Economic Development and Developers in the News # 213
Econ dev news from 80 economic development executives and organizations in 27 states.
Welcome to the 213th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
This week: updates from 80 executives and organizations across 27 states.
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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
Pam Swanner (president, Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association) has led the transformation of Alabama's Black Belt region into a significant tourism and economic development hub, with a 2023 study showing a $3.8 billion total economic impact, the creation of 45,500 jobs, and $219 million in tax contributions driven by outdoor recreation and cultural initiatives.
A nearly $88,000 grant through Alabama’s Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program will accelerate development of the 430-acre Frazier-White Site in Limestone County, supporting key site readiness activities and positioning North Alabama for advanced industry recruitment. (Ellen McNair, Secretary, Alabama Department of Commerce; Bethany Shockney, President and Chief Executive Officer)
Caleb Goodwyn has been named chief officer of economic development at the Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce, bringing experience from both public service and utility sectors to lead job creation and investment efforts. (President and Chief Executive Officer Anna Buckalew)
Arkansas
ARise, the Arkansas statewide startup support initiative managed by Startup Junkie Consulting in partnership with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, reported delivering 715 consulting sessions to 139 startups and facilitating over 500 professional referrals in its inaugural year, emphasizing its role in building an interconnected innovation ecosystem and supporting scalable, high-impact ventures. (Executive Director Clint O’Neal, AEDC)
The Arkansas State University System has approved the first phase of the Career Readiness Education and Skills Training Center, a $10.5 million workforce initiative supported by a $7.5 million state grant and partnerships with ASU-Newport and Arkansas Northeastern College, to strengthen job-ready talent in advanced manufacturing and food processing for Northeast Arkansas employers. (Jonesboro Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO Mark Young)
California
The DTLA Alliance is spearheading downtown Los Angeles' revitalization through strategic initiatives focused on public safety, placemaking, and economic development, supported by market research, public-private partnerships, and art programs, as the city prepares for major global events and continued investment. (Executive Vice President Nick Griffin)
The newly certified Colusa Meat processing facility, developed by Colusa Industrial Properties, is set to drive agricultural growth and regional economic development by supporting local livestock producers, creating new jobs, and expanding market access for diverse communities. (CDFA Secretary Karen Ross; Colusa Industrial Properties Chief Executive Officer Ed Hulbert)
Connecticut
Farmington-based Calco Construction and Development Inc. is advancing a mixed-use project combining retail, restaurant, and warehouse space, supported by the town’s Economic Development Commission. Economic Development Director Christopher Edge said the initiative could spur broader redevelopment along the Berlin Turnpike through strategic site improvements and new commercial investment.
Florida
Tywan Arrington has been appointed as Flagler County’s new economic development manager, bringing experience in economic and international development from his previous role as Director of Business Development with Team Volusia Economic Development Corporation, where he helped the organization achieve accreditation.
Aventuur Inc. is set to receive up to $4.6 million in city incentives to advance its $130 million Jacksonville Surf Park, following approval by the Mayor’s Budget Review Committee. The project, supported by the city’s Office of Economic Development (Executive Director Ed Randolph), aims to create a regional surfing destination and generate significant employment.
Georgia
Georgia recorded a historic $26.3 billion in investment from 423 facility expansions or new projects during fiscal year 2025, creating 23,000 new private-sector jobs, with over three-quarters of projects outside metro Atlanta. (Governor Brian Kemp, Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, Georgia Department of Economic Development)
The recent federal immigration raid at Hyundai Motor Group’s $7.6 billion electric vehicle project in Georgia has intensified scrutiny of the state’s largest-ever economic development initiative, with Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson emphasizing South Korea’s key role in Georgia’s global strategy and the project’s significant job creation and investment impacts. (Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson)
Illinois
ADM has announced the consolidation of its soybean protein operations, resulting in the planned closure of its Bushnell, Illinois, facility next year after more than 40 years in the community. The Macomb Area Economic Development Corporation (President and Chief Executive Officer Kim Pierce) is engaging with ADM to address the impacts and identify future opportunities for the site and affected employees.
The Will County Center for Economic Development is expanding its high school summer internship program, which connected 75 students with local employers last year, to include additional school districts in 2026, supporting workforce development and the region’s long-term economic growth. (Doug Pryor, president and chief executive officer)
Indiana
The Union Station Lofts project, developed by Rebar Development and facilitated through an accelerated funding schedule approved by OrthoWorx and the Warsaw Redevelopment Commission, is advancing swiftly and will ultimately provide 80 apartments along with modern amenities and commercial studios, representing a $20 million investment in community-focused mixed-use development. (Warsaw Community and Economic Development Director Jeremy Skinner)
The Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City, under the leadership of Executive Director Clarence Hulse, has guided the Vibrant Michigan City initiative, drawing national attention for its success in rural economic transformation. The program, developed in collaboration with national organizations, has generated over $582 million in investment and produced a playbook now informing rural economic strategies nationwide. (Executive Director Clarence Hulse, Economic Development Corporation of Michigan City)
Kansas
The Joint Economic Development Organization has approved incentives totaling more than $1.6 million to support major expansion projects by Reser’s Fine Foods and Security Benefit, with GO Topeka (Interim President Stephanie Moran) facilitating efforts expected to deliver hundreds of jobs and generate over one billion dollars in economic impact over the next decade.
The Tallgrass Addition housing development, facilitated by a Reinvestment Housing Incentive District and driven by nonprofit developer Heart of America, has generated a $24.4 million economic impact, created over 250 jobs, and increased housing affordability in the region, according to Doug Williams (executive director, Grow Hays).
Louisiana
Chris Masingill, newly appointed president and chief executive officer of Louisiana Central, aims to elevate the organization's economic development strategies in Central Louisiana, highlighting the region's $17 billion gross domestic product growth over the past four years and a strong foundation for expanding partnerships and industrial opportunities.
Source Louisiana, a new statewide economic development platform, has been launched by Governor Landry to attract new investment and drive economic growth across Louisiana, aiming to streamline resources and enhance collaboration among public and private stakeholders.
The Lafayette City and Parish Council has approved an $803.7 million operating and capital budget—the largest in Lafayette Consolidated Government history—which directs significant funding to infrastructure, revitalization projects, and the creation of a dedicated economic developer position for Lafayette Utilities System. (Mayor-President Monique Boulet)
Mandi D. Mitchell (president, Lafayette Economic Development Authority) emphasizes that expanding access to high-quality early childhood education is critical for workforce development and economic competitiveness, urging continued investment as an essential strategy to strengthen Louisiana's talent pipeline and overall prosperity.
