Five Key Takeaways from the State of Site Selection 2025

The 2025 State of Site Selection report, produced by DCI in partnership with the Site Selectors Guild, offers a timely look at the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping corporate location decisions in today’s rapidly evolving economic and political landscape. 

Here are the five most critical takeaways for economic development professionals and corporate executives as both audiences navigate new challenges and opportunities.

1. Policy Volatility and Tariffs

Unpredictable trade policies and tariffs are reshaping how companies approach location decisions. Instead of relying on past trends, consultants and executives are now planning for multiple scenarios to navigate ongoing uncertainty. This volatility is influencing both project timelines and investment strategies.

2. Power Supply and Speed-to-Market

Reliable access to utilities, especially electricity, has become a top concern, rivaling even labor availability. The rise of AI-driven data centers and manufacturing reshoring is putting new pressure on aging infrastructure, making speed and certainty in permitting and power delivery more valuable than ever.

3. Demand Not Diminishing for Sites and Buildings

Industrial and office site demand remains strong, but available, development-ready sites are increasingly scarce. Companies are prioritizing locations that can offer shovel-ready sites and predictable development schedules, while office markets are seeing renewed interest in placemaking and amenities as “return to work” mandates and hybrid working models are becoming more common.

4. The Changing Talent Profile

Workforce dynamics are shifting, with talent shortages and specialized skill requirements taking center stage. Companies are seeking both adaptable entry-level workers and highly skilled professionals, while also considering factors like immigration policy and quality of life in their location decisions. 

5. Reputation, Politics and Community Acceptance

Community opposition, also known as NIMBY-ism, and reputational risk have become mainstream concerns. Economic development organizations are evolving their approach, focusing more on community engagement and acceptance as a strategic element of location decisions. 

Want to dive deeper into these trends and see how they’re shaping the future of site selection? Download the full 2025 State of Site Selection report for in-depth analysis, data and expert perspectives, or listen to Robyn Domber on the Develop This! Podcast, discussing key trends from this year’s report. Custom presentations offered by Guild members and/or Robyn Domber are also available!