Seattle slips in ranking of best U.S. cities for foreign investment, fueling concerns about business climate

June 9, 2026 - 23:45

The city of Seattle has taken a significant step backward in a major annual ranking of the best U.S. cities for foreign investment, sparking fresh debate about the region's economic appeal. The fourth edition of the list, produced jointly by the Financial Times and the Nikkei stock market index, places Seattle 13th out of 95 American cities. This marks a steep decline from last year, when the city held the second-place spot.

The report evaluates cities based on factors like economic potential, business friendliness, and infrastructure. Seattle's 11-place drop has caught the attention of local business leaders and policymakers, who worry it signals a cooling of the city's once-hot reputation among international investors. Critics point to rising crime rates, a challenging regulatory environment, and high costs of living as potential deterrents. Others argue that the ranking may reflect broader shifts in global investment patterns rather than a specific local failure. While Seattle still ranks in the top 15, the sharp slide from near the top of the list has added urgency to ongoing conversations about how to maintain the city's competitive edge in attracting overseas capital and talent.