Trump vs. Harris: Implications on Site Selection Project Activity

As the political landscape shapes up for the upcoming presidential election, stakeholders in the site selection industry are keenly observing the policy frameworks proposed by Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. This blog aims to dissect and compare their campaign policies to forecast how they might influence site selection and economic development in the United States.

Economic Development and Tax Policies

Trump

• Tax Cuts and Deregulation: Trump's administration has historically favored significant tax cuts and deregulation efforts, particularly for large corporations and industries such as manufacturing and energy. Continuing these policies might encourage domestic and foreign companies to expand operations in the U.S., enhancing site selection activity, especially in traditionally industrial regions.
• Trade Policies: Trump’s aggressive stance on trade and emphasis on “America First” could reinforce reshoring efforts, potentially increasing manufacturing sector investments within the country.

Harris

• Incentives for Green Energy and Technology: Harris’s campaign will likely focus on green energy and technology, with potential subsidies and incentives for sustainable development. This could drive site selection activities toward states and regions that are investing in green infrastructure and tech innovation hubs.
• Tax Reforms: Likely advocating for reversing some of Trump’s tax cuts, especially for higher-income groups and larger corporations, Harris’s policies may also include more stringent regulatory environments aimed at promoting fair trade and labor practices.

Infrastructure Investments

Trump

• Focus on Traditional Infrastructure: Trump’s policies may continue to emphasize large-scale infrastructure projects like roads, bridges and airports, which could improve logistics and transportation networks critical for site selection decisions in manufacturing and distribution.

Harris

• Broadband and Green Infrastructure: Harris might advocate for extensive investments in broadband internet access and renewable energy infrastructure, facilitating new growth in tech-centric regions and promoting remote work environments, which could alter traditional site selection strategies.

Regulatory Environment

Trump

• Reduced Regulations: A continued reduction in regulatory barriers under Trump could make it easier for businesses to expand and invest in new locations, potentially speeding up the site selection process.

Harris

• Increased Oversight and Environmental Regulations: Harris is likely to implement stricter environmental regulations and corporate governance standards, which could impact industries such as energy, manufacturing and real estate development, influencing their site selection strategies particularly in environmentally sensitive areas.

Workforce Development

Trump

• Vocational Training and Job Creation: Emphasis on vocational training and job creation in traditional industries could boost local economies and influence site selection to favor regions with skilled labor availability.

Harris

• Education and Workforce Re-Skilling: Focus on education and workforce re-skilling in emerging technologies and green jobs could create new epicenters of industry activity, redirecting site selection focus toward metropolitan areas with technical colleges and universities.

Conclusion

The site selection industry stands at the crossroads of multiple policy directions proposed by Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. While Trump’s policies may boost industrial growth through deregulation and tax incentives, Harris’s focus on sustainability and technology could usher in a new era of site selection criteria based on green infrastructure and tech readiness. Stakeholders should closely monitor these developments to align their strategic planning with the evolving political and economic landscape.