Economic Development and Developers in the News # 231

Welcome to the 231st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 66 executives and organizations across 29 states.

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Arkansas

Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signed an order to speed up permits for economic development projects, and Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald said it could help attract new employers.

The Camden City Council approved a $100,000 contract with Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development to provide ongoing economic development services. This includes work on local housing needs, said Director James Lee Silliman.

California

UCLA started the SoCal Quantum Alliance with top universities, companies, and regional economic development groups. It will speed up new ideas, job training, and growth in quantum science.

A recent FM3 Research survey shows 74 percent of King City residents are happy with the government. Also, 83 percent want the city to focus on economic development and creating jobs.

A new report from the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation shows big drops in business activity in immigrant areas of Los Angeles after recent raids, and says undocumented workers add about 254 billion dollars each year.

Watsonville hired Retail Strategies to promote the city to national stores at trade shows. They want to improve local economic development by bringing new shops and restaurants and increasing spending.

Colorado

Cindi Galabota, Colorado State University Extension director, joined the Region 9 Economic Development District of Southwest Colorado’s board as an at-large member to help local governments and tribes work together.

The University of Colorado Boulder is working with Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, led by Executive Director Eve Lieberman, on a yearlong graduate research project. They will find jobs and economic development options for coal transition communities.

The Morgan County Economic Development Corporation held its yearly State of Morgan County meeting, where Executive Director Kristin Clifford-Basil shared work with eight possible big investors and key goals for jobs, roads, and business growth.

Florida

VanTrust Real Estate bought 71 acres in Sunbridge Business Park near Orlando for a $130 million plan to build 1 million square feet of industrial space, said Tracy Garcia of the Orlando Economic Partnership.

Georgia

The Albany-Dougherty Economic Development Commission now has over 1,000 acres of market-ready land after buying 500 acres in six months to attract new businesses and stay competitive.

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce’s 37th annual Georgia Quail Hunt brought business leaders and state officials together to boost investment and job creation.

Choose Columbus, the city’s economic development group, says a new data center could bring over $5 billion in investment and about 195 jobs, said Missy Kendrick.

Illinois

Leaders in northeast McHenry County said new parks and road upgrades are bringing more visitors and boosting sales tax as they push economic development projects.

The Homewood Village Board has selected Holladay Properties to lead a major transit-oriented redevelopment project, said Economic and Community Development Director Angela Mesaros.

The DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation will host an Economic Outlook Luncheon with Kristen Broady from the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, sharing clear insights on economic trends, workforce changes, and new technologies.

Camp Point was chosen for the 2025 Community Accelerator Program. This nine-month program by Illinois Main Street and Main Street America helps improve economic development and downtown areas with training and tools worth $15,000.

Seretha McField-Gibbs started Bear Down Community Investment Group to boost economic development in Illinois. The group works on affordable housing, mixed-use projects, local businesses, and job training with partners.

The Village of Westmont will share its State of the Village in May. It will update on economic development, plans, and community growth for 2026.

Indiana

Heather Deno was hired as executive director of Warren County Economic Development.

The Fort Wayne Redevelopment Commission approved an economic development agreement for Sweetwater’s campus expansion. This will add 300 jobs and more warehouse space with help from tax increment financing, said Redevelopment Director Alec Johnson.

Kentucky

The Kentucky Agriculture Economic Development Board will meet to review new applications and hear updates from Executive Director Brandon Reed and Director Hunter Jones.

Massachusetts

The Newton Economic Development Commission will launch a new online map of empty storefronts to give entrepreneurs current information and help attract new businesses. Source.

Fitchburg is one of six Massachusetts Gateway Cities chosen for MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative. It will get three years of help with grants, technical support, and economic development expertise to boost growth.

Michigan

The Right Place launched a three-year economic development plan to create 4,500 jobs paying about $30 an hour, invest $700 million, and build 100 education partnerships, said CEO Randy Thelen.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer led a trip to Germany where RENK Group agreed to create 300 new jobs and invest $70 million plus $100 million in research in Michigan by 2030.

Grand Rapids dropped a plan to redevelop an empty Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center after the federal government would not lower its $4.5 million price, said Economic Development Director Sarah Raniero.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2027 budget plan boosts the “Make It in Michigan” strategy with new funding, and MEDC Chief Executive Officer Quentin L. Messer, Jr says it will help keep Michigan competitive.

Minnesota

The City of Saint Paul has completed an updated Alternative Urban Areawide Review for the 139-acre Highland Bridge redevelopment. This review will check environmental impacts and help plan future development.

Mississippi

The Mississippi Development Authority, led by Executive Director Bill Cork, has a record pipeline of over $90 billion in capital investment and 35,000 jobs for 2026. They recently closed 219 projects and announced the $20 billion xAI data center.

Missouri

Missouri State Representative Brad Christ introduced the Missouri Innovation, Public Safety, and Accountability Act to let cities create innovation districts with faster permits, tax breaks, and focused funding.

