Economic Development and Developers in the News # 222

Welcome to the 222nd weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 102 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

Tricia Lewis has been appointed as the new Economic Development Manager for the City of Prescott, bringing over 25 years of experience in economic development, tourism, and regional partnership building to lead business attraction, workforce development, and strategic initiatives for long-term economic vitality. (Economic Development Manager Tricia Lewis)

Sarah Denman has been appointed as the new economic development programs manager for Oro Valley, where she leads the business retention and expansion program, oversees the Shop Oro Valley campaign, and works to support existing businesses by facilitating site analysis, permitting, and community outreach.

Arkansas

The Hot Springs Metro Partnership (President and Chief Executive Officer Gary Troutman) will now be required to bring at least three site selection consultants to the area next year under an amended economic development contract, as the organization reports four recent projects totaling $80 million in capital investment and $25 million in new payroll, contributing to significant local job growth and tax revenue. (Vice President of Economic Development Cole McCaskill)

California

Jazz Keyes has been appointed president and chief executive of the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation, a longstanding community development financial institution focused on underserved communities in South Los Angeles. Keyes is prioritizing organizational stabilization, stronger internal controls, and new initiatives supporting local entrepreneurs and digital literacy. (President and Chief Executive Jazz Keyes)

Derek Farmer has been appointed assistant director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Pleasanton, where he will guide policy development, oversee planning and development review, and support strategic economic development initiatives, drawing on extensive public and private sector planning experience. (City Manager Gerry Beaudin)

Connecticut

Michael Harris has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of both REX Development and the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven, where he will guide regional strategy, investment, and city-focused initiatives to advance economic opportunity and foster collaboration across South Central Connecticut. (Chief Executive Officer Michael Harris)

Ginny Kozlowski, chief executive officer of the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven, REX Development, and Visit New Haven, has announced her retirement after decades of leadership marked by major achievements such as securing Connecticut's first federally recognized Economic Development District and advancing regional economic growth and collaboration.

Georgia

The proposed annexation in Cornelia, Georgia, would create the Red Apple Innovation Corridor--a 216-acre, multi-phase development featuring new housing, commercial, and industrial sites. The project, backed by Cook Communities and championed by Community and Economic Development Director Jessie Owensby, aims to address critical housing shortages and infrastructure needs without displacing existing homes or raising taxes for current residents.

Trammell Crow Company is seeking to rezone 1,900 acres for a major data center development under Columbia County's new Data Center zoning, an initiative confirmed by the Economic Development Authority of Columbia County (Executive Director Cheney Eldridge). Infrastructure costs will be covered by the developer or end user, with no financial responsibility for the county.

Indiana

John Launius, senior vice president and chief economic development officer for One Southern Indiana, has been recognized as one of North America's top 50 economic developers by Consultant Connect for his exemplary leadership, innovative strategies, and significant impact on community growth through economic development initiatives.

PB Development, the development affiliate of Price Brothers, has been selected as the master developer for the 29-acre North River District, a mixed-use project with a planned fieldhouse projected to generate $36 million in annual economic activity and support nearly 900 jobs. (Redevelopment Director Alec Johnson, City of Fort Wayne)

The Westfield Redevelopment Commission has approved the creation of the Hamilton Crossroads Economic Development Area, aiming to promote employment opportunities through future infrastructure investment on approximately 63 acres of undeveloped land. (Jenell Fairman, executive chief of community and economic development)

The Noblesville Common Council has approved over $22 million in economic development revenue bonds to support three major residential projects within the Hyde Park mixed-use development, a partnership between the city and MAB Capital Investments, aimed at incentivizing investment without taxpayer risk. (Economic Development Director Andrew Murray)

Iowa

Linn County is set to hire its first rural economic development director, a new position approved by the county Board of Supervisors to provide strategic leadership for economic development functions and focus on large-scale projects in the region. (Human Resources Director Lisa Powell)

The Iowa Economic Development Authority has approved $26.5 million in tax rebates to support the $41.7 million redevelopment of Merle Hay Mall, enabling construction of a new 3,500-seat multipurpose arena aimed at revitalizing the aging retail center by shifting toward sports and entertainment. (Abbell Associates Chief Executive Officer Liz Holland; Iowa Economic Development Authority Director Debi Durham)

A planned $250 million youth sports complex and adjacent entertainment project in Johnston, both intended as major anchors for a new gateway district with significant public incentives, are now in doubt after lenders foreclosed on the properties amid missed loan payments and ongoing development delays. (Johnston Economic Development Director Josh Laraby)

Kansas

The Kansas Department of Commerce has awarded over $7.6 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to 19 projects statewide, leveraging $9.8 million in local investments for a combined $17.5 million in public improvements to strengthen infrastructure, housing, and economic opportunities in rural and low- to moderate-income communities. (Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland)

Kentucky

Bowling Green faces mounting water supply challenges due to severe drought and rising industrial demand, notably large-scale commitments to a data center and Abbott Laboratories, raising concerns about sustainable growth. Despite recent slowdowns linked to political transitions, Economic Development Director Kati Thompson emphasized ongoing efforts to advance complex economic development projects.

