Economic Development and Developers in the News # 204
Econ dev news from 89 economic development executives and organizations in 32 states.
Welcome to the 204th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
Today's issue contains news from 89 economic development executives and organizations in 32 states.
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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Arizona
Chris Camacho, longtime Greater Phoenix Economic Council CEO, will join Axon after 17 years of steering major growth for Greater Phoenix.
Arkansas
The Economic Development Corporation of Clark County and AEDC broke ground on the 991‑acre Southwest Arkansas Mega Site, a $2.14 million state‑backed industrial park. (CEO Shelley Short; Executive Director Clint O’Neal)
California
Oakley and Los Medanos College won CALED’s 2025 Award of Merit for free small‑business workshops. (Analyst Harumi Murata)
Jill Lamkin is the new CEO of the Manhattan Beach Chamber, focusing on strategic growth ahead of the FIFA World Cup and Olympics.
Santa Clara city leaders expanded Related Santa Clara to add data‑center‑ready space while keeping retail, hotel, and housing. (CED Director Afshan Hamid)
Lathrop ED Administrator Shelley Burcham retires; Barbara Harb steps in.
Colorado
Gov. Jared Polis formed a Tariff Burden Reduction Task Force with OEDIT to soften federal‑tariff impacts.
Denver’s Broadway Merchants Association proposes a General Improvement District to raise $1 million annually for the South Broadway corridor.
Connecticut
Sunflower Sustainable Investments pulled its $200 million battery project in Killingly after safety and environmental concerns.
Florida
Lee County’s Horizon Foundation landed its largest gift yet—$50,000 from the Industrial Development Authority.
Lakeland rolled out a Memorial Boulevard revitalization plan, from motel conversions to pop‑up markets. (CED Director Brian Rewis)
Georgia
Georgia Tech forecasts the Hyundai Metaplant will add 895 households and 1,802 students to Bulloch County; Betsy McGriff outlined housing strategies.
The Augusta EDA seeks $25 million for sewer to unlock a 1,150‑acre megasite.
Fulton County may pull its $9.4 million share of Atlanta’s Westside TAD, imperiling affordable‑housing funds. (Invest Atlanta; Westside Future Fund)
Illinois
The Illinois SBDC at SIU turns 40, boasting 4,400 clients and $70 million in capital raised in the past decade.
Indiana
The Muncie‑Delaware Alliance hired Gina Caravaglia to steer county redevelopment. (CEO Elizabeth Rowray)
Allen County OK’d $500 million in incentives for Bistrozzi’s data center—its first Community Reinvestment Area deal. (AEDG CEO Cindy Leis)
State lawmakers question the IEDC LEAP District’s water use and transparency; economist Michael Hicks urges stricter ROI.
Indiana University will host its first Economic Development Summit, showcasing research‑driven growth tools.
Gov. Mike Braun’s new IEDC board signals a pivot from real estate to broader, ROI‑focused policy.
Iowa
West Des Moines eyes a mixed‑use makeover of the 60‑acre Valley West Mall once a new owner is named. (CED Director Ryan Moffat)
Kentucky
Covington will start vertical construction on the 23‑acre Central Riverfront, turning the former IRS site into housing, offices, and convention space. (ED Director Tom West)
