The City of Pensacola is a thriving community with a small-city feel that consistently punches above its weight with big-city amenities and success stories. Above all else, it is a place people want to live.
Pensacola was the site of the first European settlement in the U.S. and maintains global connections today. Many of our residents settled here after visiting while on vacation or being stationed here in the Navy, giving the city a vibrant culture and unique business ventures. Our residents enjoy a rich arts scene, a vibrant downtown, diverse people, unique festivals, and an unparalleled environment for outdoor fun.
The Pensacola economy has grown steadily for decades, fueled by creative thinkers and entrepreneurs. World-class education and research institutions lead to a strong workforce. A strong business climate, competitive costs, a favorable tax environment, and a young and engaged population give Pensacola the right energy for ideas to thrive.
POPULATION
54,312
UNEMPLOYMENT
2.9%
POPULATION
329,996
UNEMPLOYMENT
3.6%
POPULATION
530,090
UNEMPLOYMENT
3.6%
Community Redevelopment
The mission of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is to improve underdeveloped areas of our community using strategies that promote reinvestment and revitalization in the community.The CRA is responsible for initiating planning efforts and projects that address public realm improvements, community connectivity, and attainable housing, as well as programs that support businesses and property owners.
A team of Urban Design professionals are conducting a comprehensive community engagement and analysis effort to update the Community Redevelopment Plans for each district. The first step in this process is to meet with community members, local business owners, and stakeholders to understand community strengths and challenges and to receive suggestions about neighborhood improvements. Get involved and share your input today.
Success Stories
REVERB by Hard Rock Hotel and new luxury residences to elevate downtown
Hard Rock International has announced plans to develop a new hotel, REVERB by Hard Rock® Pensacola, set to break ground in 2026 and open in 2029. This hotel will be located downtown at Maritime Park along Pensacola Bay and will include over 125 tech-enhanced rooms, multiple dining options, a fitness center, and spaces for podcasts and conferences.
American Magic Selects Pensacola
The New York Yacht Club's America’s Cup Team has selected Pensacola as the site for their new headquarters. The 56,000 square foot facility will provide the infrastructure to support all facets of its operations,including boat storage, maintenance, repair, and training venue.
Pensacola-based Institute for Human & Machine Cognition expands again
The new $40 million Healthspan, Resilience, and Performance research complex puts Pensacola at the center of a human and biological sciences economic ecosystem and draws top research talent to the area from all over the world.
Pensacola International Airport sees extraordinary growth
A record-breaking 2.65 million passengers traveled through our airport in FY 2024, a number that has grown by a million travelers over the past decade. An additional terminal is in the works to accommodate thecontinued growth.
NEWS
GE Vernova celebrates new customer experience center as employees work to meet demands for electricity equipment
A ribbon cutting ceremony took place Thursday, March 27, for a new customer experience center at GE Vernova’s Pensacola factory. The factory manufactures and assembles the main components of on shore wind turbines that help power the world. “This is our largest wind facility in the world, and this is a $10 billion revenue business for us inside GE Vernova.” GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said.
But they’re celebrating more milestones than one. The factory is producing hundreds of wind turbines for a new wind farm being developed in New Mexico. It’s expected to be the largest wind farm in the Western hemisphere. The factory also received new orders for over 100 wind turbines for projects in Texas.
“This is all about electrifying and decarbonizing the U.S., in which this factory is really at the heart of the opportunities we have in front of us,” Strazik said.
Since 2023, GE Vernova has invested about $70 million in the facility. “So that we can create more electricity for the county and the world at a period of time, in which it’s very clear the country needs as many electrons as they can to drive our economy forwards,” Strazik said. “With the investments we’ve made in this business we see a clear pathway that it could be 1,000 employees here electrifying and decarbonizing the world every day,” Strazik said.
Redevelopment Opportunities
2301 West Cervantes Street – Complementary Redevelopment Parcel
This parcel is located within the City’s Westside redevelopment district.
Port of Pensacola Buildout
- Buildout of the Northeastern 20 Acres
- Focus on Innovation and Marine Tech
- 2019 Portside Masterplan
- Build Off the Momentum of American Magic
Bayou Chico Waterfront Industrial Property
- Two Parcels
- 13.55 acres: 2140 Barrancas Ave
- 21.5 acres: 2140 Barrancas Ave
- Heavy Industrial Zoning
- Entitlement in Place for Docking and Loading Operations
- Excellent site for Intermodal Industrial Users
Where you want to be
Pensacola is located on the central Gulf Coast with easy access to the Southeast and the world.
Extensive multi-modal infrastructure offers access to major thoroughfares including Interstate 10, CSX and the Gulf Coast Railway, an international airport with several non-stop flights, a deep-water port on Pensacola Bay and the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway.