San Antonio – September 24, 2026 -- Oxford Economics has named Greater San Antonio one of North America's five "Cities to Watch," as the region posted $4.8 billion in capital investment and 7,098 announced jobs year-to-date in 2026, surpassing its annual economic development targets.
Oxford Economics cites labor growth and military presence in naming San Antonio a top North American metro
The Global Cities Index recognition points to the region's economic diversity, labor force growth, military footprint, higher education assets and expanding business base as key differentiators among North American metros.
greater:SATX has driven 20,900 jobs and $10.26 billion in investment since 2022
The regional economic development partnership, led by President & CEO Sarah Carabias Rush, has coordinated recruitment across manufacturing, aerospace, defense, cybersecurity, financial services and corporate operations since 2022.
IEM, Toyota, H-E-B and Blackwave anchor 2026's largest investment announcements
IEM's expansion at Brooks is projected to create up to 3,000 jobs by 2030. Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas is adding 2,000 advanced manufacturing jobs, while H-E-B is creating 1,200 new jobs. Germany-based Blackwave has selected San Antonio for its first U.S. manufacturing operation.
Clayton Such, CEO of IEM, said the city's skilled workforce, infrastructure and collaborative economic development environment made San Antonio a natural choice for the company's next growth phase, supporting power distribution solutions for healthcare, energy and advanced manufacturing clients.
Tech Port's 1,900-acre campus now generates $20 billion in annual economic impact
Port San Antonio's Tech Port innovation campus hosts more than 80 employers and approximately 19,000 workers across aerospace, defense, cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing. Blackwave's selection of Tech Port for its first U.S. facility strengthens the region's aerospace and advanced materials ecosystem.
Port San Antonio is pursuing the future Alamo Colleges School of Emerging Technologies, discussions with the Air Force on next-generation facilities, and plans for a combination FBO-vertiport to support advanced air mobility.
Regional leaders target 45% educational attainment by 2030 to feed talent pipeline
Higher education institutions, employers and civic leaders have aligned around raising educational attainment to 45 percent by 2030. The region's veteran population exceeds 156,000, anchored by Joint Base San Antonio.
Airport expansion adds capacity as region invests in water, utility infrastructure
San Antonio International Airport now offers 47 nonstop destinations and is advancing a terminal expansion, while regional partners continue investing in water security, industrial sites, transportation and utility capacity.