KENTUCKY FOCUS
Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Ranks Among 2026 Top States for Doing Business
Kentucky continues to strengthen its position as a competitive location for business investment, earning 13th place nationally in Area Development magazine’s 2026 Top States for Doing Business rankings. The Commonwealth has maintained a top-20 position for six consecutive years, reflecting its performance in workforce availability, infrastructure, operating costs and project execution. Kentucky ranked fourth nationally for labor cost competitiveness, sixth for energy costs and eighth for regulatory environment. The state also earned top-10 rankings for site readiness programs, permitting and development predictability, and overall cost of doing business. These factors are particularly important to manufacturers and developers evaluating locations for new facilities and expansions.
The recognition follows continued economic development activity across Kentucky, including major investments in automotive manufacturing, battery production and advanced industrial facilities. Since the beginning of the Beshear administration, the state has announced nearly 1,400 private-sector expansion and new-location projects representing more than $54 billion in planned investment and over 71,000 jobs. Significant commitments from companies such as Ford Motor Company, Toyota and Shelbyville Battery Manufacturing demonstrate the scale of industrial investment occurring throughout the Commonwealth. As companies evaluate workforce capacity, utility infrastructure, construction readiness and long-term operating costs, Kentucky’s performance in these areas remains an important factor in attracting future development.
Source:Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development. “Gov. Beshear: Kentucky Ranks Among 2026 Top States for Doing Business.” October 5, 2026.
ReshoreKY targets $29.7 billion opportunity to bring manufacturing home
Kentucky is placing greater emphasis on bringing manufacturing operations and supply chains back to the United States through the ReshoreKY initiative. The effort focuses on positioning the Commonwealth as a destination for companies looking to establish or expand domestic production, reduce reliance on overseas suppliers and strengthen supply chain reliability. Kentucky’s established manufacturing base, transportation network and skilled workforce provide a foundation for attracting investment across industries such as automotive, aerospace and advanced manufacturing.
For Kentucky’s construction and development industries, increased reshoring activity could create opportunities for new manufacturing facilities, plant expansions and supporting infrastructure. Companies considering domestic production must evaluate site readiness, utility capacity, workforce availability and construction timelines as part of their investment decisions. The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen Kentucky’s industrial economy and support long-term manufacturing growth.
Source:The Lane Report. “ReshoreKY Manufacturing Initiative Kentucky.” October 2026.
University of Louisville Receives $1 Million DOE Grant to Address Data Center Cooling Demand
The University of Louisville has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to support research addressing the growing cooling demands of data centers. As artificial intelligence and cloud computing continue to drive demand for digital infrastructure, managing the heat generated by high-performance computing equipment has become an increasingly important operational challenge. The research focuses on improving cooling efficiency, a critical factor in reducing energy consumption and supporting reliable data center operations.
The investment highlights the growing importance of energy-efficient infrastructure as data center development expands across the country. Cooling systems represent a significant consideration in facility design, affecting electrical demand, operating costs and long-term performance. Research into more effective cooling technologies could help support future data center development while addressing some of the infrastructure and energy challenges associated with increasingly powerful computing systems.
The four-year project will be led by Dr. Omid Ghasemi-Fare of the J.B. Speed School of Engineering in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Oklahoma State University. Researchers will develop a hybrid geothermal cooling system that uses underground thermal energy storage, groundwater-based cooling and advanced materials to store cooling capacity during periods of lower demand and use it when electricity demand peaks. The goal is to reduce reliance on conventional cooling equipment, improve energy efficiency and lessen pressure on the electrical grid.
The research will include laboratory testing, system modeling and field testing using existing geothermal infrastructure at the University of Louisville. Beyond data centers, the technology could eventually support cooling needs for hospitals, universities, industrial facilities and large commercial buildings. The project represents an investment in more efficient building infrastructure as demand for energy-intensive facilities continues to increase.
Source: University of Louisville, J.B. Speed School of Engineering. “Speed School researcher awarded $1 million DOE grant to tackle data center cooling demand.” September 29, 2026.
