Charlotte Posts Best Year for Business Recruitment in a Decade
Published on December 31, 2025
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Dec. 31, 2025) — The numbers are in, and they tell a clear story: Charlotte is on a roll, with 2025 marking the most successful year for business recruitment in more than a decade.
In total, 15 project announcements were supported by the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County. Together, the projects will deliver more than 3,880 new jobs and over $424 million in capital investment across the city over the next few years. Relocations and expansions spanned multiple industries and neighborhoods, underscoring Charlotte’s broad-based growth.
In contrast, there were five total announcements combined in 2023 and 2024.
The milestone year reflects months of behind-the-scenes work — most projects required nine to 10 months of relationship-building — and highlights Charlotte’s growing competitiveness on a global stage.
“Charlotte’s momentum in 2025 shows that we’re in a golden era for a great American city,” said Shahid Rana, who became director of Charlotte Economic Development in June after serving for five years in Mecklenburg County’s Office of Economic Development. “These wins reflect years of collaboration, smart investment and a shared commitment to building a city where businesses and people can thrive.”
Partnerships Power the Results
Rana credits the results to a strengthened partnership between the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, where economic development teams are closely aligned on priorities, incentives and messaging.
Weekly coordination, streamlined communications, and new leadership have helped accelerate wins and improve Charlotte’s competitiveness.
Rana also mentioned that a strong ecosystem of partners at the state and local levels also has been crucial. Partners such as the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC), Charlotte Works, UNC Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College, and Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools help deliver tailored solutions for companies.
“Our partnership with the city is irrefutably attracting major employers, substantial investment and increasing local government revenues that strengthen public services,” said Roger Johnson, director of the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development.
Highlights for 2025 include:
- Historic July 8 milestone: Citigroup (510 jobs) and AssetMark Financial Holdings (252 jobs) announced Charlotte as the location for major office facilities on the same day.
- Scout Motors global HQ: Bringing 1,200 jobs and transforming Plaza Midwood, one of the state’s largest job announcements for the year.
- Startup ecosystem: High-growth companies such as Wayflyer and DetraPel highlight Charlotte’s ability to support startups alongside Fortune 500 companies.
- Ballantyne corporate hub: Four projects, Daimler Truck Financial Services, Citigroup, SoFi Technologies and BHS Corrugated, highlight this community's growing strength as a corporate destination.
Foreign direct investment: Global companies such as Canadian-based AVL Manufacturing (326 jobs); HSP US (74 jobs), a subsidiary of German-based Trench Group GmbH; and global logistics giant Maersk (520 jobs) reflect Charlotte’s rising profile as an international business destination.
Why Charlotte?
With these major wins, the question is: What makes Charlotte such an attractive destination?
According to company leaders who chose Charlotte in 2025, talent and workforce were the primary factors, followed by location and infrastructure, quality of life and the city’s positive momentum. National rankings and data reinforce that appeal, with Charlotte named the No. 2 best destination for headquarters, a top 10 city for tech jobs gains, and one of the fastest-growing large cities in the country, with an estimated 157 people moving to the region daily.
Looking Ahead to 2026
There is no sign of slowdown in 2026. Several projects are in the pipeline, with additional announcements expected early next year.
“Working with the city and our other partners, we can accomplish even more,” said Clay Andrews, senior program manager for the Mecklenburg County Office of Economic Development. “We are creating a great place to work and live so our people and our businesses can keep thriving.”