Economic Development and Developers in the News # 186

Welcome to the 186th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News. 

Today's issue contains news from 42 economic development executives and organizations in 20 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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Arkansas

The Little Rock Regional Chamber and Entergy Arkansas have achieved Select Site certification for an 875-acre industrial megasite at the Little Rock Port, marking a significant economic development milestone. This certification, part of qEntergy's initiative to create shovel-ready sites, provides a competitive advantage in attracting manufacturers needing access to interstates, rail, and port facilities.

California

Suisun City has adopted an Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan, aiming to address economic and housing challenges by leveraging its real estate assets and recruiting private sector partners.

Colorado

Denver is set to revitalize its downtown with $570 million in funds, following 81% voter approval to extend tax increment financing. The Denver Downtown Development Authority reports strong interest in redevelopment projects, particularly office-to-apartment conversions, aiming to enhance investment, livability, and arts in the area.

Georgia

Macon-Bibb County has been recognized as one of Site Selection Magazine’s “Top 10 Metro Cities,” highlighting its economic achievements, including reaching over $1 billion in private investment in 2024 through expansions like First Quality Baby Products and Irving Tissue.

Southern Regional Technical College has appointed Amy Carter Davis as the new Vice President for Economic Development.

Indiana

Alejandra Y. Castillo, a Senior Fellow for Economic Development at Purdue University Northwest, is playing a crucial role in advancing economic and community development in Northwest Indiana and the Chicago regions.

Iowa

Iowa City is seeking experts in various fields to aid in the Strategic Investment Districts initiative. This effort aims to foster place-based economic development in Iowa City, North Liberty, and Coralville.

Kentucky

Paducah has been recognized for their economic development efforts, spotlighting their strategic initiatives and achievements in enhancing regional growth. This acknowledgment underscores the impact of local economic development projects and the role they play in elevating community standards and driving investment into the area.

Kentucky has secured a top-five position in Site Selection magazine's 2024 Governor's Cup rankings for economic development projects per capita, reflecting the state's ongoing growth under Governor Andy Beshear's administration.

Louisiana

Ashley Llewellyn, Vice President of St. Tammany Economic Development Corporation, has been honored with the 2025 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, recognizing her as a rising star in the field.

Maine

Mike Duguay, a seasoned leader in business innovation, has been nominated by Governor Janet Mills for the role of commissioner of Maine's Department of Economic and Community Development, succeeding Heather Johnson.

Michigan

The Revitalization and Placemaking program is fueling revitalization in Grand Rapids through a significant project that will transform a functionally obsolete building into a mixed-use development, adding 17 new residential units. With support from a $874,000 grant, this initiative by first-time developer Juan Lopez, partnered with Cella Building Company, aims to bolster housing density and community connectivity in the Cesar E. Chavez corridor, reinforcing the city's economic and environmental goals. (Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero)

Minnesota

Rochester Economic Development Incorporated hosted its 2025 Annual Meeting and Luncheon, themed "Stronger Together, Investing in Our Future," spotlighting optimism for southern Minnesota's growth. President John Wade highlighted significant investments, including Mayo Clinic's expansion and Rochester biomedical startups, while keynote speaker Tim Penny (Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation) emphasized regional partnerships and resources like the Southeast Minnesota Equity Fund to support broader community development.

Greater Fergus Falls, a nonprofit formed in 2018 to boost economic development in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, has suspended its operations due to a lack of alignment with the city council's evolving vision for economic growth.

Missouri

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership is spearheading a revitalization project in Kinloch, in collaboration with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the Regional Business Council. (CEO Rodney Crim)

Three aldermen in Lake Ozark voted against establishing a voluntary economic development position during a meeting held on February 25.

Nebraska

Nebraska's economic community, including entrepreneurs and housing advocates, opposed proposed budget cuts by Governor Jim Pillen affecting the Department of Economic Development. Concerns centered on the potential $5 million annual reduction from the Business Innovation Act and shifting funds from the internNE program. Economic Development Director K.C. Belitz defended the cuts, aiming for efficient budget management and strategic recruitment efforts. However, voices from the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce and the Bio Nebraska nonprofit highlighted the critical need for full funding to support workforce growth and innovation.

New Jersey

Montclair-based Violet PR, recognized by the Public Relations Society of America as the "Best Boutique Agency" in 2024, has rebranded to emphasize its expertise in economic development storytelling. With a tagline "we write the future," the agency underscores its commitment to innovative and data-driven communication strategies, having secured 1,679 media placements reaching 33 billion globally in 2024. (April Mason, President and Founder)

New Mexico

A forum in Los Alamos, organized by the Los Alamos Local Business Coalition, will evaluate the effectiveness of County plans in fostering local economic growth. The event, taking place on March 13, will review strategies in place and assess their impact, inviting feedback from business owners and community members.