Economic Development and Developers in the News # 216
Econ dev news from 43 economic development executives and organizations in 17 states.
Welcome to the 216th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
This week: updates from 43 executives and organizations across 17 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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Colorado
The City of Pueblo will end its longstanding contract with the Pueblo Economic Development Corporation, seeking new economic development partners through a forthcoming Request for Qualifications. PEDCO (President Jeff Shaw) has partnered with the city since 1985 on business attraction and job creation, and may reapply for the role.
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade has released the state’s first five-year Statewide Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, aiming to align economic development efforts across all 64 counties and tribal nations, attract investment, and foster collaboration for a more resilient state economy. (OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman)
Delaware
Sussex County Economic Development Director Andrew Harton will address the Rehoboth Beach--Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce. luncheon about Sussex County economic development.
Hawaii
Jade P. Rojas-Letisi has been appointed Director of the County of Maui Office of Economic Development, where she will lead efforts to strengthen local industries, support small businesses, and advance economic diversification initiatives across Maui Nui.
Illinois
Kane County has launched a new countywide economic development corporation, supported by federal recovery dollars and state grants, to coordinate business growth and fill a longstanding strategic gap, according to Mark VanKerkhoff (Director of Development & Community Services).
Indiana
Indiana is set to announce a new president for the Indiana Economic Development Corporation following recent legislative changes requiring separate appointments for the roles of president and secretary of commerce. (Secretary of Commerce David Adams)
Kansas
Wichita State University’s Center for Economic Development and Business Research projects that metro areas like Wichita and Kansas City could see at least 25 percent population growth over the next 50 years, while many rural Kansas counties face steep declines, emphasizing the need to attract technology and automation jobs. (Director Bekah Selby-Leach)
Michigan
The city of Wyoming has opened the 28th Street pedestrian bridge, a major infrastructure project aimed at improving safety and walkability for residents while connecting to new trail systems and enhancing business access in the area. (Community and Economic Developer Nicole Hofert)
Developer Day in Ludington showcased major opportunities for housing and mixed-use development, highlighting the city’s award-winning Unified Development Ordinance and collaborative efforts among local organizations. Kristi Lucas-Zimmerman (Economic Development Director, Chamber Alliance of Mason County) and other leaders emphasized strategic housing plans, incentive programs, and recent revitalization successes.
The Lake Superior Community Partnership has been selected as one of ten organizations for Michigan’s inaugural Community Growth Academy, a program aimed at equipping communities with resources and strategies to diversify local economies and foster resilience. (Chief Executive Officer Christopher Germain)
The city of Grand Rapids is seeking development partners to transform a vacant U.S. Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center into a publicly accessible facility with a potential mix of community, residential, and commercial uses, with incentives such as brownfield programs under consideration. (Economic Development Director Sarah Rainero)
A proposed $50 million state earmark to support infrastructure near Highland Copper's Copperwood Mine in Michigan's Upper Peninsula was excluded from the final state budget, but InvestUP (Chief Executive Officer Marty Fittante) and local economic developers remain committed to advancing the $425 million project, highlighting its regional economic and job creation potential.
Minnesota
The Regional Economic Development Alliance of Greater Mankato recently sent representatives, including Economic Development Director Ryan Vesey and Saint Peter City Council Member Keri Johnson, to Ireland to strengthen economic ties and attract international investment, aiming to build on the region's existing vibrancy and foster sustainable growth.
Mississippi
The Stone County Economic Development Partnership marked its 25th anniversary by highlighting over $700,000 in recent investment and its ongoing efforts to attract new business, industry, and tourism to the area, reflecting its commitment to regional growth and visibility. (Executive Director Layla Essary)
New York
Ogdensburg is seeing renewed economic activity as O'Reilly Auto Parts opens in Seaway Plaza, while city officials—including Economic Developer Tyler Park—advance partnerships with the Small Business Development Center to support local businesses and move forward with new projects, such as Ace Hardware and the Small City Brewing Project, through streamlined environmental reviews.
At the “Economic and Workforce Development Summit” in New York, leaders from organizations including the New York City Employment and Training Coalition (Chief Executive Officer Greg Morris), New York City Economic Development Corporation (President and Chief Executive Officer Andrew Kimball), and FPWA (Chief Executive Officer Jennifer Jones Austin) highlighted collaborative efforts to promote job growth, advance economic mobility, and support minority- and women-owned businesses, emphasizing that economic development is both an economic and social imperative.
North Carolina
The City of Monroe has launched an Office of Economic Development to drive business attraction, retention, and expansion, with Teresa Campo (Director) leading the new initiative and Donna D’Alessandro O’Keefe (Existing Business and Industry Manager) supporting efforts to streamline services and foster economic growth through strategic partnerships and resource expansion.
Ohio
InSolves, a woman-owned provider of advanced manufacturing and staffing solutions for Department of Energy nuclear projects, is expanding operations with a $225,000 investment supported by JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Abbott), and Pike County Economic & Community Development, adding seven new precision manufacturing jobs.
Shaker Heights has eliminated the need for General Fund subsidies on its longstanding Chagrin-Lee Urban Renewal District debt, as payments in lieu of taxes now fully cover annual bond obligations. This shift reflects stronger property tax revenues from new developments, according to Economic Development Director Laura Englehart.
Sommers Real Estate Group is proposing a new residential development of 40 to 50 high-end townhomes in North Olmsted, incorporating restoration of the historic Biddulph House, in an effort to expand the city’s housing stock amid a broader trend of increased residential investment. (Director of Economic and Community Development Max Upton)
Oregon
Zach Ratkai (Community Development Director) is leading Umatilla’s strategy to support rapid job and housing growth driven by new industrial development, including data centers, and ongoing population increases. The city’s Economic Opportunities Analysis aims to align future workforce and land needs as Umatilla anticipates sustained expansion over the next decade.
South Carolina
Heath Dillard (president and chief executive officer, VisitGreenvilleSC), Sam Konduros (president and chief executive officer, Greenville City Economic Development Corporation), and Max Stewart (president and chief executive officer, Greenville Area Development Corporation) are driving significant economic growth in Greenville, South Carolina, with coordinated strategies focused on tourism, business recruitment, employer diversity, and quality-of-life enhancements to attract residents and investment.
Texas
College Station’s Northgate District is seeing strong economic development despite recent business closures, with a 17 percent rise in local residency and high tax base concentration attributed to new student housing and quick business backfills. (Chief Development Officer Michael Ostrowski, District Manager Jennifer Luna)
Virginia
Buena Vista’s economic landscape is anchored by its manufacturing sector, led by Modine Manufacturing, alongside a significant and growing higher education presence through Southern Virginia University and Mountain Gateway Community College. (Kristina Ramsey, Director of Economic Development) The city prioritizes both industry retention and workforce development to foster a balanced and resilient local economy.
