students, and employers.
That mindset is especially critical as our cultural landscape shifts. Advances in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are reshaping how people learn, work, and connect. Tampa Bay saw a three percent increase in broadband access this year, alongside improved national rankings. Technology will also shape how we prepare our future workforce.
In 2026, we saw a small contraction in the number of 3- and 4-year-olds enrolled in school (from 49.89% to 48.25%). Improvements in science, math, and third grade reading stand out. High school graduation rates rose year over year, including a 4.25% increase among economically disadvantaged students. Educational attainment improved across all levels, signaling stronger wage potential.
At the same time, several indicators demand attention. One key signal is the slowing influx of working-age professionals ages 24 to 35. Workforce dynamics, housing, transportation, and affordability are deeply connected, and regions that succeed offer pathways to a prosperous life. There is much to love about Tampa Bay, but we cannot afford to lose momentum here.
Wages in Tampa Bay increased by more than five percent year over year, a faster pace than in recent years. Yet in the lowest quintile, households are living on less than $18,000 annually. While traditional poverty rates have improved slightly, the share of households at the Asset Limited Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) + Poverty threshold continues to grow, now at 46.30%.
People are working, some are earning more, yet many families still struggle to stay afloat. While modest affordability improvements are encouraging, economic resilience will require sustained focus and bold, collective action.
In a world saturated with noise—crises, transformation, rapid technological change—leadership is about finding the signal. The Regional Competitiveness Report exists to cut through that noise. Each of its 66 indicators represents a lever for change. As we plan next steps, which signal will you tune into, and how will it shape your mindset?
We invite you to set your ceiling—your aspiration—and your floor—the minimum action you will commit to, even on the hardest days. Because the cost of inaction is too great.
With each engaged leader, momentum builds, and we move closer to the future we seek. We are grateful to shape Tampa Bay’s future alongside each of you.
Here is to bold thinking, shared purpose, and a fruitful year ahead.
