Economic Development and Developers in the News # 209
Econ dev news from 66 economic development executives and organizations in 25 states.
Welcome to the 208th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
Today's issue contains news from 66 economic development executives and organizations in 25 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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Alabama
The Macon County Economic Development Authority secured a $2.7 million SEEDS grant from the Alabama Department of Commerce to acquire and develop a 360-acre industrial site, plus $1.3 million for infrastructure at the Regional East Alabama Logistics Park, strengthening the county's position for industrial investment and job creation. (Joe Turnham)
Arizona
Tucson Mayor Regina Romero is leading a regional strategy to reduce generational poverty and build wealth, with inclusive engagement and participation in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative shaping Tucson's economic future.
Tourism in Scottsdale generated nearly $4 billion in 2024, with 11 million visitors boosting the local economy and funding city services. Experience Scottsdale (President and CEO Rachel Sacco) highlighted the impact of venues and events on tax revenues and quality of life.
California
The San Diego Regional EDC projects the $3.9 billion Midway Rising redevelopment will deliver $285 million annually, create 4,250 housing units--nearly half affordable--and support 21,900 construction jobs, making it a transformative regional project. (Eduardo Velasquez)
Colorado
Colorado is emerging as a leader in aerospace, bioscience, clean energy, and quantum tech, fueled by state initiatives, a skilled workforce, and strong public-private partnerships. (Michelle Hadwiger, Colorado OEDIT)
The Fremont EDC and county officials renewed participation in Colorado's Rural Jump-Start Program, offering incentives to attract businesses to distressed rural areas.
Audrey Royem was appointed Economic Development Coordinator for Region 9, bringing international development and policy expertise to support rural growth and inclusive planning.
Florida
Kay Rasmussen, associate director of One Okaloosa EDC, will be inducted into the Okaloosa County Women's Hall of Fame, honored for 20+ years of leadership in military liaison work, federal funding, and defense partnerships.
Duke Energy awarded $255,000 in grants to 20 Florida organizations to strengthen business attraction and workforce talent, bringing its investment since 2020 to nearly $2 million.
The Hardee County EDC approved negotiations for a $1.2 million redevelopment of the historic Verizon building into six apartments and ground-floor retail, addressing housing needs and boosting downtown vitality.
The Walton County Commission rejected defunding its Economic Development Alliance after debate on effectiveness, noting its role in securing an $850,000 grant and attracting Amazon and 250 jobs.
The Haines City EDC, led by Cyndi Jantomaso, is advancing five projects creating 1,000+ construction jobs and hundreds of permanent positions, strengthening Haines City Industrial Park as an investment hub.
Idaho
Bannock Development rebranded as Portneuf Valley Development Corporation to better reflect its regional mission. CEO MiaCate Kennedy emphasized both recruitment and retention efforts through independent operation.
Illinois
Pekin Economic Development Director Josh Wray reported renewed investment, including a proposed $15 million motel redevelopment, industrial expansions, and up to 2,000 new homes, showing strong momentum across sectors.
Iowa
The Charles City Area Development Corporation earned accreditation from the IEDC, recognizing its commitment to professional standards and business growth.
Kentucky
Apple announced a $2.5 billion investment in its Kentucky facility as part of a $600 billion national manufacturing commitment, while Ford outlined a major EV initiative. Governor Andy Beshear hailed both as pivotal for the state's advanced manufacturing growth.
Massachusetts
Community and Economic Development Director Amy Cahillane clarified that the city's downtown surplus lot remains open for proposals, with potential residential and commercial uses, despite petitions seeking reversal.
Michigan
The CEDAM Fellowship, supported by the MEDC, has placed early-career professionals statewide since 2018, securing $21 million in grants and building local capacity.
Michigan lawmakers are considering bills to repeal the SOAR fund, the state's largest subsidy program, citing poor job-creation results. The legislation would redirect funds and strengthen MEDC oversight.
Communities First Inc. hosted its Community Cando LIVE! breakfast to connect leaders and residents on small business support and job creation.
A coalition led by Economic Development Leaders for Michigan proposed a $100 million agenda for business attraction, community revitalization, talent growth, and innovation.
ReShore, led by MichAuto, Traverse Connect, and partners, will spotlight Northern Michigan's leadership in blue tech, outdoor recreation, and mobility, with MEDC Chief Growth Officer Hilary Doe among keynotes.
Minnesota
The Willmar City Council approved the $710,958 2026 budget for Kandiyohi County EDC, down from 2025 after one-time child care grants ended. The group will update its strategic plan amid tighter state funding. (Executive Director Barbara Carr)
Mississippi
John Hendrix, Economic Development Director for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, received the 2025 Chris Thompson Award from United South & Eastern Tribes for leading $100 million in development, grants, workforce, broadband, and energy projects.
New Mexico
Red River Tourism Director Shelby Werley earned Certified Destination Management Executive status, marking a milestone in regional tourism leadership.
The New Mexico EDD launched new technology grants to support business innovation and growth statewide.
New York
Demolition has begun on Albany's long-blighted Central Warehouse, backed by $11.6 million in Restore New York funding and part of Governor Hochul's $400 million Championing Albany's Potential initiative.
Sullivan County Partnership CEO Marc Baez reported momentum with unemployment at 2.9%, median income up 31% since 2011, and major infrastructure and housing projects underway.
North Carolina
The Fayetteville Cumberland EDC, led by Robert Van Geons, is driving growth with projects including an $867 million titanium factory, a defense-tech innovation center, and interest from billion-dollar data centers.
The Sampson County Board adopted a new strategic plan with Creative EDC, emphasizing community input to guide investment, job creation, and prosperity.
North Dakota
The Grand Forks Career Impact Academy held its ribbon cutting on August 13, opening a $30.5 million technical education center supported by over $11 million in local investment and 90+ business and community partners, a milestone described as "extra special" for the region (Keith Lund, President & CEO, Grand Forks Region EDC).
Ohio
Toledo launched the Toledo Community Improvement Corporation, a nonprofit with a 35-year funding stream to prepare sites for jobs and housing. Leaders say it will attract investment and replicate past redevelopment successes. (Brandon Sehlhorst)
Pennsylvania
The Greater Berks Development Fund secured a $180,000 Pennsylvania Catalyst loan to help a family farm expand. (President Debra Millman)
Mary Kuna earned the Certified Economic Developer designation, recognizing her professional expertise.
South Carolina
A coalition led by Alliance Pickens partnered with educators to build a training facility, enabling Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company to open a new plant with 500+ jobs and major investment.
John Truluck, director of Dorchester County EDO, was named Local Developer of the Year by SCEDA, recognizing his 23-year career generating 4,600 jobs and $1.3 billion in investment.