Louisiana

Louisiana Central, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Masingill, has launched a five-year strategic planning process to guide economic growth across ten parishes in central Louisiana, beginning with a regional roadshow to gather input from community and business leaders as part of the "We Make Good Stuff" initiative.

Greater New Orleans Inc. (President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Hecht) has led over $70 million in infrastructure projects and supported the $1.8 billion Louisiana International Terminal, reflecting a broader shift toward proactive, regional economic development in Louisiana. COLAB (President and Chief Executive Officer Christy Zeringue) and the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership (President and Chief Executive Officer Lori Melancon) have both rebranded and intensified collaborative efforts to address workforce, infrastructure, and business attraction across regional boundaries.

Plan A Games has established an engineering team in southeast Louisiana to develop a new data analytics platform for mobile gaming, creating high-skill jobs and advancing the region's creative technology sector through partnerships with local venture firms and organizations, including Louisiana Economic Development (Chief Innovation Officer Josh Fleig) and Greater New Orleans, Inc. (President and Chief Executive Officer Michael Hecht).

Maryland

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation has named Jared Smith as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, highlighting his two decades of experience in driving business growth, workforce development, and industry diversification. Smith is recognized for leading high-impact initiatives in Nevada and currently chairs the International Economic Development Council's national Committee on the Future of the Profession.

Cynthia "Cindy" Greb has been appointed Director of Economic Development for St. Mary's County, bringing over 40 years of experience in community development, large-scale real estate projects, and workforce initiatives. Greb aims to foster sustainable growth, expand partnerships, and advance a diverse and resilient economy. (Director of Economic Development Cynthia Greb)

AstraZeneca has announced a $2 billion investment to expand its biologics manufacturing facility in Frederick, Maryland, nearly doubling capacity and creating 200 skilled jobs, reinforcing the city's position as a life sciences hub. (Mayor Michael O'Connor; Richard Griffin, Director of Economic Development, City of Frederick)

Minnesota

Barbara Carr has resigned as Executive Director of Kandiyohi County Economic Development after seven months in the role, citing positive experiences and partnerships with organizations such as the Department of Employment and Economic Development and Southwest Initiative Foundation, and highlighting ongoing efforts to support local businesses, childcare providers, and workforce attraction. (Executive Director Barbara Carr)

Mississippi

Amazon has announced a $3 billion investment to build a new data center campus in Warren County, Mississippi, a project expected to generate at least 200 high-paying full-time jobs and support over 300 additional roles. The development, led by Amazon Web Services as part of a statewide strategy to bolster high-tech infrastructure and generative artificial intelligence, represents the largest single investment in Vicksburg's history and was supported by state, county, and local economic development leaders, including (Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork) and (Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership President and Chief Executive Officer Pablo Diaz).

Amazon Web Services has announced a $3 billion investment in Warren County, Mississippi, representing the largest economic development project in Vicksburg's history and positioning the region as a major technology hub. The initiative is expected to generate significant job opportunities and long-term local benefits. (Pablo Diaz, President and Chief Executive Officer, Vicksburg-Warren Economic Development Partnership)

Montana

Mel Jackson has been named executive director of Sun Valley Economic Development, succeeding Harry Griffith after his 15-year tenure. Jackson, who brings more than 20 years of project management experience across multiple industries, aims to address workforce housing, early learning, and vocational training as priorities for strengthening regional economic growth. (Executive Director Mel Jackson)

Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has awarded $14.1 million in Community Development Block Grant funds to 38 projects across 33 communities, supporting downtown revitalization, planning, and public works initiatives that enhance local vitality and quality of life. (Director Maureen Larsen)

Nevada

The Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada, Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance, and the Governor's Office of Economic Development have formed the Nevada Economic Development Council to provide statewide training and professional development for economic developers and related professions. (Taylor Adams, EDAWN president and chief executive officer; Danielle Casey, LVGEA president and chief executive officer)

New York

New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has appointed former Goldman Sachs partner Margaret Anadu, developer Jed Walentas, and Partnership for New York City head Kathy Wylde (Committee on Economic Development & Workforce Development) to his transition team, signaling efforts to engage the business community on economic and workforce development priorities.

North Carolina

Dedric Carter (vice chancellor for innovation, entrepreneurship and economic development at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) has been named vice president for commercialization and translational advancement at University of North Carolina Health Care System, where he will lead efforts to accelerate medical innovation, commercialization, and entrepreneurship across the system starting December 2025.

North Dakota

The University of North Dakota is advancing toward national Innovation & Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities, following a comprehensive self-study and the development of a Growth & Improvement Plan focused on university-wide innovation, workforce development, and enhanced industry partnerships. (IEP co-chairs Jason Jensen, professor and executive director, and Cortnee Jensen, executive director for Economic Development)

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Farm Bureau has named Garrett Saunders as its new economic development special programs manager.

