Economic Development and Developers in the News # 230

Welcome to the 230th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 63 executives and organizations across 32 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

Jamie Troutman has been named is named director of the Cullman Economic Development Agency, bringing experience in recruitment, governmental affairs, and strategic initiatives to boost business retention and attraction.

Mobile has launched a $50 million downtown revolving loan fund for hotels, workforce projects, and commercial development, aiming to grow jobs under Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis.

Governor Kay Ivey and Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair announced 21 new SEEDS grants totaling $15.7 million to enhance industry sites and boost Alabama’s economic growth. Alabama’s State Industrial Development Authority has approved.

Alaska

Wrangell Borough is advancing a major economic development plan focused on waterfront improvements, including a 150-foot floating City Dock extension to boost infrastructure and regional economic growth.

California

The Los Angeles County Department of Economic Opportunity and Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation’s Institute for Applied Economics reported report that January 2025 wildfires caused lasting job losses and uneven recovery.

Watsonville hired Retail Strategies to attract national retailers and restaurants, expand expand options, and boost its econom.

Placer County, led by Economic Development Director Gloria Stearns, launched the free Placer Job Network to connect employers and job seekers, supporting its economic development strategy.

Florida

Six companies — Costco, Freedom Boat Club, Inkas, Mohnark Pharmaceuticals, Port St. Lucie Sports Club, and Pruitt Commerce Center — will invest $266 million, 3 million sq ft, and 1,664 jobs in St. Lucie County by 2026, the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County reports.

The Orlando Economic Partnership reports Orlando’s $233 billion economy in 2024 outpaced outpacing U.S. growth for the fourth year, ranking eighth nationally due to infrastructure, corporate growth, and tourism.

Allan E. Keen, chairman of The Keewin Real Property Company, LLC, has been named the 2026 James B. Greene Award by the Orlando Economic Partnership for advancing Orlando's economic growth and 2045 vision.

Georgia

Jessie Owensby has been appointed

Amy Carter Davis is Southern Regional Technical College’s new Vice President for Economic Development, leveraging her leadership in apprenticeships and Georgia AI in Manufacturing initiatives for rural economic development.

Leadership Southeast Georgia appointed announced new board members, including Leia Dedic of United Way and Jessica Hood of Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, to drive regional economic growth.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta’s Community and Economic Development team hosts events on banking, monetary policy, workforce development, and financial innovation to advance economic progress.

Gainesville planning staff recommend conditional approval of Capstone Property’s 38-acre Lake Lanier luxury hotel and resort, pending final decision by the Community and Economic Development Director.

Illinois

Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs honored Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George and seven other Chicago leaders for their impact in business, education, economic development, and public service during Black History Month.

Sheet Metal Supply earned the 2025 Economic Development Award from the Grayslake Area Chamber for reinvesting millions, expanding operations, and creating 20+ skilled jobs.

Governor JB Pritzker announced expanding the STAR Bonds program to generate $1 billion in sales and create over 5,000 jobs by boosting Illinois tourism, entertainment, retail, and destination projects.

World Business Chicago has launched "Chicago 2050," led by Phil Clement, Kenya Merritt, aims to grow jobs and economy by 2050 through quantum tech, clean energy, and cultural strengths.

Dixon received $2 million in federal funds to build retention ponds west of major economic development near I-88, part of nearly $19 million secured by U.S. Representative Darin LaHood for Illinois’s 16th district.

Indiana

Randolph County United, led by Executive Director Sydnee Cseresznyes, will use $100,000 in unspent federal relief funds for a Business Support Grant Program supporting local businesses amid debate over economic development.

Metrobloks plans a data center on a vacant Indianapolis site to support economic development goals, despite strong opposition and calls for review.

The Batesville City Council has [approved](https://citizenportal.ai/articles/5588177/Hardee-County/Florida/Developers-Propose-Mixed-Use-Housing-Project-for-Historic-[Verizon](https://www.verizon.com/) two parcels near the Industrial Park to the Redevelopment Commission, enabling flexible developer selection, with Economic Development Director Sarah Lamping overseeing the process.

Iowa

Iowa’s economic development chief Debi Durham urges Corteva’s seed spinoff to headquarter in Iowa, stressing its importance for sustaining state economic growth, says Debi Durham, Director, Iowa Economic Development Authority.

Jennifer Luengas-Otto is the new director of economic development at the Ames Regional Economic Alliance and executive director of the Nevada Economic Development Council.

Louisiana

Chad Lacomb, director of UL Lafayette's Office of Innovation Management, leads the Rural Economic Development Innovation Initiative Roadshow to provide offering transforming rural ideas into marketable projects.

Maine

Nate Libby, has [been dismissed](https://www.sunjournal.com/2026/02/04/nate-libby-out-as-lewistons-director-of-economic-development as Lewiston’s economic development director and succeeded by Deputy Director John Blais.

Auburn is advancing five housing projects adding 503 homes by 2026, with Economic Development Director Jay Brenchick highlighting their role in meeting housing goals and boosting growth.

Michigan

Indiana Michigan Power has launched a regional economic development initiative with a Benton Harbor site, showcasing Indiana Michigan Power’s commitment to local economic growth.

Minnesota

The City of Saint Paul’s STAR program, established after 1993 approval, funds commercial revitalization and capital projects through sales tax grants supporting neighborhood and cultural development.

Since Operation Metro Surge began, Minneapolis has suffered $10-20 million in weekly losses, says Erik Hansen, with businesses and cultural districts hit hardest.

