Economic Development and Developers in the News # 201

Welcome to the 201st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

Today's issue contains news from 98 economic development executives and organizations in 34 states plus Puerto Rico.

If this is your first time reading: Hello!

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

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To submit your organization's news, please use this form. If you see an error, send me an email and I'll correct it.

Alabama

Governor Kay Ivey announced a $23.2 million round of SEEDS grants opening in July 2025 to prepare industrial sites statewide. The effort is led by the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (President Miller Girvin).

Arizona

Arizona earned its fifth straight Gold Shovel from Area Development for major wins such as TSMC’s $165 billion chip expansion, led by the Arizona Commerce Authority (CEO Sandra Watson).

California

San Pablo now lists “co-op” as a business-license category, supporting employee-owned firms in its 2025-27 development plan. (ED & Housing Manager Kieron Slaughter; East Bay EDA)

Colorado

The Colorado Department of Local Affairs awarded $780,000 through the REDI program for rural workforce, small-business, and geothermal projects.

Connecticut

State Chief Manufacturing Officer Paul Lavoie was named the University of New Haven’s first VP of Innovation to build an R&D park.

Developers have purchased 136 acres in Berlin for up to 50 upscale homes, praised by Economic Development Director Chris Edge.

Florida

Boynton Beach will receive $519 k in HUD CDBG funds for micro-enterprise, housing rehab, and nonprofit services.

Georgia

The Decide DeKalb Development Authority launched public outreach to update its five-year strategic plan. (VP Randi Mason)

Indiana

Governor Mike Braun replaced the entire Indiana Economic Development Corporation board with nine new members after ordering a forensic audit, promising more active oversight of state projects.

Iowa

The O’Brien County EDC moved offices but keeps its county-wide growth focus, Director Kiana Johnson said.

Iowa Finance Authority and Iowa REALTORS® launched contests promoting financial literacy and homeownership. (Director Debi Durham)

Indianola’s council approved a standalone Community & Economic Development Director post to sharpen growth efforts.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority approved $13 million in incentives for a $137 million JBS sausage plant and expansions at ITA Group and Merchants Bonding (300 jobs total).

Kentucky

BE NKY and partners are expanding site readiness, leveraging the Kentucky Product Development Initiative to spur $2 billion in investment. (VP Christine Russell)

The South Western Kentucky EDC has delivered 2,500 jobs and nearly $3 billion since 2020, driving housing growth. (Executive Director Carter Hendricks)

Lexington broke ground on the 200-acre Legacy Business Park, a $22.6 million project by Commerce Lexington to add 1,700 jobs and $100 million payroll.

Louisiana

Governor Jeff Landry and LED Secretary Susan Bourgeois are pitching Louisiana’s aerospace sector at the Paris Air Show, seeking foreign investment.

Maryland

The CIAA basketball tournament will stay in Baltimore through 2029, with Visit Baltimore citing $100 million in impact. (Visit Baltimore CEO Al Hutchinson)

The Senator George C. Edwards Fund awarded $5.8 million for Garrett County infrastructure, healthcare, and business growth.

HCEDA named Pauline Shiu Head of Innovation at the Maryland Innovation Center.

St. Mary’s County launched a new agriculture brand to boost farm visibility.

Taneytown hired a new economic development director to steer local strategy.

Massachusetts

Governor Maura Healey appointed venture capitalist Eric Paley Secretary of Economic Development.