INDIANA FOCUS
Fishers OKs fieldhouse lease, JD Finish Line tax breaks for district expansion
The City of Fishers has approved agreements supporting additional development in its growing sports and commercial district. The approvals include a lease arrangement involving a fieldhouse facility and tax incentives for an expansion associated with JD Finish Line. The decisions represent continued investment in facilities and business operations intended to support economic activity and development in Fishers.
The agreements highlight the city’s use of public-private partnerships and economic development incentives to support commercial growth. The fieldhouse component adds to the area’s sports infrastructure, while the JD Finish Line expansion represents an opportunity for additional corporate investment. Together, the projects reflect Fishers’ continued focus on attracting businesses and developing facilities that support long-term economic activity.
Source: Indianapolis Business Journal. “Fishers OKs fieldhouse lease, JD Finish Line tax breaks for district expansion.” October 15, 2026.
Developer plans to replace 3 office buildings with industrial space at Park 100
A developer is planning nearly 400,000 square feet of new industrial space at Park 100 in Indianapolis, adding to one of the city’s established industrial and distribution corridors. The proposed development would expand the area’s inventory of commercial industrial facilities, creating potential opportunities for manufacturing, warehousing, logistics and other industrial operations.
The project reflects continued interest in industrial development within established business parks, where access to transportation networks, utilities and existing commercial infrastructure can provide advantages for prospective tenants. For Indianapolis, additional industrial space could support business expansion and future investment while providing companies with options for locating operations within an established employment center.
Source: Indianapolis Business Journal. “Developer plans to replace 3 office buildings with industrial space at Park 100.” October 13, 2026.
TENNESSEE FOCUS
8 million labor hours logged: Here’s what’s next for the new Titans stadium (including a super flush)
Construction of the Tennessee Titans’ new $2.2 billion Nissan Stadium continues to advance, with more than 8 million labor hours recorded as the project approaches its scheduled February 2027 completion. The 2.1 million-square-foot enclosed stadium is a major component of Nashville’s 550-acre East Bank redevelopment. Approximately 2,300 workers are on-site daily, with total labor hours expected to reach 10 million by completion. The facility will accommodate 60,000 spectators and feature three interconnected concourses, 44 escalators, 37 elevators, a 43,000-square-foot outdoor terrace and approximately 70,000 square feet of video boards.
Several major construction milestones remain before the stadium opens. The ETFE cable-net roof system was scheduled for completion in mid-October, followed by extensive plumbing testing in November. That testing will involve approximately 400 people simultaneously operating the stadium’s 2,100 plumbing fixtures to evaluate system performance under heavy demand. Demolition of the existing Nissan Stadium is scheduled to begin in March 2027 using mechanical equipment rather than implosion because the two facilities are only 95 feet apart. The demolition process is expected to take approximately six months, followed by additional site cleanup. Once completed, the new stadium will provide a year-round venue for sporting events, concerts and other large gatherings while supporting continued redevelopment along Nashville’s East Bank.
Source: Nashville Business Journal. “8 million labor hours logged: Here’s what’s next for the new Titans stadium (including a super flush).” September 30, 2026.
Boring Co. in talks with Southwest Value Partners for Nashville Yards tunnel stops
The Boring Company is in discussions with Southwest Value Partners to bring underground transportation stations to Nashville Yards, one of downtown Nashville’s largest mixed-use developments. The proposed connections would integrate Nashville Yards into both routes of the planned Music City Loop, an underground transportation network designed to connect downtown with Nashville International Airport and extend along the Broadway and West End Avenue corridor toward Interstate 440. Nashville Yards, which includes major office towers, hotels, residential buildings and entertainment destinations, could become one of the first developments to provide access to both routes.
Preliminary plans identify two potential connections, including a station beneath a parking lot at 157 Rosa L. Parks Boulevard and another linking underground parking garages along 10th Avenue North. Southwest Value Partners has confirmed that advanced planning is underway, although final agreements and approvals have not been announced. The proposed work would require underground construction approximately 50 feet below street level, with portions crossing Metro Nashville’s public right-of-way. The project remains subject to regulatory review and coordination with local and state authorities. If completed, the connections could improve access to Nashville Yards for employees, residents and visitors while adding another transportation component to the city’s expanding downtown infrastructure.
Source:Nashville Business Journal. “Boring Co. in talks with Southwest Value Partners for Nashville Yards tunnel stops.” October 2, 2026.
