Charlotte, North Carolina, December 3, 2025
Business leaders in Charlotte express optimism about the region’s economic outlook, anticipating strong growth driven by significant investments and a favorable business environment. At the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance luncheon, top executives shared insights on a projected 2.4% growth rate for the U.S., bolstered by strategic initiatives, tourism growth, and infrastructure enhancements. The collaborative efforts of local business leaders are positioning Charlotte as a leader in economic vitality and equitable opportunity, aiming for continued success in the years ahead.
Charlotte Business Leaders Forecast Strong Economic Growth in 2026
Charlotte, North Carolina – Business leaders in Charlotte are optimistic about the region’s economic prospects for 2026, anticipating robust growth driven by strategic investments and a favorable business climate.
Positive Economic Forecasts
At the annual forecast luncheon hosted by the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, executives from major local employers, including Bank of America, Atrium Health, and Compass Group, shared their insights. Bank of America’s CEO highlighted economists’ projections of a 2.4% growth rate for the United States in the coming year, despite earlier recession concerns. The CEOs also discussed the impact of artificial intelligence, labor market uncertainties, and the recently approved $25.3 billion local transportation expansion plan on the regional economy.
Strategic Investments and Developments
Charlotte’s economic momentum is further supported by significant investments and developments. The city is experiencing a surge in corporate relocations, a booming real estate market, and a growing innovation economy. These factors have contributed to North Carolina reclaiming the top spot on CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business in America” list in July 2025. The state’s efforts to attract major tech, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing employers have been instrumental in this achievement.
Additionally, the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council, comprising CEOs and business leaders from leading local businesses and educational institutions, is committed to accelerating solutions that position Charlotte as a national leader in economic vitality and equitable opportunity. The council focuses on enhancing the region’s quality of life through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives.
Tourism and Infrastructure Growth
Charlotte’s tourism industry has also seen significant growth, with Mecklenburg County recording $6.4 billion in visitor spending in 2025, marking a 9.3% increase over 2023. This surge is attributed to major conventions, concerts, sporting events, and a vibrant hospitality sector. The city’s infrastructure is set to expand further with the approval of a $25.3 billion local transportation plan, aiming to improve connectivity and support economic growth.
Small Business Support and Community Engagement
Recognizing the importance of small businesses, the City of Charlotte has partnered with TPMA, a national workforce and economic development consulting firm, to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local small business ecosystem. This initiative aims to identify challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs, with the study expected to be completed in June 2025. The findings will inform future strategies and resources to empower and strengthen the entrepreneurial community.
Conclusion
Charlotte’s business leaders and policymakers are actively working to foster a dynamic and resilient economy. Through strategic investments, infrastructure development, and support for small businesses, the region is well-positioned to achieve strong economic growth in 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the projected economic growth rate for Charlotte in 2026?
Economists are forecasting a 2.4% growth rate for the United States in 2026, with Charlotte expected to experience robust growth driven by strategic investments and a favorable business climate.
What are the key factors contributing to Charlotte’s economic growth?
Key factors include significant corporate relocations, a booming real estate market, a growing innovation economy, and substantial investments in infrastructure, such as the $25.3 billion local transportation expansion plan.
How is the Charlotte Executive Leadership Council supporting economic development?
The council unites CEOs and business leaders from leading local businesses and educational institutions to advocate for impactful solutions that improve Charlotte’s economic vitality, equitable opportunity, and quality of life for all.
What is the status of Charlotte’s tourism industry?
In 2025, Mecklenburg County recorded $6.4 billion in visitor spending, marking a 9.3% increase over 2023. This growth is attributed to major conventions, concerts, sporting events, and a vibrant hospitality sector.
What initiatives are in place to support small businesses in Charlotte?
The City of Charlotte has partnered with TPMA to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local small business ecosystem, aiming to identify challenges and opportunities for entrepreneurs. The study is expected to be completed in June 2025, with findings to inform future strategies and resources to empower the entrepreneurial community.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Economic Outlook
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Projected Economic Growth | 2.4% growth rate for the United States in 2026, with Charlotte expected to experience robust growth. |
| Strategic Investments | Significant corporate relocations, a booming real estate market, and a growing innovation economy. |
| Infrastructure Development | Approval of a $25.3 billion local transportation expansion plan to improve connectivity and support economic growth. |
| Small Business Support | Partnership with TPMA to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the local small business ecosystem, with findings to inform future strategies and resources. |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
