Economic Development and Developers in the News # 235
Econ dev news from 40 economic development executives and organizations in 24 states.
Welcome to the 235th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
This week: updates from 40 executives and organizations across 24 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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Connecticut
Connecticut bills SB 418 and HB 5475 would speed up permits by adding outside experts and shorter timelines. Pete Myers of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association says the change would support economic development while keeping environmental rules in place.
Florida
Boca Raton voters also rejected One Boca even though supporters said it could create 5,700 jobs and $253 million a year in economic impact. Brian Strow, Dean of the Marshall E. Rinker Sr. School of Business at Palm Beach Atlantic University, said the result could make future big economic development proposals harder.
Georgia
Hobby Lobby will open a new store in Cordele later this year. The plan is expected to create up to 30 jobs and help the local economy, said Community Development Planning Director Mary Darby.
Illinois
Patrick Hoban is leaving the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council after six years. During his time there, the group said it helped land more than $3.6 billion in private investment and thousands of jobs. The board will now start a national search for a new CEO.
Kansas
Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab announced the JEANS economic development package. It focuses on jobs, education, agriculture, networking, and sustainability. The plan includes investing in farm manufacturing and supporting technical and community colleges.
Louisiana
Louisiana has launched the $150 million FastSites program to pay for site-readiness work like infrastructure upgrades. State leaders, including Susan Bourgeois of Louisiana Economic Development, say the fund has already backed 19 sites.
Newlab is teaming with Louisiana economic development groups and private partners to open a $50 million innovation hub in New Orleans. Supporters, including Greater New Orleans Inc. president Michael Hecht, say it will help hardware startups and grow the regional economy.
Maryland
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich proposed an FY2027 budget with more investments in jobs, housing, and education. It includes $5.7 million for the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation, $3.4 million for WorkSource Montgomery, and more support for innovation centers like BioHub Maryland.
Massachusetts
Congressman Jim McGovern announced $4.8 million in federal money for economic development and environmental projects in central Massachusetts. Part of this goes to Worcester Polytechnic Institute for soil cleanup, and part helps the Town of Holliston improve wastewater systems to support local growth.
Governor Maura Healey highlighted new private investment and jobs in manufacturing, AI, and life sciences. She said P&G Gillette plans to spend nearly $1 billion on a new hub that would support 750 jobs. She also said more economic development legislation is coming.
Michigan
Michigan State University and the Lansing Talent Partnership Consortium got $5.35 million, including help from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. This money will be used for projects to improve Lansing’s REO Town by supporting workforce development, small business growth, and creative placemaking.
Minnesota
Google has announced plans to build a large hyperscale data center in Hermantown, Minnesota. Rachel Johnson, CEO of APEX, says it will create many jobs and bring new investment.
Mississippi
James G. Powell has died. He was a longtime economic development leader in Mississippi. He held top roles at the Meridian Industrial Foundation, the Greater Jackson Chamber, the Mississippi Economic Development Council, and the Southern Economic Development Council.
Missouri
Ballparks Central in Boonville is projected to draw about 73,000 visitors a year and add around $3 million to the local economy. Local leaders see it as a boost for Mid-Missouri sports tourism.
New Jersey
Luna Stage has received a $303,000 grant from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority. The money will support a public storytelling project meant to activate public spaces and business areas.
Lots of New Jersey economic developers made the ROI Influencers Power List 2026:
Sandy Castor leads economic development work for Middlesex County. She helps the county attract and keep businesses and move key economic development plans forward.
Leslie Anderson leads the New Jersey Redevelopment Authority. She oversees financing and redevelopment initiatives across the state and supports community renewal.
Aisha Glover leads urban innovation at Audible. Her initiatives in Newark and beyond support entrepreneurs, artists, workforce programs, and neighborhood projects like Newark Working Kitchens.
Marcus Randolph leads Invest Newark. His work centers on real estate projects, small business support, and neighborhood investment initiatives.
New York
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin is creating a special economic development team to lead growth projects in the city. This team will help the council address important economic challenges and opportunities.
Ohio
ONE Lorain County used its annual meeting to bring together economic development leaders and career-tech students. President David Zak said the group is building on recent progress.
A new economic development group in Scioto County is looking for its first director. The group aims to attract investment and support growth in the area.
Jessica Gribben has been named president and CEO of the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. She has worked there for eight years and will lead business growth and partnership efforts.
Bristolville 25 Developer LLC, connected to Western Hospitality Partners, plans to build a $3.6 billion data center in Lordstown. This project could create 1,600 construction jobs and 120 high-paying permanent jobs. Local residents and the village are opposing the plan with legal challenges.
Oregon
Partners for Affordable Housing, a coalition of economic development groups and housing advocates, will hold candidate forums across the year in Central Oregon. The talks will focus on housing supply, affordability, and plans to build more homes.
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek’s top bills on housing, behavioral health, and business growth have passed both chambers. These bills support economic development statewide, create jobs, and boost competitiveness.
Pennsylvania
CoreWeave is spending $10 billion on data centers at former industrial sites in Lancaster. The project includes a $10 million community benefits agreement and a partnership with EDC Lancaster County. Local leaders say it could help workforce training and tech growth.
Jennifer Rodríguez, President and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, supports Latino economic development by connecting entrepreneurs to resources and highlighting Latinas' leadership. She also created a "Latino Passport" app to help Latino-owned businesses during the United States' 250th anniversary.
South Carolina
Laurens County Council approved more than $515 million in economic development projects. The county advanced expansions at Shamrock Technology and FiberTex and moved ahead on Project Oracle and Project Sunshine, which are expected to create hundreds of jobs.
Columbia Regional Economic Development Incorporated president Paul Eisenstein marked his first year by updating the board on active economic development projects. He also said the group is still searching for an executive vice president after Bernie Andrews retired.
Berkeley County Economic Development and SC Works Trident are hosting a regional Workforce Career Fair. The event will connect workers with employers from many industries and support job growth.
South Dakota
Gubernatorial candidate Dusty Johnson has launched the Launch South Dakota economic development plan. He says it would use $2 million from the Governor's Future Fund to help startups, expand entrepreneur programs, and grow mentorship.
Tennessee
Carter County leaders made a vision document with strategies for long-term economic development. This plan will guide growth and investments in the region. It aims to support steady economic progress and strengthen the local economy.
Texas
Austin Economic Development has approved Place-Based Enhancement Program agreements with The Vortex and Circle C Childhood Development Center. The deals provide up to $107,803 and $30,765 over five years. Officials say they could generate more than $1.1 million in economic benefits. (Deputy Director Anthony Segura)
Shea Hunter, Economic Development Director for the City of Granbury, is leading talks to explain economic development processes for data center projects. She uses her experience from a $3 billion investment in Tennessee. The talks show how incentives like abatements and annexation help cities attract big investments.
Virginia
Center in the Square in Roanoke wants a rooftop Ferris wheel and other attractions to boost downtown tourism. The group has raised half of the $250,000 needed for its own economic development study after state funding fell through. Tara Marciniak leads the effort.
Washington
Karla Boughton is the new community and economic development director in Sequim. She brings more than 30 years of planning experience and will help update city processes and the Comprehensive Plan.
West Virginia
West Virginia economic development bills and school aid changes are stalled because House and Senate leaders still disagree. Delegate Josh Holstein said the delay is holding back economic progress.
Over 60 regional groups, including Allegheny-Blue Ridge Alliance, Keystone Development Center, and Appalachian Voices, want Congress to restore federal funding for economic development, disaster recovery, and mine cleanup in Appalachia. They say funding was cut recently and needs to return.
