Economic Development and Developers in the News # 181

Welcome to the 181st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.

Today's issue contains news from 136 economic development executives and organizations in 17 states.

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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.

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Alabama

Huntsville's 2024 Development Review indicates significant growth, with 6,404 residential units gaining occupancy, largely fueled by multi-family complexes, marking the highest completion rate since 1984. Director of Urban and Economic Development Shane Davis noted the creation of 46,000 jobs since 2014.

Arizona

Meta's inaugural phase of the Mesa Data Center is now operational, as part of the global network supporting Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Meta AI. With an estimated investment of $60-$65 billion slated for 2025, some will benefit Arizona's development. (Brad Davis, Meta’s Data Center Community and Economic Developer Director)

California

The City of Shasta Lake is investing over $6 million from state and federal grants, including a $2.5 million American Rescue Plan Act grant, into local park enhancements. Projects include a $1.6 million state-of-the-art skate park by Spohn Ranch and upgrades to other recreational facilities, marking the first major park improvement since 1993, according to Community and Economic Developer Whitney Zeller.

The Sonora City Council is set to vote on a contract with Przybyla Advisors, led by former Tuolumne County Director of Innovation and Business Assistance Cole Przybyla, to spearhead economic development activities. The contract, if approved, includes a $50,000 annual payment to advance the city's strategic business growth objectives.

Connecticut

Ayanna Wayner has resigned as Hamden's director of economic and community development just three months into her tenure, citing a commute from New York City that was too challenging to maintain.

Florida

Tallahassee-Leon County is making strides in job growth, adding over 18,000 private sector jobs in the past five years. Spearheaded by the Office of Economic Vitality's Targeted Business Program, these efforts focus on high-quality, sustainable employment in key sectors, underscoring the region's robust economic partnerships. (Keith Bowers, Director)

Georgia

Mike Coan, a former deputy commissioner for the Georgia Department of Labor, has been appointed to lead economic development for the Barrow Braselton Joint Economic Development Authority.

Illinois

Casey Peterson, director of business attraction for the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, has achieved the prestigious Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council.

Indiana

The economic development initiative Grow South Spencer has emerged from Dubois County, supported by local stakeholders with a vision for fostering regional growth.

Maryland

The Frederick County Office of Economic Development has welcomed Patrick Hedlund as the new Marketing and Communications Team Manager. (Director Jodie Bollinger)

Bill Chambers, president and chief executive officer of the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, recently met with Maryland Governor Wes Moore to discuss efforts to enhance the state's economic competitiveness.

The West North Avenue Development Authority, led by Chad Williams, seeks qualified developers to revitalize West Baltimore, addressing long-standing vacancies with a focus on minority-owned businesses.

Michigan

Dom Holmes has been appointed the new director of Oakland County's Economic Development department.

The Imagination Factory Community Center in Iron Mountain, Michigan, is set for transformation with a new Tiny Town exhibit, supported by a crowdfunding campaign through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Public Spaces Community Places program. A $50,000 goal will unlock a matching grant, revitalizing a historic school for community engagement. (Paula Holtz, MEDC Regional Prosperity Managing Director)

Missouri

Paul Eisenstein and Edward F. Hayes III have been announced as finalists for the position of Columbia Economic Development Director. The role, currently held by Stacey Button, who will soon retire, is vital to drawing both small and large businesses to Columbia. Eisenstein is the senior director of operations at the Missouri Department of Economic Development, while Hayes brings a diverse background in economic and community development from his work in Memphis, Tennessee. The selection process will include a public meet-and-greet.

New Hampshire

Jaffrey's Planning Board is proposing a zoning amendment to allow greater housing density bonuses for open space developments as part of a revised zoning code supported by a state grant. This initiative, led in part by Planning and Economic Development Director Jo Anne Carr, aims to increase housing inventory while preserving rural and natural qualities.

New Mexico

Charles Lehman, an alumnus of the University of New Mexico, has donated $30,000 for a campus-wide license of IMPLAN, a leading software for economic impact analysis. This initiative aims to enhance research capabilities, support economic development goals, and provide training for students and researchers at UNM.

Ohio

The City of Toledo's Department of Economic Development has launched four grant programs under the Vibrancy Initiative, focusing on revitalizing Toledo through building improvements and commercial space activation. These programs have already leveraged over $109 million in private investment, assisting 30 businesses and creating over 480 jobs. (Economic Development Director Brandon Sehlhorst)

Highland County commissioners approved several contracts related to the county's economic development department, including a lease with Highland County Community Action for the Workforce Development Center and partnerships with the city of Hillsboro, the villages of Lynchburg and Leesburg, and the Chamber of Commerce. (Highland County Economic Development Director Julie Bolender)

The old Fairfield Shoe Company building in Lancaster is set to become 60 luxury apartments by 2026, driven by Urban Restorations and supported by the Lancaster Port Authority. The project, estimated at $20 million, aligns with the city’s intention to boost downtown vitality through diverse housing options, as noted by Stephanie Bosco, Economic Development Director.

Oregon

Christie Dudenhoefer has been appointed as the executive director of Semiconductor Economic Development at Oregon State University, where she will lead OSU's initiatives in workforce development and research, particularly in semiconductors. Dudenhoefer will also serve as the Regional Innovation Officer for the Corvallis Microfluidics Tech Hub, focusing on strategy development, business recruiting, and workforce initiatives to strengthen the position of OSU in microfluidics technology.

Tennessee

Benton County secured more than $1.9 million in state grants to purchase a 555-acre site for speculative industrial development, marking a transformative step for the rural Tennessee community. Benton County Economic Development Director Jennifer Wheatley highlighted the site's potential to attract automotive and battery-related industries, boosting local employment and economic growth.

Texas

The Longview Economic Development Corporation has approved a retention and expansion plan for Modine, a global thermal management company, securing 30 existing jobs and creating 22 new positions. (Wayne Mansfield, President)

The Amarillo Economic Development Corporation board has unanimously voted to separate Kevin Carter from his role as president.

Kevin Buck, the City of Houston's economic developer, has announced his resignation due to ongoing health concerns stemming from previous injuries.