Bernie Andrews, a longtime economic development executive, has retired after almost 30 years. He helped grow the economy and support businesses in his area.

Nevada

The Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance was reaccredited by the International Economic Development Council, led by CEO Danielle Casey.

New Hampshire

Lucy Lange, former general manager of Monadnock Media Group and past president of Manchester Media Group, is now commissioner of the New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs. She will lead economic growth, workforce initiatives, and promote New Hampshire for business.

New Jersey

A New Jersey Senate committee wants the New Jersey Economic Development Authority to run a new grant and marketing program for craft breweries, cideries, and wineries.

New Mexico

Albuquerque has about $140,000 for a window repair grant that can cover up to 80% of costs, and Senior Economic Developer Frankie Hermosillo urges small businesses to apply. The initiative prioritizes businesses in lower-income areas.

New York

Lenore VanderZee, Vice President for Strategic Relations and Communications at SUNY Canton, was elected President of the University Economic Development Association. The group has over 160 members working on university-led economic development.

The City & State “Economic & Workforce Development Summit” brought together leaders like Greg Morris of New York City Employment and Training Coalition, Andrew Kimball of New York City Economic Development Corporation, and Jennifer Jones Austin of FPWA to discuss fair job growth across New York.

North Carolina

Fayetteville leaders want a $25 million Choice Neighborhood grant to rebuild public housing on Murchison Road into mixed-income homes and better support for residents, said Chris Cauley.

Blue Steel Development broke ground on the $50 million Steel 70 Industrial project, said Clayton economic development director Joseph Stallings.

Susan Phelps is the new economic development director for Nash County. Phelps has strong experience in business recruitment, retention, and workforce development.

The Warren County Economic Development Commission Board of Directors will meet Monday to discuss industrial park growth, grant and budget updates, and hear a project report from Vance-Granville President Dr. Rachel Desmarais on economic development.

Ohio

The Village of Archbold council delayed a vote on a pause for data centers so they can study the issue.

Streetsboro hired consulting firm Capital Rivers Connect to study its retail market so it can find new revenue and stay strong as tax rules change, Economic Development Director Patrick O'Malia said.

Oregon

Eugene’s Technical Advisory Group on Fiscal Stability suggests a ten-year plan to create 14,000 jobs and $25 million in tax revenue by focusing on economic development, improving efficiency, and finding new revenue.

Pennsylvania

Robert Swales, CEO of Clearly Ahead Development, is now President of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association, where he will lead efforts to grow the economy and build partnerships across the state starting January 2026.

Geneva Mayor Jim Cecere created the Downtown and Economic Vitality Ad Hoc Committee to improve economic development strategies. The group includes public officials, business leaders, and economic experts.

A new group started in Northwest Pennsylvania to boost economic development. They will use the skilled workers, universities, industry, natural gas, and logistics to attract investment and jobs.

Rhode Island

The University of Rhode Island and the United Kingdom started a new ocean partnership to grow jobs and support strong, green ocean businesses, led by URI Vice President Bethany Jenkins.

South Dakota

Top South Dakota Republican leaders are openly fighting over economic development plans, including data center incentives, corporate subsidies, and eminent domain, leaving the future of state economic programs uncertain.

Texas

The Tyler Economic Development Council President and Chief Executive Officer Scott Martinez praised the region’s strong factories at a recent investor event and shared plans for projects that will add many jobs and grow the economy.

The City of San Antonio Economic Development Department and Main Street America started the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program to give six months of leadership training and funding to help local leaders grow strong, lasting neighborhoods.

The McKinney Economic Development Corporation opened the McKinney Innovation Exchange, a shared space to help startups grow and bring in new investors, led by Michael Kowski and Troy Billett.

Ann Marie Torres is the new economic development coordinator for Prairie A&M AgriLife in Jim Wells County. She will help local groups work together and support businesses facing economic changes.

Utah

Piute County School District moved to a four-day school week as a workforce and economic development plan to support families, match community needs, and attract and keep teachers.

Vermont

Bennington started a new economic development committee to help with housing and mixed-use projects, led by Committee Chair Clark Adams. Source.

Virginia

The Montgomery County Economic Development Authority will review two economic development projects at its next meeting. They will also share updates on broadband expansion and corporate park building in the county.

Virginia’s Senate passed a bill to allow a casino in a big mixed-use project in Fairfax County. The bill aims to raise tax money for school construction and help with lower office values.

The new National Innovation Quarter in Northern Virginia brings together industry, universities, government, and major economic development groups to boost new technology and strengthen U.S. competitiveness.

West Virginia

West Virginia House Speaker Roger Hanshaw is focused on economic development. He wants to keep working on laws that bring investment and help businesses grow in the state.

Roane County joined a regional partnership to support economic development efforts in central West Virginia. This group works together to help businesses grow and bring in new investments.