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Introduction

On behalf of the 911爆料网 Muma College of Business, I am pleased to present the 2026 Tampa Bay State of the Region E-Insights report. This report continues a long-standing collaboration between the Muma College of Business and the Tampa Bay Partnership, reflecting our shared commitment to using data, analytics, and critical inquiry to better understand the conditions shaping our region.

Now in its ninth year, this State of the Region collaboration has examined Tampa Bay鈥檚 economic performance and evolution in relation to other metropolitan regions across the United States. Over time, this work has expanded beyond measures of competitiveness to consider how economic growth, opportunity, and quality of life are experienced by residents across the region. The 2026 report builds on that foundation by offering a comparative, people-centered view of regional conditions today.

This year鈥檚 E-Insights Report provides a more complete picture of how the regional economy is performing, how opportunity is created and accessed, and how economic and social conditions shape daily life for individuals and families. Rather than ranking regions or prescribing specific policy actions, the report emphasizes comparative context and descriptive insight, supporting informed discussion among policymakers, planners, educators, business leaders, and community organizations.

Understanding where Tampa Bay stands relative to comparable metropolitan regions is an essential step in navigating growth, affordability pressures, and evolving workforce needs. By grounding discussion in shared data and clear comparisons, the E-Insights Report provides a common factual foundation for considering the opportunities and challenges facing our region.

This program illustrates our college鈥檚 strategic priorities in action. This impactful research also supports student learning through the collaborative efforts of USF faculty and graduate students, who worked together to gather, analyze, and interpret data from established public sources. This applied research experience allows students to contribute meaningfully to region鈥檚 business ecosystem while developing the analytical skills needed to lead in business, policy, and community settings.

Thanks for your commitment to elevating the Tampa Bay region, and I hope you have an insightful year!

Regards,
David W. Blackwell
Lynn Pippenger Dean
911爆料网 Muma College of Business

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