Week 5: Now / Next Later

Updated Mar 30, 2026

Universe: 52 U.S. metros with qualifying catalyst activity Scoring: Hero × Progress composite (0–10) Tier boundaries: NOW 7.5–10.0 / NEXT 5.5–7.4 / LATER 3.5–5.4 / FUNNEL <3.5

7.5–10.0 → Deploy capital within 90 days

5.5–7.4 → Underwrite now, set trigger

3.5–5.4 → Monitor quarterly — Top 5 only

⚠ Memphis, TN (LATER 3.6) — Major employer job cuts confirmed in 2026. No stage change yet, but the FedEx anchor thesis warrants closer monitoring. Score under review.

⚠ Richmond, VA (FUNNEL 2.7) — Meta layoffs and metaverse pivot creating uncertainty around the $800M data center investment. Data center jobs are already thin; workforce disruption compounds the weak thesis. Watch for further cuts.

↑ Syracuse, NY (LATER 4.2) — Second Micron business park greenlit; South Korean supplier committing to Clay. No physical stage change yet, but the ecosystem is building around the fab ahead of schedule. Positive signal for the 2030 timeline.

↑ San Diego, CA (FUNNEL 3.4) — Anduril's Long Beach campus moved to pre-operational this week (progress 0.50 → 0.85). Entered the board as a new Funnel entry. Worth tracking as operations ramp.

Scoring universe: 52 U.S. metros with qualifying catalyst activity as of Mar 30, 2026 Hero × Progress framework. Not investment advice.