Economic Development and Developers in the News # 215
Econ dev news from 80 economic development executives and organizations in 27 states.
Welcome to the 215th 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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Arizona
Jeanine Jerkovic (Economic Development Director, City of Surprise) has been appointed to the board of directors of the International Economic Development Council, where she will join more than 50 global leaders in shaping initiatives that support over 5,000 economic development professionals and communities worldwide.
Arkansas
Business professionals and civic leaders in Texarkana convened for the inaugural State of Economic Development event, led by the Texarkana Chamber of Commerce (President Robin Hickerson) and featuring panelists from key organizations such as TexAmericas Center (Scott Norton) and AR-TX REDI (Rob Sitterley), to discuss regional collaboration on infrastructure, workforce growth, and business recruitment.
California
San Diego officials have paused efforts to declare three Mission Bay Park parcels as surplus property, opting instead to pursue potential exemptions to the Surplus Land Act in coordination with state agencies, as the city seeks to redevelop aging sites while navigating affordable housing requirements. (Economic Development Director Christina Bibler)
The Midway Rising project in San Diego aims to transform a 49-acre site by constructing over 4,000 new homes, alongside a new 16,000-seat entertainment center, public parks, and commercial space. The initiative is expected to generate thousands of jobs and significantly boost local revenue. (Economic Development Director Christina Bibler)
The City of Citrus Heights is reporting early successes from its new three-year Economic Development Work Plan, with initiatives led by the Economic Development and Community Engagement Department (Director Meghan Huber) resulting in streamlined regulations, new business incentives, expanded support services, and targeted efforts to attract investment and reduce commercial vacancies.
Redondo Beach is advancing its long-planned public boat launch ramp as part of the King Harbor Public Amenities Plan, aiming to enhance ocean access for regional boaters. Supported by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, the project is moving through design and permitting stages and is expected to generate significant local economic activity. (Greg Kapovich, Waterfront and Economic Development Director)
Colorado
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has released the state’s first comprehensive Statewide Economic Development Strategy, a five-year plan designed to align local, regional, and statewide efforts and foster economic growth across all 64 counties and tribal communities. (Executive Director Eve Lieberman; Rural Opportunity Office Director Meridith Marshall)
Delaware
Delaware Prosperity Partnership earned a 2025 Excellence in Economic Development Award from the International Economic Development Council for its website ChooseDelaware.com, recognized for design and inclusivity in serving a population over 500,000. (Nathan Ohle, International Economic Development Council President and Chief Executive Officer)
Florida
The Orlando Economic Partnership led a second business mission to Taiwan to strengthen the region’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain, foster international trade, and expand aviation and academic partnerships, reinforcing Central Florida’s strategic push for innovation, investment, and global connectivity. (Destin Wells, Senior Vice President of Economic Development, Orlando Economic Partnership)
Illinois
The Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative has launched an Economic Transformation Action Plan aiming to create 500,000 new businesses and 18 million jobs across the region over the next decade, emphasizing sustainable development, clean energy, and mixed-use waterfronts. (Jonathan Altenberg, President and Chief Executive Officer)
Two development teams—Woodstock Redevelopment Associates, led by Harlem Irving Companies (President Rick Filler), and Murphy Development Group (Managing Director Dave Ariola)—have submitted proposals to transform the former Die Cast site in Woodstock into new apartment complexes, aiming to boost downtown vitality, attract hundreds of new residents, and enhance transit-oriented development. (Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson)
Indiana
Indiana is set to split the roles of chief executive officer and president at its Economic Development Corporation, following new legislation aiming to enhance transparency and oversight; the announcement of a new president is expected by the end of October, according to the Commerce Office. (Secretary of Commerce David Adams)
Plans for a $12 billion data center project in St. Joseph County remain shrouded in uncertainty, as county officials clarify that the end user is not Meta, despite public speculation. St. Joseph County Economic Development Director Bill Schalliol emphasized that the developer has not confirmed the company behind the project.
