03-24-2026MOST INNOVATIVE COMPANIES

The most innovative companies in economic development for 2026

Fast Company’s 2026 list of the 10 most innovative organizations in economic development includes the state of New Mexico, the Next California/WWF, the San Diego Unified School District, Greater Hartford Gives Foundation, and more.

Traditional economic development tends to focus on investments made and jobs created. For this year’s group of Most Innovative Companies—or in many cases, foundations or governments, in this case—the key performance indicator isn’t dollars spent, but connections made. Growth comes not from directing resources, but finding a better way to nurture what you already have. 

Governments found creative ways to unleash the potential of their residents, workers, and civil servants. The state of New Mexico, for example, made a first-in-the-nation move........

© Fast Company