Economic Development and Developers in the News # 191

Welcome to the 191st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News. 

Today's issue contains news from 63 economic development executives and organizations in 23 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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California

The Nevada County Board of Supervisors has approved the next steps for four key economic development incentives, including engaging a community development financial institution, expanding Small Business Administration microenterprise lending, launching the Statewide Community Infrastructure Program, and supporting renewable energy investments through the Sierra Business Council, in alignment with the county’s economic development action plan.

Connecticut

The Connecticut State Bond Commission is considering $680.7 million in proposed borrowing for wide-ranging economic development initiatives, including $192 million for housing programs, environmental remediation funding for Hartford’s former Danny Corporation site (Hartford Economic Development Director Patrick Pentalow).

Florida

Francesca de Quesada Covey will step down as Miami-Dade County’s chief of innovation and economic development after leading initiatives such as securing a tech hub designation, overseeing $1 billion in new capital investments, and supporting over 15,000 small businesses through Strive305 during her two-year tenure.

The Brevard County Commission has voted to defund the North Brevard Economic Development Zone (executive director Troy Post), redirecting its $3 million annual allocation to the county’s fire rescue services. Established in 2011 to address high unemployment, the Zone has helped attract major employers and reduce joblessness by nearly 75 percent.

Georgia

The Roswell Downtown Development Authority is advancing the Hill Street mixed-use project—featuring significant commercial and residential components and a 300-space parking deck—as part of broader city efforts to enhance economic development, led by Economic Development Director Darryl Connelly and involving collaborative land exchange and budgeted project planning with city agencies.

Illinois

The Crossroads of Schaumburg development, led by North American Real Estate, has broken ground on a new multi-restaurant campus projected to open in spring 2026, transforming a long-vacant property with at least eight tenants in a project supported by improved accessibility and safety features. (Schaumburg Economic Development Director Matt Frank)

The Oswego Village Board has approved amendments to a redevelopment agreement and an economic incentive package of up to $100,000 over ten years to support HD 71 LLC's proposed downtown Dunkin' location, with Economic Development Director Kevin Leighty noting ongoing challenges related to state approvals for required utility work.

The city of Joliet is reviewing redevelopment proposals for the former Crabigale’s comedy club and MyGrain Brewing Company spaces as part of broader efforts to revitalize downtown and attract new business investment, according to Paulina Martinez (Economic Development Director).

Indiana

The Bargersville Town Council is moving forward with ordinances to create a community development corporation focused on innovation and economic growth, as well as an arts and culture commission to integrate arts into public life, with both initiatives intended to enhance community development and attract new investment.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun has signed a series of executive orders targeting the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, including mandating the redrawing of regional economic maps, increasing transparency requirements for state-affiliated nonprofits, and prioritizing job creation and wage growth as the primary measures of economic development success.

Iowa

The newly formed Lone Tree Economic Development Committee has launched a community branding initiative after receiving a 2025 Community Branding Grant from Greater Iowa City, Inc.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded $40,000 in Rural BOOST grants to support economic growth initiatives in two counties and two rural towns, with projects focusing on workforce succession planning, business park marketing, community infrastructure improvements, and housing development. (Executive Director Debi Durham)

Kentucky

Bowling Green has been named the top city for economic development among U.S. cities under 200,000 population by Site Selection Magazine for the second consecutive year, with 24 major projects announced in 2024 and new investments expected to generate over $2.24 billion and create more than 600 jobs, according to the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce.

Louisiana

Louisiana is on track to potentially announce a record $50 billion in new business investments this year, driven by major projects from companies such as Meta and Hyundai, under the direction of Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois. This surge reflects an aggressive new state strategy focused on fast-growing sectors and enhanced site development.

A major new Buc-ee's location in North Lafayette is expected to drive significant economic growth and attract additional investment to the area, according to Andre Breaux (Vice President of Policy and Strategic Initiatives at One Acadiana), who highlights the project’s potential to create jobs and boost surrounding business activity.