Greater Des Moines MSA Named a Top U.S. Metro for Economic Development
National Recognition Reflects Strong Corporate Investment and Regional Collaboration
GREATER DES MOINES, IA (March 2, 2026) – The Greater Des Moines metropolitan statistical area (MSA) has been named the #2 Top Performing Metro for Economic Development in the nation among its tier metros in Site Selection Magazine’s 2025 Governor’s Cup, recognizing the region as one of the nation’s top-performing mid-sized metros for new and expanded corporate investment and expansion activity.
The annual Governor’s Cup rankings, published in the March issue of Site Selection Magazine, evaluate states, metropolitan areas and micro-communities based on verified corporate investment and expansion activity. The Tier 2 category includes metros with populations between 200,000 and 1 million and reflects strong per-capita project performance.
“This recognition underscores the strength of our regional approach to economic development,” said Tiffany Tauscheck, President and CEO of the Greater Des Moines Partnership. “Public, private and nonprofit partners across Greater Des Moines are aligned in supporting business growth, workforce development and long-term competitiveness. Achievements like this are the result of communities and businesses working together.”
Stacie LoVan, Senior Vice President of Economic Development at The Partnership, noted the significance of this national recognition for business recruitment efforts.
“Site Selection’s Governor’s Cup is one of the most respected benchmarks in our industry,” said LoVan. “This ranking reflects the volume and quality of projects happening across our region and demonstrates that Greater Des Moines is competing — and winning — on a national stage. Companies evaluating locations want to see proven performance, and this recognition reinforces that our region delivers.”
The designation reflects 37 projects across the Greater Des Moines MSA with a capital investment of over $2.5 billion.
For more information about economic development opportunities in Greater Des Moines, visit The Partnership’s website or email Stacie LoVan.
About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving Greater Des Moines counties including: Adair, Clarke, Dallas, Guthrie, Jasper, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Polk, Poweshiek, Tama and Warren. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.