Economic Development and Developers in the News # 224

Welcome to the 224th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 81 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

The Jefferson County Commission has approved $400,000 in economic development funds each to the Birmingham Business Alliance (led by President and Chief Executive Officer Steve Ammons) and Innovation Depot (Chief Executive Officer Brooke Gillis), supporting strategic workforce development, business retention, expansion initiatives, and new programming to help founders access capital and scale operations.

Three veteran economic developers, David Knight (executive director, Walker County Industrial Development Board), David Hooks (executive director, Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority), and Griffin Lassiter (retired senior project manager, Birmingham), have played pivotal roles in advancing Alabama’s economic landscape, fostering industrial diversification, workforce development, and community revitalization through decades of dedicated leadership and collaboration.

Arizona

Tech Parks Arizona, led by Carol Stewart (vice president), received the Golden Prospector Economic Development Award of Merit from the Arizona Association for Economic Development in recognition of its 30th anniversary dedication ceremony, highlighting the organization’s role as a catalyst for regional economic growth by supporting startups, attracting global industry leaders, and connecting companies with University of Arizona research and talent.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Hospitality Association has named Alicia Payseno, currently Director of Economic Development for the City of Cabot, as its next Chief Executive Officer effective January 2026. Payseno’s leadership in economic development and experience with statewide organizations are expected to strengthen AHA’s advocacy, workforce initiatives, and strategic growth.

California

Chuck Baker has been appointed as Oakland’s new assistant city administrator, bringing experience in economic development and technology from his prior role in Santa Clara, where he attracted major events and business investment. In Oakland, Baker will focus on business attraction, infrastructure, IT modernization, and workforce development.

The University of California, Davis Innovation and Economic Development Office has awarded $100,000 through its autumn 2025 STAIR Grant Program to support early-stage research with commercial potential, funding projects by professors Abhaya M. Dandekar and Keith Baar in plant-based dye alternatives and musculoskeletal health technology, respectively. (Chief Innovation and Economic Development Officer George Baxter)

Vacaville’s asset-based economic development strategy is strengthening sectors such as life sciences and advanced manufacturing, supported by initiatives like the Downtown Retail Action Plan and a Distributed Energy Feasibility Study. Biotech investment has rebounded, and California Forever’s involvement is attracting national and international interest to the region. (Director of Economic Development Services Don Burrus)

Colorado

Curtis Englehart, Executive Director of the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, has earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council, highlighting his expertise and dedication to the field’s highest standards and reinforcing the partnership’s commitment to attracting quality jobs and investment.

Windsor’s Economic Development team was honored with the Medium Community of the Year award by the Economic Development Council of Colorado, recognizing its investment in infrastructure, regional partnerships, and community planning. Economic Development Director Stacy Brown was also celebrated for achievements that have led to future job creation and business growth.

The Boulder City Council has approved the Williams Village II redevelopment, led by property owner George Williams LLLP, which will add 427 dwelling units and over 58,000 square feet of commercial space, but tensions have arisen as stakeholders, including Williams (general partner, Williams Family Cos.) and Boulder Chamber president and chief executive officer John Tayer, appeal for flexibility in demolition timelines to mitigate impacts on workers and longstanding businesses.

Florida

Tampa’s economy saw robust growth in 2025, with the Tampa Bay Economic Development Council (President and Chief Executive Officer Craig J. Richard) driving talent initiatives, supporting 29 business projects, and advancing affordable housing and job training partnerships, while the region posted record tourism revenues and continued to attract companies and new residents at a nation-leading rate.

Steven Anthony, Economic Development Director for the City of Miami Beach, discussed his vision for fostering business growth, supporting local enterprises, and positioning Miami Beach as a premier investment destination through strategic planning and collaborative initiatives on the Business Beyond the Beach talk show. (Economic Development Director Steven Anthony)

Georgia

Forsyth County Schools, Glynn County Schools, and Twiggs County Schools have each received the Economic Development Partnership designation from the Georgia Department of Education and Georgia Economic Developers Association, recognizing their commitment to aligning education with regional workforce needs and supporting talent pipeline development through career-focused programs and community partnerships. (GaDOE Deputy Superintendent for Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education Dr. Barbara Wall)

Illinois

Governor J.B. Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have announced an additional $10 million investment in the Job Training and Economic Development Program to advance workforce training and support underserved populations across Illinois. The initiative aims to bolster economic recovery by equipping underemployed, unemployed, and underrepresented residents with essential skills and support services. (Governor J.B. Pritzker, DCEO Director Kristin Richards)

