Economic Development and Developers in the News # 229

Welcome to the 229th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 85 executives and organizations across 27 states.

If this is your first time reading: Hello!

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.

Listen now in your favorite podcast player, or subscribe.

Click here to submit your news.

Alabama

Brenda Tuck has returned as executive director of the Selma and Dallas County Economic Development Authority, bringing over two decades of experience in local, regional, and state economic development—including leadership roles at the Alabama Department of Commerce and as the state’s first rural development manager—aimed at advancing collaboration and investment in the region.

The Pell City Mayor’s Youth Council recently held a session on economic development and tourism, featuring presentations by Don Smith (Executive Director, St. Clair County Economic Development Council) and Blair Goodgame (Tourism Director, Visit St. Clair), to highlight how local partnerships support business attraction, growth management, and community quality of life.

The Norfolk Southern rail-served industrial site near Muscle Shoals and Florence has earned a platinum designation from the national REDI Sites Program, signaling its readiness for fast-track industrial development. The recognition highlights Norfolk Southern’s commitment to regional growth and job creation, with support from the Alabama Department of Commerce and the Shoals Economic Development Authority (President Kevin Jackson).

Arizona

Jamie Kerr has joined the Town of Prescott Valley as economic development administrator, leading a manufacturing-focused growth strategy aimed at diversifying the local economy, creating high-quality jobs, and building long-term economic stability through targeted industry recruitment, workforce partnerships, and streamlined support for manufacturers.

Moonshot, in collaboration with the Yavapai College Small Business Development Center and the Regional Economic Development Center at Yavapai, is bringing its Rural Arizona Pitch Competition back to Prescott as part of its 7th Annual Rural Arizona Pitch Tour, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship across 20 rural communities.

Arkansas

Aaron Huntley has been appointed executive director of the Arkansas Economic Development Institute, where he will lead research and outreach initiatives to strengthen Arkansas’s economy through data-driven insights and collaboration with public and private partners.

Entergy Arkansas, led by President and Chief Executive Officer Laura Landreaux, is modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure through its Next Generation Arkansas plan, supporting economic growth and job creation by expanding grid capacity, integrating renewable resources, and powering major investments such as Google’s new data center and AVAIO Digital Partners’ large-scale campus.

California

Cal Poly Humboldt has launched an interdisciplinary economic development study for McKinleyville, aiming to deliver a five-year strategic plan rooted in data-driven insights and community participation. Led by Josh Zender (project lead and professor, School of Business), the initiative partners with local organizations to inform long-term planning and investment.

The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors is set to consider joining the California Enterprise Development Authority, a joint powers authority established by the California Association for Local Economic Development, to facilitate access to tax-exempt and taxable bonds supporting commercial and industrial projects. Robbie Bergstrom (Economic Development Executive) will also present strategies for overcoming growth barriers and developing a five-year economic development plan.

Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Week, now in its second year and sponsored by the Nevada County Economic Development Office with River Valley Bank as presenting sponsor, provides high school students hands-on business experience and mentorship, culminating in a live pitch competition highlighting youth innovation and entrepreneurship. (Kimberly Parker, Economic Development Program Manager)

The City of Irvine has received a $105,000 Catalyst grant from the California Jobs First Regional Investment Initiative, administered by the Orange County Business Council, to launch the OC MedTech Navigator—an initiative aimed at streamlining permitting for medical technology companies and accelerating sector growth through business-friendly support and collaboration. (Mayor Larry Agran)

California’s Jobs First initiative, spearheaded by Governor Gavin Newsom and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, delivered nearly $1.6 billion in 2025 to create over 61,000 jobs and train 142,000 workers statewide, accelerating growth across key sectors and advancing region-driven, collaborative economic development strategies.

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, led by Chief Executive Officer Kristen Miller, unveiled a five-year strategic plan to double membership, expand staff, and launch the Santa Barbara Economic Development Foundation to collaborate more effectively with local governments and support businesses in the region.

Sacramento State is spearheading a transformative downtown economic development project, creating a mixed-use campus near the California State Capitol to advance education, workforce development, innovation, and regional vitality. The initiative sets a national precedent for university-led public-private partnerships in economic development. (Advisory committee includes leaders from Greater Sacramento Economic Council, Sacramento Metro Chamber, and Downtown Sacramento Partnership)

Colorado

The Chaffee Economic Development Corporation (Executive Director Deborah Cameron) outlined its 2026 strategic priorities, including business retention, workforce housing, and talent development, while emphasizing support for entrepreneurship and innovation. The organization is also focusing on infrastructure and remote worker engagement to diversify and strengthen the local economy.

