Last week, Michael Haley, Executive Director of Wake County Economic Development; Kyle Touchstone, Director of Raleigh Economic Development; and Evan Raleigh, Assistant City Manager for the City of Raleigh, traveled to New York City to meet with leading investors, financial institutions, site selection experts, and economic development organizations. The trip provided an opportunity to share Raleigh and Wake County’s growth story while learning from organizations shaping some of the nation’s most transformative development projects.

One message was consistent throughout the visit: Raleigh and Wake County continue to stand out as one of the nation’s most attractive growth markets, with strengths in life sciences, technology, urban development, and international business.

Building Relationships with Strategic Investors

At Breakthrough Properties, a global life sciences real estate firm, discussions focused on the continued growth of Wake County’s life sciences ecosystem. Their interest reflects the strength of our talent pipeline, research institutions, and innovation economy.

We also met with Cathay Bank, one of the nation’s leading banks serving Asian business communities, to discuss the Research Triangle Region’s growing international profile and opportunities for companies exploring U.S. expansion.

Mack Real Estate Group, a firm already familiar with Raleigh through its development of The Weld, the $700 million multifamily project adjacent to Dorothea Dix Park, also offered valuable perspective. Mack’s continued involvement in transformative projects across the country provided insight into large-scale mixed-use development and placemaking strategies that create vibrant urban environments.

Understanding What Drives Corporate Location Decisions

We met with leaders from JLL, whose team has been involved in several major corporate projects in the Raleigh region, including Credit Suisse and S&P Global.

The discussion centered on corporate expansion trends, workplace strategies, and emerging industry opportunities. As companies reevaluate location decisions, Wake County continues to offer the talent, affordability, quality of life, and growth capacity employers seek.

Learning from The High Line

One of the most insightful meetings was with the New York City Economic Development Corporation, where we learned about the development of The High Line, New York City’s iconic elevated park.

As Raleigh explores opportunities to better connect Downtown Raleigh and Dorothea Dix Park, the conversation provided valuable lessons on project planning, funding, stakeholder engagement, and long-term operations. The High Line demonstrates how innovative public infrastructure can enhance quality of life while serving as a catalyst for economic development and private investment.

Continuing Important Partnerships

Our itinerary included meetings with Savills and Deloitte, both trusted advisors to companies and investors evaluating growth markets.

At Savills, we reconnected with Norbert Vnek, whose work helped recruit Credit Suisse and S&P Global to the Research Triangle Region. We also strengthened relationships with Deloitte’s New York team and discussed trends in infrastructure, real estate, and economic development.

Looking Ahead

Economic development is built on relationships, and this trip strengthened connections with organizations influencing investment, development, and corporate location decisions nationwide.

Whether discussing life sciences, international business, urban development, or emerging industries, the takeaway was clear: Raleigh and Wake County continue to be recognized as a region with strong momentum, exceptional assets, and significant opportunity for future growth.