Economic Development and Developers in the News # 182

Welcome to the 182nd weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.

Today's issue contains news from 43 economic development executives and organizations in 26 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.

Alabama

The Mobile Chamber has unveiled a collaborative economic development project with SLB OneSubsea and Denmark-based Primo to bolster the energy industry's presence in the region. (Mobile Chamber President and CEO Bradley Byrne)

The Alabama Growth Alliance, a coalition of business and government leaders, is advocating for the Alabama Development Fund to drive economic development without increasing taxes. The fund, endorsed by Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair, aims to finance rural development, infrastructure, and global marketing by using a portion of sales and property taxes from future projects.

Arkansas

A suite of legislation aimed at modernizing Arkansas's economic development incentives is being considered at the state Capitol, with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission backing these measures.

California

Sonoma County's Economic Development Collaborative, led by Executive Director Ethan Brown, highlighted the role of innovation and young minds in tackling climate challenges at a climate economics conference at Sonoma State University.

The city of Santa Monica has temporarily waived outdoor dining license fees for February to support local businesses affected by recent wildfires. (Economic Development Manager Jennifer Taylor)

Delaware

Governor Matt Meyer of Delaware has outlined an economic strategy that prioritizes investments in public education over traditional business grants, aiming to attract businesses by enhancing quality of life and workforce development. Meyer, who now co-chairs the Delaware Prosperity Partnership, emphasized the importance of a robust education system, affordable housing, and safe communities in fostering economic growth.

Florida

Alachua County's Tourism and Economic Development department has launched a pilot program offering complimentary access to the Certified Guest Service Professional certification, aiming to enhance the local tourism workforce's skills in anticipation of the 2025 World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships. (Director Jessica Hurov)

Georgia

Sandy Springs is navigating challenges in economic growth as city officials outline strategies to revitalize outdated commercial properties and introduce multi-use paths akin to the Atlanta Beltline. At the recent city council retreat, Economic Development Director Michael Burnette acknowledged slow progress in downtown’s City Springs 2.0 expansion but highlighted over 1,850 multi-family units and 50,000 square feet of office space set for completion in the coming years.

Illinois

The Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council warns that a housing shortage in the Twin Cities could lead to economic stagnation, impacting young professionals attracted to new jobs in the area. EDC's Business Attraction Director, Casey Peterson, highlighted at a recent summit that rising housing costs and a lack of urban living options are exacerbating the issue, while EDC CEO Patrick Hoban emphasized the urgency of addressing housing and child care costs to maintain the workforce's growth.