The Fremont Economic Development Corporation emphasized the importance of collaboration, streamlined development processes, and community storytelling at its annual meeting, with Executive Director Rob Brown highlighting progress on planning and development systems and calling for greater alignment to support growth and investment. (Executive Director Rob Brown)

Florida

Kissimmee's city leaders are advancing a $180 million downtown redevelopment with Azure Hotel International to replace the Civic Center with a 10-story luxury hotel and a 45,000-square-foot convention center, projected to generate millions in property tax revenue and hundreds of jobs. (Economic Development Director David Rodriguez)

The Orlando Economic Partnership is advancing its Orlando 2045 Vision through major initiatives, including legislative advocacy for higher education funding, participation in global industry events to boost the region’s photonics sector, and programs fostering business input and community collaboration, all aimed at securing long-term talent development and economic resilience.

The Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation has appointed Amanda Parrish as interim chief executive officer following the retirement of longtime president and chief executive officer Sharon Hillstrom. Parrish, recognized for her senior leadership in the regional business community, will focus on organizational stability and investor relations during this transition period.

Idaho

Andrea Cantor has been appointed Director of Economic Development for the City of Boise, bringing experience in land use policy, business growth initiatives, and major projects such as Micron’s expansion and downtown development. Cantor previously served as Senior Policy Advisor to the Mayor and is recognized for her collaborative leadership.

Illinois

The Rochelle City Council has advanced economic development by approving the sale of land to Up Next Hospitality for a future hotel, extending its partnership with the Lee County Industrial Development Association (under Tom Demmer) for continued services, and awarding a major power infrastructure contract to Michels Power to support commercial growth and resiliency.

Indiana

Allen County’s strong manufacturing base—ranked third nationally among small to mid-sized cities—continues to drive economic growth, according to Rick Szabrak (Economic and Workforce Development Director, Fairfield County), who noted the region’s high manufacturing wages and recent projects like new Target and Amazon facilities as indicators of sustained momentum.

A $1.5 billion investment in transit development districts across Northwest Indiana—led by the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (President and General Manager Michael Noland) and the Northwest Indiana Regional Development Authority (President and Chief Executive Officer Sherri Ziller)—is already catalyzing projected $2.5 billion in private investment, with more than $700 million in projects underway and early success driving significant transit-oriented development throughout the region.

Iowa

Grand View University President Dr. Rachelle Keck has been appointed to the Iowa Economic Development Authority Board, where she will represent Iowa’s independent colleges and universities and bring a higher education perspective to statewide efforts focused on workforce development, business growth, and long-term economic competitiveness.

The Iowa Finance Authority, through its partnership investments, has supported the development of Graceview Courtyard, an independent living and income-based senior housing project exemplifying how affordable housing can provide security, dignity, and modern amenities for residents on limited incomes, ultimately strengthening community stability and quality of life.

Linn County has paused plans to hire a rural economic development director as officials reevaluate how the role can best serve rural communities, despite a recent increase in local development proposals.

Linn County has earned the Resilient Iowa Communities Award from the University of Northern Iowa’s Center for Energy & Environmental Education for the second year in a row, achieving gold status in Community & Economic Development, Land Use, and Environmental Equity & Inclusion for its comprehensive approach to resilience, sustainable land use, and regional economic development collaboration. (Sustainability Director Cara Matteson)

Kansas

Topeka Regional Airport has signed a lease agreement with Davcon Aviation to construct an 80,000-square-foot energy-efficient hangar for air cargo conversion, with plans for a second project in the future, as part of ongoing regional economic development efforts. (Economic Development Director Curtis Sneden)

Kentucky

Rose Beverly, newly appointed city administrator, has identified long-range economic development and infrastructure planning as her chief priorities, drawing on her previous experience in municipal administration and small business. Beverly’s focus aims to strengthen economic growth and maintain city infrastructure as part of Berea’s broader strategic vision.

Michigan

Thirteen Michigan properties were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2025, expanding access to preservation incentives and supporting local investment, according to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation and the State Historic Preservation Office (State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan Schumaker). These listings highlight Michigan’s cultural legacy and foster economic development through grants, tax credits, and strategic rehabilitation programs.