BNA’s big bet on Paris: New nonstop route comes with an $80 million promise
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is expanding its international reach with a new nonstop route to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport operated by Air France. Service is scheduled to begin May 14, 2027, with three weekly flights on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with the potential to expand to daily service as demand increases. Airport officials estimate the new connection will generate more than $80 million annually in economic activity for Tennessee, supporting tourism, business travel and international investment. The airport authority has also agreed to defer certain operating costs for Air France during the first two years to help establish the route.
The announcement comes as BNA continues to experience record passenger growth and significant infrastructure investment. The airport served 26.7 million passengers during its 2025-2026 fiscal year, while July set a monthly record with 2.6 million travelers. In September, the airport authority approved more than $1 billion in construction projects and related spending to support continued expansion. The Paris route adds to existing nonstop European connections to London, Iceland and Ireland, improving international accessibility as Nashville’s hospitality, commercial development and business sectors continue to grow.
Source:Nashville Business Journal. “BNA’s big bet on Paris: New nonstop route comes with an $80 million promise.” October 14, 2026.
Waymo Expands Autonomous Rideshare Service to Nashville International Airport
Waymo has expanded its autonomous rideshare service to Nashville International Airport (BNA), introducing another transportation option for travelers arriving in and departing from Music City. The driverless vehicles are initially available to select riders, with plans to expand access over time. Passengers can use a designated pickup and drop-off location at the D1 curb within the airport’s Ground Transportation Center. The expansion builds on Waymo’s growing presence in Nashville and its partnership with Lyft, allowing eligible passengers to access autonomous transportation through participating rideshare services.
The addition of Waymo service at BNA reflects Nashville’s continued adoption of transportation technology as passenger volumes and regional development increase. The airport joins other major U.S. airports offering autonomous rideshare access, including Phoenix Sky Harbor, San Francisco International, San Jose International and San Antonio International. By integrating driverless vehicles into its ground transportation operations, BNA is expanding mobility options while supporting the region’s evolving transportation infrastructure. The service also demonstrates how autonomous vehicle technology is moving beyond testing environments into everyday commercial transportation.
Source: Nashville Post. “Waymo robotaxi service expands to BNA.” October 14, 2026.
FLORIDA FOCUS
Why Publix is buying up real estate around Florida
Publix Super Markets is increasing its real estate holdings across Florida as part of a strategy to gain greater control over its retail locations and support future expansion. Rather than relying exclusively on leased storefronts, the Lakeland-based grocery chain is purchasing properties associated with its stores and surrounding commercial developments. Owning these properties can provide greater flexibility for renovations, redevelopment and long-term planning while reducing dependence on third-party landlords.
The strategy also has implications for Florida’s commercial real estate and construction markets. Grocery-anchored shopping centers remain an important component of retail development, often attracting restaurants, service businesses and additional tenants. Greater property ownership could allow Publix to make more direct decisions about store modernization, site improvements and future development as Florida’s population and retail needs continue to evolve.
Source:MSN. “Why Publix Is Buying Up Real Estate Around Florida.”
In HelloNation, Real Estate Expert Marty Pecoraro Discusses Why Buyers Choose the Corkscrew Corridor Over Other Southwest Florida Communities
The Corkscrew Road corridor in Estero has become an increasingly attractive location for homebuyers seeking newer residential communities, modern amenities and convenient access to Southwest Florida’s major destinations. The area offers a growing selection of master-planned neighborhoods, with housing options that appeal to families, retirees and seasonal residents. Its proximity to Interstate 75, Southwest Florida International Airport, shopping centers and recreational opportunities contributes to its appeal as residential development continues moving eastward.
Growth along the corridor also reflects a broader shift in Southwest Florida’s development patterns. As established coastal communities become more expensive and available land becomes limited, buyers are exploring inland locations that offer newer homes and planned community amenities. Continued residential construction along Corkscrew Road creates additional demand for supporting infrastructure, retail, healthcare and commercial services as the surrounding population increases.
Source:HelloNation / PR Newswire. “Real Estate Expert Marty Pecoraro Discusses Why Buyers Choose the Corkscrew Corridor Over Other Southwest Florida Communities.” October 20, 2026.
