Directory Research Methodology

Learn how StateGrowth organizes source-backed state incentive and site readiness research. Verify current eligibility and requirements with the administering agency.

How we source, verify, and classify state economic development data.

The Incentives Directory began from Site Selection Group's 2026 Economic Incentives U.S. Market Report and was enriched using official state sources, Economic Development Organization (EDO) portals, agency PDFs, state reports, statutory pages, and source evidence.

To maintain high data integrity, we extract specific formulas, thresholds, and caps directly from official documentation. Every program is reviewed and assigned a research-readiness publication status based on the depth and recency of verification.

Note: These are research-readiness statuses, NOT legal certifications.

The Site Readiness Directory compiles information from official state EDO pages, certified-site programs, infrastructure grant programs, utility economic development resources, state agency PDFs, EDA/USDA/EPA/federal infrastructure sources, and state/local site development programs.

This directory differentiates between strict certification programs (which guarantee certain engineering and environmental baselines) and general funding/readiness programs that provide capital to improve sites.

Important Limitation: Site readiness data provided here is for high-level comparison and is not an engineering, environmental, or utility-capacity certification. Users must verify all specific site details with the administering agency or qualified professionals.