Ann Arbor City Council has approved a tax-capture plan worth over $329 million to support the Arbor South mixed-use development, which is expected to bring more than 1,000 housing units, including over 200 affordable units, and significant commercial investment; the project’s developers, Oxford Companies and Crawford Hoying, will collaborate closely with city officials as efforts proceed.

SW Real Estate Investmen is planning a $25 million development to transform a vacant lot into 132 mixed-income apartments, supported by a proposed $10.6 million Brownfield tax-increment financing plan. (Sarah Rainero, Economic Development Director, City of Grand Rapids)

Grand Rapids has paused its emerging developer grant program after exhausting funds halfway into the fiscal year, with $2.4 million in requests pending. The initiative, led by the city’s economic development department (Director Sarah Rainero), has awarded over $3.1 million since October 2023, primarily supporting new housing projects and expanding the pool of local developers.

A long-vacant hardware store in Morenci is being redeveloped into mixed-use office and residential space in a $1.2 million project backed by the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and city contributions, aiming to revitalize downtown and address local housing needs. (Heather Sarnac, Community and Economic Development Director)

Minnesota

The House Food and Tap, owned by Craig and BriAnne Hern, has received the Greater Minnesota project of the year award from the Economic Development Association of Minnesota, recognizing its positive economic impact and the community-driven approach that guided its creation and ongoing operations.

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is providing more than $2.13 million to support cleanup of a 12-acre former industrial waterfront site in Duluth, enabling Inland Development Partners to plan over 500 apartment units, a hotel, and potentially a freshwater research facility. (Economic Developer Amanda Anderson, City of Duluth)

Capital Ventures LLC is seeking $500,000 in funding from the Destination Medical Center Corporation Board to support a $17.4 million project redeveloping the historic Olmsted County Bank and Trust Building in Rochester, with plans for a three-story boutique hotel addition. (DMC Economic Development Director Patrick Seeb)

Mississippi

Economic development leaders from the Gulf Coast Business Council convened to discuss regional growth and challenges, including criticism from Bill Lavers (Harrison County Development Commission Executive Director) regarding inefficiencies in the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, and calls from Blaine LaFontaine (Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission Executive Director) and George Freeman (Jackson County Economic Development Foundation Executive Director) for improved collaboration and infrastructure investment.

Missouri

Allen Kunkel, associate vice president for economic development at Missouri State University, will retire after 19 years. Kunkel advanced major projects such as the Jordan Valley Innovation Center, IDEA Commons, and efactory, and helped expand the center into a hub for applied research and technology commercialization.

New York

Ronald Hicks, Assistant County Executive for Economic Development in Dutchess County, will retire after more than 30 years in public service, including a decade in his current role, where he led the consolidation of local economic development organizations, helped create the Think Dutchess Alliance for Business, and oversaw initiatives significantly reducing industrial vacancy and boosting commercial investment. (Assistant County Executive for Economic Development Ronald Hicks)

Ithaca Area Economic Development has named new board members and elected officers, with Jodi Lee Denman (chair) and Tim Downs (vice chair), as part of its ongoing effort to strengthen the regional economy through business growth and retention. (President W. Kurt Foreman)

North Carolina

Economic development groups including the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina are establishing a "one-stop shop" joint office in The Pearl innovation district to support the region’s growing health technology and biotech sector and provide coordinated resources for companies and entrepreneurs. (Tracy Dodson, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Economic Development, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance)

David Harrison, formerly Surry County's economic development director and a past member of the county’s Economic Development Authority, has been appointed interim county administrator effective July 1, following the retirement of longtime administrator Melissa Rollins, after her 31-year public service career. Harrison has held key leadership roles in county planning and development.

North Carolina was named 2025 State of the Year by Business Facilities Magazine as Governor Josh Stein highlighted the SelectSite Readiness Program’s role in preparing industrial sites for new investment and job creation. Recent initiatives have attracted over 35,000 new jobs and $24 billion in capital investment statewide. (Governor Josh Stein, Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina Chief Executive Officer Christopher Chung)

The Lumbee Tribe, following its recent full federal recognition, has acquired 240 acres for at least $6 million to support long-term economic development initiatives, including potential projects such as a casino and resort or a business and industrial park, aiming to generate thousands of jobs and attract major investment.