Crystal Lake, Illinois is experiencing significant economic growth, with more than $1.5 billion in annual retail sales and a surge in mixed-use and residential development projects such as Water’s Edge and Woodlore Townes. City leaders say these investments, guided by a focus on quality of life and community values, are driving sustainable suburban growth. (Economic Development Manager Heather Maieritsch)

Woodstock’s downtown hotel project has been rebranded from Cobblestone Hotel to Country Inn and Suites, with an extended timeline and updated agreement to address financing and development needs while maintaining incentives. (Economic Development Director Jessica Erickson)

Iowa

Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Economic Development Authority and the Iowa Finance Authority, is focusing her final year on promoting Iowa’s competitive tax climate and quality of life through broad business and residency recruitment campaigns, including the successful "This is Iowa" initiative, which has generated nearly 12,000 leads for the state.

Kansas

Thrive Allen County is seeking a one-time funding increase from the City of Iola to help establish a full-time position focused on launching a maker space and small business development hub, expanding business retention and apprenticeship programs, and supporting broader economic development initiatives in partnership with local governments and organizations. (Economic Development Director Camille Lavon)

Kentucky

The Air Mobility and Aviation Economic Development Task Force has released recommendations to modernize Kentucky's aviation infrastructure, expand workforce programs, and support emerging sectors like alternative aviation fuels and advanced air mobility, reflecting input from industry leaders and organizations such as the Kentucky Chamber (President and Chief Executive Officer Ashli Watts).

Louisiana

At a recent hearing, the Louisiana Department of Economic Development, led by Secretary Susan Bourgeois, faced renewed criticism from community groups and environmental advocates over its industry-focused strategy and use of non-disclosure agreements for major projects such as the planned Hyundai Steel plant. State officials defended their approach, citing unprecedented industrial investment, thousands of new jobs, and the launch of the Louisiana Lightning Speed Initiative, which aims to accelerate economic development through coordinated, statewide efforts.

Bill Sabo, Executive Director of Shreveport Economic Development, has earned the prestigious Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council, a credential held by fewer than 1,250 professionals globally. Sabo also holds the Entrepreneurship Development Professional certification, underscoring his rare expertise in supporting small business and economic resilience.

A recent analysis of Louisiana's economic incentives, featuring perspectives from leaders such as Michael Hecht (President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater New Orleans, Inc.) and Susan Bourgeois (Secretary, Louisiana Economic Development), highlights the positive impact of targeted credits like historic tax credits and workforce development, while flagging concerns over ineffective programs and recent improvements to the state's tax policy that have bolstered its business rankings.

SLB will invest $30 million to double the size of its advanced manufacturing facility in Northwest Louisiana, creating an estimated 600 new direct jobs and supporting global digital infrastructure and data center growth. (LED Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois, SLB Data Centers Director Andrew Johnston, North Louisiana Economic Partnership President and CEO Justyn Dixon)

Louisiana’s economic development strategy is under scrutiny as community activists question the state’s decades-long focus on industrial projects, including recent initiatives under the Louisiana Lightning Speed Initiative led by Secretary Susan Bourgeois, while officials cite tens of billions in new investments and thousands of jobs as evidence of transformational growth and efforts toward diversification.

The Baton Rouge Area Chamber has rebranded as the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership, reaffirming its role as a regional economic development organization with a record of $45 billion in capital investment and over 220 project wins, aiming to drive collaborative growth across nine parishes. (President and Chief Executive Officer Lori Melancon)

Michigan

The Right Place, Inc. (President Randy Thelen), a regional economic development organization serving Greater Grand Rapids, reported facilitating 19 business expansions and $844.2 million in new capital investment in 2025, surpassing its strategic goals. The organization’s State of the Region report highlighted strong job creation, rising sales, and ongoing efforts to enhance the region’s competitiveness and shared prosperity.

Tim Rygwelski has been named the next executive director of the Otsego County Economic Alliance, set to begin in 2026, with a focus on expanding the region’s manufacturing sector and leveraging its proximity to Interstate 75 while fostering a collaborative, partner-driven approach. (Executive Director Tim Rygwelski)

The Right Place, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Thelen, is partnering with Franklin Partners on a proposed data center project in Kent County that could bring up to $1 billion in investment, supporting economic diversification and strengthening the region’s technology sector.

Andrew Haan, senior vice president of community development and growth at Cornerstone Alliance, has earned the Certified Economic Developer credential from the International Economic Development Council, a distinction held by only 1,250 professionals globally, enhancing the organization’s expertise in attracting investment and supporting long-term economic growth.

The Right Place Inc.’s annual economic outlook event highlighted the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving new investment and productivity for West Michigan, while President and Chief Executive Officer Randy Thelen emphasized the region’s competitive advantages in population growth, talent, and affordable housing, amid ongoing challenges caused by tariffs, inflation, and immigration policy.

Minnesota

The Duluth Economic Development Authority has voted to proceed with a proposed agreement to acquire and potentially redevelop the former Lester Park Golf Course, aiming to address housing needs while preserving 1,500 acres of green space, with key milestones including a land-use study and rezoning. (Director Tricia Hobbs)

Mississippi

The Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation and Carroll County have formalized a partnership to deliver coordinated economic development services, including business recruitment, workforce development, and industry support, positioning the county for enhanced regional investment and job growth. (Executive Director Thomas Gregory; Carroll County Board of Supervisors President Jim Neill)

Nebraska

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has reduced its full-time staff by roughly 22 positions over the past two months, primarily through voluntary departures, as the agency winds down pandemic-era programs and seeks greater operational efficiencies under Director Maureen Larsen. This downsizing reflects broader state budget reduction strategies initiated by Governor Jim Pillen.

The Omaha Inland Port Authority has appointed Jennifer McKeone as Deputy Economic Development Director, highlighting her three decades of experience in leading community projects, supporting business and workforce growth, and securing significant investments for Nebraska. Her addition reflects the Authority’s commitment to innovative and equitable inland port development.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development has reduced its full-time staff by 22 positions over the past two months, indicating a significant organizational shift as the agency manages workforce changes impacting its capacity to support statewide economic initiatives.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Division of Economic Development, in partnership with the governor’s office and key public and private organizations, is launching the “Economic Development Hat Trick”—a series of statewide summits aimed at strengthening manufacturing, telecommunications, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. (Director Stuart Arnett)

John C. Williams (President and Chief Executive Officer, Federal Reserve Bank of New York) will address current economic conditions and regional competitiveness at a New Jersey Bankers Association event, offering insights on economic growth to leaders in government, finance, and business as part of the Federal Reserve's ongoing policy and outreach efforts.

North Carolina

Buncombe and Henderson counties in Western North Carolina have been reclassified to a more economically distressed Tier 2 status by the North Carolina Department of Commerce, impacting their eligibility for key state development grants. This shift follows sharp unemployment increases from Tropical Storm Helene, according to Nathan Ramsey (Executive Director, Land of Sky Regional Council).

Marvin Price (Executive Vice President of Economic Development at the Greensboro Chamber of Commerce and Board Member of the North Carolina Economic Development Association) discussed the Triad region’s economic momentum, highlighting growth in manufacturing, aerospace, battery supply chains, and life sciences, along with efforts to strengthen the profession through mentorship and advocacy.

Ohio

The Greater Chillicothe and Ross County, Ohio Development presented a unique framed print commemorating the final days of the Pixelle paper mill, recognizing Susan Gearhart for her leadership. The annual economic development event reflected both community resilience and GCRCD’s support in navigating major local industry transitions. (Director Tammy Eallonardo)

Chad Smith, formerly with the United States Department of State and the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, has been appointed economic development administrator for Delaware County, Ohio. Smith's global and state-level experience is expected to strengthen the county's efforts to attract new business and support its status as Ohio’s fastest growing county.

Oregon

Baker County commissioners, advised by the Baker County Economic Development Council and contracted economic developer Bryan Tweit, delayed a decision on surveying a county-owned parcel intended as an economic development investment. Debate continues regarding the parcel's future use—including a possible multipurpose event center—amid recent voter-required constraints on major event center projects. (Economic Developer Bryan Tweit)

South Carolina

Georgetown County is advancing plans to redevelop its port into a multi-use facility aimed at generating jobs and expanding economic opportunities, with 17 proposals under review by a county-led committee. The initiative, led by Economic Development Director Kelly Robertson, seeks innovative partnerships and long-term benefits for the community.

Tennessee

Jermaine Freeman has been appointed executive director of economic and workforce development at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, where he will lead initiatives to strengthen regional economic growth and talent development partnerships. (Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development Jermaine Freeman)

Texas

Addison, Texas is advancing economic growth and regional connectivity through the new DART Silver Line and its $240 million Addison Junction transit-oriented development, a public-private effort with Quadrant Investment Properties set to feature innovative office, hospitality, and entertainment spaces. (Addison Economic Development Director Wayne Emerson)

Virginia

Virginia Beach-based Air Station General LC is advancing plans to develop the Virginia Cold Dock 258 cold storage warehouse, set to become the first tenant in the third phase of the Shirley T. Holland Intermodal Park. According to Economic Development Director Kristi Sutphin, final approvals and a groundbreaking date hinge on securing sufficient pre-leasing agreements.