Economic Development and Developers in the News # 158
Econ dev news from 50 economic development executives and organizations in 27 states.
Welcome to the 158th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 50 economic development executives and organizations in 27 states.
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The Econ Dev Show is a podcast, weekday email newsletter, and blog of actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson. The Econ Dev Show is brought to you by Sitehunt.
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Alabama
The City of Leeds has approved a new economic development project that includes a regional sports park, three new hotels, a water feature known as the Crystal Lagoon, a bridge for residential development, and a retail component owned by the Retirement Systems of Alabama.
Alaska
The U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration is awarding a $1.9 million grant to TKC Fish Wheel in Anchorage to support the establishment of a sustainable manufacturing enterprise for the Middle Kuskokwim Tribes.
Arkansas
Legislative auditors found that a state-created nonprofit meant to increase economic development misused funds, including improper credit card charges for Christmas parties, gift cards, alcohol, and discrepancies around a $250,000 loan that was never repaid.
California
The Del Norte Economic Development Joint Powers Authority has been disbanded because elected officials couldn't agree on common goals for economic prosperity. Efforts to mitigate the agency's effectiveness and public distrust failed, leading all member agencies to withdraw and split the remaining debt.
The Long Beach Community College District Board of Trustees has approved the appointment of Kendra Madrid as Vice President of Workforce and Economic Development.
The Inland Empire is experiencing a concerning employment situation, with job growth lagging despite a 1.4% increase in the labor force since February 2020, largely due to international in-migration and population trends influenced by recent policies. If the Government and Health sectors, which are currently the main drivers of employment growth, do not continue to expand, the region might face economic contraction in the near future (Manfred Keil, Mark Schniepp, Inland Empire Economic Partnership).
Vallejo officials warn that the billionaire-backed plan, California Forever, could interfere with the city's ability to recruit staff, slow economic development, and negatively impact residents' property values.
Connecticut
Governor Ned Lamont will lead a delegation to Germany from July 15-19, 2024, to discuss business expansion in Connecticut with German company leaders. The delegation includes Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe, Connecticut Innovations CEO Matt McCooe, and AdvanceCT CEO John Bourdeaux.
David Kooris was named executive director of the Municipal Redevelopment Authority, a new quasi-public agency designed to increase housing stock and encourage higher density near public transit stations in Connecticut.
Florida
A group of Florida business leaders, coordinated by the Florida Council of 100, aims to fill the void left by the dismantling of Enterprise Florida by helping to attract specific industries to various regions of the state and coordinating with regional economic-development organizations.
Georgia
The Donalsonville-Seminole County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Authority of Seminole County and Donalsonville announced leadership changes to promote economic and industrial growth. (Sarah Avery, Kadie Matthews)
