27 Things Economic Developers Need to Know This Week
The stories Dane thinks you need to see. May 1, 2025 edition.
Welcome to this week's issue of What Economic Developers Need to Know This Week, where we explore the evolving dynamics of our economy.
This week we have 27 tools, stories, graphics, charts and videos that I think you'll find informative, useful, inspiring, and perhaps even humorous. Some are economic development related directly, and some only indirectly. 🤔
If you're wondering what to do with the info in this newsletter, send something to your board members. It will make you look good!
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1) Economic Development and Developers in the News # 193 - Econ dev news from 44 economic development executives and organizations in 16 states.
2) Podcast 171 - Leading Virginia's Largest Economy with Victor Hoskins - Economic development: where no one grows up wanting to do it, but no one wants to quit
3) 19 New Econ Dev Jobs This Week - From 11 states
4) 20 Things Economic Developers Need to Know This Week - The stories Dane thinks you need to see. April 24, 2025 edition.
5) Sitehunt update: Sitehunt now answers hundreds of questions automatically, delivering the information you need without delay, confusion, or endless follow-up emails. No effort required.
In four minutes, Sitehunt accurately answered 14x more questions about a site than a economic development intern:
6) The US GDP contracted in the first quarter, driven by a sharp surge in imports ahead of impending tariffs. (Imports subtract from the GDP):
7) GDP = C + I + G + X
- C = Consumer consumption
- I = Gross Investment
- G = Government Expenditures
- X = Exports - imports
Keep this formula in mind in the coming months.
If imports go down and exports remain the same, the X part of the GDP calculation will go up.
Also the G, or government expenditures. If government spending declines, G will go down.
8) Another great quick insight from Jim Gibson, this time on Richard Florida and the Geography of the Creative Class: "For those involved in site selection, economic development, or urban policy, Florida's work is a reminder that talent attraction is place strategy--and place is power."
9) Durable goods orders surged in March:
10) Boosted by aircraft orders:
Sitehunt understands your sites, so you don't have to:
