Economic Development and Developers in the News # 225
Econ dev news from 74 economic development executives and organizations in 21 states.
Welcome to the 225th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
This week: updates from 74 executives and organizations across 21 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
Economic development director Christine Smith is analyzing local tourism data to guide strategy, underscoring how visitor spending supports businesses and jobs.
Chandler City Council unanimously rejected Active Infrastructure’s proposed $2.5 billion AI data center after heavy public opposition, despite a development agreement negotiated by Economic Development Director Micah Miranda that included job and infrastructure commitments; former U.S. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema lobbied for the project.
New Phoenix economic development director Ryan Touhill is prioritizing aerospace growth by leveraging the region’s available land, a contrast to his urban redevelopment work in Virginia.
California
Vacaville is pursuing an asset-based economic development strategy to attract life sciences firms, including the Downtown Retail Action Plan and Storefront Improvement Program, as recent biotech investments, industry partnerships, and new ventures tied to California Forever reshape the region’s growth outlook. (Director of Economic Development Services Don Burrus)
The Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation presented its 2025 Eddy Award to Cal State Fullerton and five other California State University campuses for workforce-development initiatives that strengthen regional growth.
Colorado
State leaders including Eve Lieberman (executive director, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade) say uncertainty is rising for Colorado businesses amid sharp tariff increases and clean energy rollbacks, with slowing job growth and investment adding pressure.
The Leeds School of Business Business Research Division—led by Senior Economist Richard Wobbekind and Executive Director Brian Lewandowski—projects steady 2026 growth in employment, income, and output, while warning of labor constraints, inflation, and migration shifts.
Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer (President and Chief Executive Officer, Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation) called for simpler regulations, workforce investment, and attainable housing, citing rising costs and labor shortages as threats to competitiveness.
Florida
Craig Richard (President and Chief Executive Officer, Tampa Bay Economic Development Council) was honored at the University of South Florida’s commencement for leading economic development work that delivered 432 projects, created more than 138,000 jobs, and attracted $10.9 billion in investment.
Hawaii
The Hawaiʻi Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism projects real gross domestic product growth of 1.6% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026, citing strong visitor spending, improving job growth, and resilience in non-tourism sectors despite global and domestic headwinds. (Director James Kunane Tokioka)
