• Kimberly Graulein, Staff Writer, Area Development

Speed, workforce alignment, and energy infrastructure now define the best states for doing business — not just incentives or tax breaks. Our exclusive rankings break down how the top performers are staying ahead in a tightening market.

• Greg Canfield , Managing Director of Economic Development, Burr & Forman

With supply chain pressures mounting, America’s logistics network is being rebuilt from the ground up and states are competing for the infrastructure edge by investing in ports, air cargo, and cold storage.

• Jennifer Brener Seay, Founder and CEO , Art + Artisans

Once dismissed as decorative, workplace art is now being embraced as a powerful tool for improving employee well-being, productivity, and a company’s public image.

• Charles Talbot Nunnally III, Senior Counsel, Nicholas Kemper, Senior Associate, Charlsie Mann, associate in Trusts & Estates and Real Estate at Chamberlain Hrdlicka

What developers need to know about how states are regulating data centers—and utilities are shifting the cost burden.

• Area Development Research Desk

LiquidStack CEO Joe Capes on choosing Texas for expansion, working through AI supply chain shocks, and why hot water is the future of cooling.