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Economic Development and Developers in the News # 175

Econ dev news from 48 economic development executives and organizations in 25 states.

Dane Carlson
Dane Carlson
5 min read
Economic Development and Developers in the News # 175

Welcome to the 174th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.

Today's issue contains news from 48 economic development executives and organizations in 25 states.

If this is your first time reading: Hello!

The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson.

Listen now in your favorite podcast player, or subscribe.

To submit your organization's news, please use this form.


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Alabama

The Port of Huntsville has been awarded a $650,000 grant from Alabama's SEEDS program to enhance site development and infrastructure, with hopes of attracting aviation companies to its location.

The Alabama Department of Commerce awarded the Calhoun County Economic Development Council an $858,000 SEEDS grant to enhance industrial site readiness in Oxford, as part of Governor Kay Ivey's initiative to boost economic development.

Arkansas

Heartland Forward announced leadership changes and aims to generate a $500 million economic impact in the US heartland by 2030, focusing on innovation, workforce development, health, and regional competitiveness. Angie Cooper will become president and chief operating officer, and initiatives like Pulse of the Heartland will track economic data to achieve this goal.

California

The construction of the McClelland Hotel in Windsor has been halted due to permit delays, increased financing costs, and changing site plans, frustrating both residents and developer Tom Birdsall. Windsor Economic Development Director Tim Ricard and town council members are considering options and potential compromises to move forward with the project.

The StartBlue accelerator program at UC San Diego, co-led by the Rady School of Management and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, received $13.5 million from NOAA to support ocean-focused startups across the nation as part of the Ocean Enterprise Initiative.

Cal State LA's Los Angeles Economic Equity Accelerator and Fellowship program received $3.4 million in grants from Los Angeles County’s Department of Economic Opportunity and the City of Los Angeles to support historically marginalized entrepreneurs and businesses.

Colorado

Deborah Cameron will become the new executive director of Chaffee County Economic Development Corp., taking over from Jake Rishavy on January 1.

Delaware

Lauren Swain has been appointed as the new Economic Development Director for the City of Milford, replacing Sara Bluhm after council members decided to retain the position and allocated budget funds for it.

Florida

The Tampa City Council confirmed Abbye Feeley as the Administrator for Development and Economic Opportunity.

David Rodriguez, Kissimmee's new economic development director, is focusing on workforce development and public-private projects to attract businesses, while overseeing the city's Economic Development Department and Community Redevelopment Agency areas.

Georgia

The Screven County Development Authority received over $1 million from the OneGeorgia Authority's Rural Site Development Initiative to enhance an industrial site, part of a broader $9.3 million state effort to boost rural economic growth.

The Georgia Economic Developers Association honored Cecilia Arango of Thomas & Hutton as Committee Chair of the Year, with the Savannah Economic Development Authority and Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority sponsoring the gala.


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