The shortage of development-ready industrial sites is posing a significant challenge to economic growth across the United States. As demand surges for new manufacturing facilities, logistics hubs, and technology centers, many regions are struggling to provide sites that are fully prepared for immediate development. A development-ready site typically requires completed environmental clearances, essential utility connections, zoning approvals, and accessible transportation links — conditions that are often lacking or delayed, causing companies to reconsider or abandon expansion plans.

This shortage is becoming a bottleneck just as the U.S. economy is attempting to re-shore critical industries, expand advanced manufacturing, and capitalize on shifts in global supply chains. Without readily available sites, regions risk losing out on high-value projects to better-prepared domestic or international competitors. Site readiness issues can lead to extended project timelines, higher development costs, and increased risk, all of which are significant deterrents for businesses operating on tight schedules and margins.

State and local governments are beginning to respond by investing in site preparation programs, offering incentives to upgrade infrastructure, streamline permitting processes, and even acquiring and pre-certifying sites to reduce investor uncertainty. However, experts warn that closing the gap between demand and supply requires sustained, proactive planning rather than reactive measures. If not addressed adequately, the shortage of development-ready industrial land could limit the nation’s ability to meet its industrial growth potential, attract foreign direct investment, and fully capitalize on emerging sectors like electric vehicles, semiconductors, and clean energy manufacturing.