Andy Hagy is retiring as director of economic development for Nash County after leading efforts that positioned the county as a premier location within North Carolina’s Research Triangle region, attracting over $1 billion in capital investment and helping to create more than 1,200 jobs during his tenure. (Director of Economic Development Andy Hagy)

The U.S. 301 Industrial Site in Halifax County, North Carolina, has advanced as a prime location for future job creation following its selection as an NC SelectSite and receipt of major state and federal grants to enhance infrastructure. The initiative, lauded by Governor Josh Stein and spearheaded by the Halifax County Economic Development Commission (Executive Director Cathy Scott), demonstrates the state’s commitment to preparing rural sites for investment, supporting workforce development, and fueling regional economic growth.

North Dakota

Mike Fridolfs (director of site operations at Northrop Grumman and city council representative) has joined the Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation board, which oversees economic development strategy and project funding for the region. Six new advisory board members were also appointed, expanding the organization’s leadership and strategic input.

Ohio

Gallia County reported record-setting economic development results for 2025, attributed to strategic initiatives by local leaders and the Gallia County Economic Development team, reflecting significant progress in attracting new investment and job creation throughout the region. (Gallia County Economic Development)

Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro has unveiled Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 budget proposal, emphasizing continued investments in economic development, education, and public safety while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The plan highlights over $39 billion in private-sector investment and more than 21,500 new jobs created since his tenure began.

Kristin Magnotta, who served as Economic Development Director for Lackawanna County, is departing county government to become Comcast’s senior manager of government and community affairs for the northeast region. County leadership praised Magnotta’s achievements and have begun seeking a successor to continue advancing the county’s economic development initiatives.

Eli Lilly and Company has announced a $3.5 billion investment to develop a 925,000-square-foot manufacturing campus in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, marking the region’s largest-ever economic development project. Supported by significant state incentives and facilitated in part by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (President and Chief Executive Officer Don Cunningham), the project will create 850 jobs and expand U.S. production of next-generation medicines. (Governor Josh Shapiro; Secretary Rick Siger; Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development)

South Carolina

The Orangeburg County Development Commission has appointed Ty Davenport as Executive Director, effective February 2026, citing his more than twenty years of experience in economic development, land planning, and recruitment—expertise expected to drive the organization’s continued industry growth and new investment.

Tennessee

Madison County Mayor AJ Massey highlighted over $1.47 billion in industrial investment and 2,010 new jobs during his State of the County address, citing major initiatives such as infrastructure improvements, workforce training facilities, and quality of life projects as key to the county’s sustained economic growth

Texas

The Marshall Economic Development Corporation and its Executive Director, Rush Harris, will be recognized with East Texas Baptist University's Good Samaritan Award for contributions to business attraction, workforce development, and economic growth across East Texas through partnerships and grant programs. (award announcement)

Virginia

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development and the Virginia Beach Development Authority have announced a series of impactful initiatives, including new facade grant programs, significant business expansions, and international partnerships, all aimed at bolstering job creation, capital investment, cybersecurity readiness, and global engagement within the region's maritime, defense, and technology sectors.

The City of Charlottesville’s Office of Budget and Grants Management is now accepting applications for Community Development Block Grants and HOME Investment Partnerships funding, supporting initiatives that advance economic development, community revitalization, affordable housing, and job creation through partnerships with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission.

The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors has approved a performance-based economic development agreement with Gateway Circle Properties, enabling the pursuit of a major retail development at Gateway Crossing using synthetic tax increment financing to fund infrastructure improvements without county debt, aiming to create jobs, expand the local tax base, and spur regional redevelopment.

The Danville City Council is considering allocating approximately $2 million in surplus casino gaming tax revenue from Caesars Virginia to the Danville Industrial Development Authority for a strategic redevelopment effort, with city staff recommending this one-time use of funds to support pre-development costs for an economic development project.

West Virginia

Mike Graney, who led West Virginia’s economic development efforts under two governors, is departing as Economic Development Secretary following the state’s reorganization of its outreach agencies under the Department of Commerce.

Wyoming

The Wyoming Business Council, the state’s central economic development agency, faces potential dissolution as lawmakers debate its impact, with critics questioning its return on investment and supporters highlighting successes like helping secure over 1,000 primary jobs and leveraging $300 million in private investment since 2020. (Chief Executive Officer Josh Dorrell)