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Economic Vitality measures the quantity and quality of jobs within a region, the relative incomes that its residents earn, the wealth they attain, and economic opportunities for its entrepreneurs.
Innovation measures the extent to which a community and its institutions are generating new ideas and inventions, and the market’s reception of these ideas.
Infrastructure measures the quantity and quality of the investment a region makes in underlying structures, including transportation and broadband internet.
Talent measures who is working today, and how well the region’s talent pipeline is being prepared for the jobs of tomorrow.
Civic Quality measures the affordability of a region, the health and safety of its citizens, and the recreational opportunities that impact its quality of life.
Outcomes measure the growth of the regional economy, the extent to which economic growth is being enjoyed by everyone, and the attractiveness of the region for its current and potential residents.
For the purpose of the Regional Competitiveness Report, the data presented for the Tampa Bay region reflects the eight counties of Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota.
The Tampa Bay Partnership is a coalition of regional business and nonprofit leaders, joined by a shared commitment to improving the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents. Through its foundation, the Partnership conducts objective, data-driven research to identify the region’s greatest challenges and measure our progress toward shared community goals. This work includes the Regional Competitiveness Report, which helps measure our region's performance against other communities nationwide.
The Tampa Bay Partnership is a coalition of regional business leaders, joined by a shared commitment to improving the personal and economic well-being of Tampa Bay residents. Through its foundation, the Partnership conducts objective, data-driven research to identify the region’s greatest challenges and measure our progress toward shared community goals.
Community Foundation Tampa Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that connects people and resources to inspire charitable giving and create a meaningful, lasting impact on our region. Serving Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties, Community Foundation Tampa Bay works to build a vibrant, prosperous community through transformative vision, leadership, and philanthropy.
United Way Suncoast staff, volunteers and trusted community partners fight for the education and financial stability of every person in the communities we serve. Across DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas and Sarasota counties, United Way Suncoast develops, enhances and implements services and initiatives to help create a stronger, more vibrant community.
The USF Muma College of Business teaches business, but does so much more than simply instruct students. Muma creates business thinkers by challenging students with rigorous curricula and faculty, provides meaningful learning opportunities and conducts scholarly inquiries that are relevant and meaningful. The USF Muma College of Business equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to take leading positions in business and society.
Each year, we meet with business, government, and nonprofit leaders from throughout Tampa Bay to review the framework of the Regional Competitiveness Report and ensure that it continues to meet the needs of our community.
The following regional stakeholders shared their time and insight during the annual review process for the 2026 report:
Their contributions will help us make future editions of the Regional Competitiveness Report a better, more helpful resource for the community, and we send our sincere thanks.
The findings in the 2026 Regional Competitiveness Report were compiled and produced, with thanks, by Sarah Burgoyne, Barbara J. Caldwell, Ph.D., Brian Camp, and Marcela Hladilova. Data analysis and summaries were provided by Shannon Kalahar, with appreciation to Sarah Burgoyne, Courtney McDonnell, and Diane Soto for quality assurance and editorial review.