Leslie Dingman (Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation) and Brian Fleming (Sherburne County Economic Development Authority) earned received top awards from Economic Development Association of Minnesota for advancing Central Minnesota’s economic growth and inclusive entrepreneurship.

Mississippi

The Mississippi Development Authority (Executive Director Bill Cork) announces over $66 billion in capital investment and 24,000+ jobs since 2020, with xAI’s $20 billion data center and a new 2,000-job project soon.

Missouri

Greater St. Louis Inc. led tours of data centers, including Google, for officials and utilities; Maggie Kost highlighted their value to job creation and the regional economy amid data center debates.

Nebraska

Candice Alder, Norfolk's Economic Development Director and Norfolk Area Economic Development Council, will join Consolidated Consulting, Nebraska’s fastest-growing company, to drive national growth with her expertise.

New Mexico

Four Corners Economic Development, led by Chief Executive Officer Tim Gibbs, reported new business activity, major infrastructure, workforce initiatives, and housing efforts supporting San Juan County's long-term stability.

The City of Albuquerque extends its Window Grant Program, offering providing up to $4,000 for window repairs or replacements, says Senior Economic Developer Frankie Hermosillo.

New York

Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand secured $1.1 million in federal funding for two key North Country economic development projects to boost economic growth and infrastructure.

Greater Rochester Enterprise, led by President Matt Hurlbutt, has driven $6.7 billion in new capital investments and supported over 51,000 jobs across nine counties.

North Carolina

North Carolina won State of the Year for business climate and economic development from Business Facilities magazine, led by record investments from Amazon Web Services, JetZero, Vulcan Elements, and Genentech, said Lee Lilley, Secretary of North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Economic development leaders from establishing, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina are opening a shared office at The Pearl to support biotech and life sciences growth.

Since 2005, Duke Energy’s Site Readiness Program has facilitated nearly 48,500 new jobs and $53 billion in capital investment has partnered with the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, led by CEO Christopher Chung, to prepare sites for major projects statewide.

Ohio

Marysville offers a 15-year tax break on construction for a large data center, projecting $18 million in land taxes and assessing water and environmental impacts, says Eric Phillips.

Pennsylvania

Governor Josh Shapiro’s 2026-27 budget emphasizes economic growth through investments boosts workforce development, education, and business growth, praised by Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation and Allegheny Conference leaders.

Data center development is booming in Northeast Pennsylvania, with Penn's Northeast and the Greater Scranton Chamber promoting jobs, while state officials and residents demand clearer regulations amid concerns.

Harrisburg officials, state legislators, and the Harrisburg Regional Chamber with Ryan Unger are launching plan to to attract investment, convert offices to housing, and boost downtown foot traffic with Capital Region Economic Development Corporation.

South Dakota

Commissioner Bill Even (Office of Economic Development) outlined the state’s strategy to support economic development, focusing on public expectations and improving cybersecurity to build a resilient economy.

Tennessee

Knox County Economic Development CEO Chris Pfaff launched "Make My Move" with launched to attract out-of-state residents by offering incentives and adding 15 new households in 2024.

Texas

The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership, led by CEO Jevon Gibb, released its 2026 Major Employers Report, showing a 2% workforce decline in chemicals but 33% job growth and strong healthcare and education sectors.

The City of Brenham uses tax phase-in agreements and a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to attract investment, create jobs, and fund infrastructure with ensuring transparency and oversight.

The Frisco Economic Development Corporation, led by President Jason Ford, is fueling 14 corporate moves, creating 3,100+ jobs and $500M+ investment in 2025, including an innovation hub and mixed-use projects.

Since 2019, the New Braunfels Economic Development Corporation has invested over $50 million in parks, infrastructure, and education to strengthen long-term community resilience and growth.

Genomics firm 3billion is investing $8.1 million in Austin for 200 jobs, backed by the Austin Economic Development Department and Deputy Director Anthony Segura.

Vermont

The Vermont Economic Development Authority, led by CEO Joan Goldstein, was named a 2026 Best Place to Work and seeks new lending authority to fund multi-family housing and support Vermont’s economic growth.

Melissa Bounty, former Central Vermont Economic Development Corporation director, pleaded not guilty to embezzling $70,000, while law enforcement continues investigating pleaded.

Virginia

Leesburg Economic Development, led by Director Russel Seymour, reported that reported increased out-of-market visitors and low commercial vacancy rates, underscoring strong business health and demand used data-driven marketing and support to boost local business growth in Leesburg.

Telly Tucker is the new director of Arlington Economic Development, aiming to advance Arlington’s growth, including Amazon’s HQ, leveraging experience from Danville’s economic development and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance.

Washington

Spokane City Council members are pushing for economic support in infrastructure, small businesses, education, and community partnerships, collaborating with local groups and state agencies.

The Renton Chamber of Commerce is hosting its second Game-Ready Business Development Breakfast, helping small businesses prepare for growth before FIFA 2026.

Wisconsin

Somerset plans pursuing major developments to diversify its economy and boost growth, supported by Village President Donnie Kern and Director Robert Gunther with incentives and flexible zoning.

Milwaukee County approved supports Metcalfe Park Community Bridges’ $250,000 Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation grant application to create the Metcalfe Park Liberation Hub, said Economic Development Director Celia Benton.

The Door County Economic Development Center, led by Executive Director Michelle Lawrie, unveiled launched, a three-year plan focusing on affordable housing and childcare to address workforce shortages and boost the economy.