Pennsylvania

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation hosted its fall signature event, bringing together regional business leaders for panel discussions on economic growth and innovation, with participation from executives at Crayola, Olympus Corporation of the Americas, Mack Defense, Lutron, C.F. Martin & Co., and City Center Group. (President and Chief Executive Officer Don Cunningham)

The passage of Pennsylvania's state budget has enabled the Department of Community and Economic Development to accelerate key initiatives, including $500 million for site development and expanded support for Main Street programs, with Secretary Rick Siger highlighting new investments, job growth, and regulatory streamlining aimed at making the state a premier destination for business and tourism. (Secretary Rick Siger, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development)

South Carolina

Economic development organizations in South Carolina, including Alliance Pickens (Executive Director Ray Farley) and local educational partners, collaborated to build a dedicated training facility to ensure a skilled workforce for Reliable Automatic Sprinkler Company's new manufacturing plant, resulting in over 500 new jobs and substantial regional investment.

Melissa Ferqueron was among dozens of professionals who graduated from the 2025 South Carolina Economic Development Institute, an annual program hosted by the South Carolina Economic Developers' Association (in partnership with the South Carolina Department of Commerce) to advance economic development leadership and strengthen communities statewide.

Tennessee

The University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services has certified a new class of economic developers through its Tennessee Certified Economic Developer Program, bringing the statewide total to 144 professionals. Graduates, including Franklin's Assistant Director for Development Services Alex Brown, completed in-depth training focused on innovative strategies to address economic and community challenges. (TCED Program Director Tintin Czach)

Texas

The City of Hutto has approved a Chapter 380 Economic Development Agreement to provide up to $31,600 in sales tax reimbursement to The Story Emporium & Bookshop, supporting its renovation and continued operation as part of a broader policy to stimulate local business growth and enhance the historic downtown district. (Director of Economic Development Cheney Gamboa)

College Station is updating its economic development master plan, focusing on workforce retention, affordable housing, and quality of life to encourage more graduates to remain in the city, while private sector employment has grown to nearly 55 percent of the workforce. (Chief Development Officer Michael Ostrowski)

Austin City Council has approved the first two incentive awards through the Place-Based Enhancement Program, providing up to $540,000 for Balance Dance Studios and $160,000 for The Hideout to support expansions and relocations. Administered by Austin Economic Development (Interim Director Anthony Segura), the initiative aims to sustain creative, legacy businesses and enhance the city's cultural and economic vitality.

Vermont

The Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation's Southern Vermont Economy Project is hosting an "Economic Development (For Every Town)" workshop for municipal leaders, with presentations by Bill Colvin (Executive Director, Bennington County Regional Commission), Adam Grinold (Executive Director, Brattleboro Development Credit Corporation), and Jessica Hartleben (Executive Director, Vermont Economic Progress Council), highlighting strategies and state programs to support community growth and private investment.

Virginia

Alex Iams, formerly interim director of Arlington Economic Development, has been named executive vice president at the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, joining Victor Hoskins (president and chief executive officer). Iams played a key role in securing Amazon's HQ2 and Nestlé's U.S. headquarters for Arlington, underscoring his influence in major economic development wins.

The Greater Richmond Transit Company and the Richmond Economic Development Authority have issued a request for qualifications seeking developers for a major downtown project that will combine a $47.3 million transit hub with over 500 residential units and retail space, aiming to drive investment and support regional economic growth. (Chief Development Officer Adrienne Torres; Economic Development Director Angie Rodgers)

The Isle of Wight County Economic Development Authority has delayed the land sale for the planned Tidewater Logistics Center, a 726,000-square-foot multi-warehouse project by The Meridian Group, by another 90 days following a contractual extension request. (Economic Development Director Kristi Sutphin)

Christina Winn (Executive Director of Economic Development and Tourism) is leading Prince William County's efforts to attract advanced industries and foster business growth through targeted initiatives, workforce development studies, and support programs for entrepreneurs, positioning the county as a diverse, resilient hub for sectors like biotech, aerospace, and innovation-driven enterprises.

Washington

Andrea Chartock has been named assistant director of the Washington State Office of Economic Development and Competitiveness, bringing extensive international experience to her new role. She will oversee industry development, circular economy, rural services, exports, and small-business finance, advancing statewide strategies for inclusive and innovative economic growth.

Mayor-elect Katie Wilson has named a transition team blending experienced city leaders and progressive organizers, including Andrés Mantilla (transition director), Tiffani McCoy (co-executive director, House Our Neighbors), Karen Estevenin (executive director, PROTEC17), Quynh Pham (executive director, Friends of Little Saigon), and Brian Surratt (president and chief executive officer, Greater Seattle Partners). The team signals a focus on affordability, equity, and broad-based economic development.