Economic Development and Developers in the News # 236

Welcome to the 236th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 108 executives and organizations across 31 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

Franklin Iron has secured a 10-year tax abatement for its “Project Peaches” expansion, reflecting a significant capital investment and continued job creation. Noted economic developer Connie Bainbridge is leading the project, emphasizing the company’s longstanding contribution to local employment and economic growth.

Hoover Mayor Nick Derzis shared the city’s new focus on economic development with a $182 million budget for commercial areas, public safety, infrastructure, and education. He said working together and careful planning will help make Hoover a top choice for business and investment.

Arizona

Leaders from government, economic development, and academic sectors in Southern Arizona and Southern Taiwan have signed a six-party Memorandum of Understanding to advance collaboration in the global semiconductor ecosystem, focusing on workforce development, research, and supply chain resilience. (Arizona Commerce Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Sandra Watson)

Arkansas

Katie Hardy has been named is the economic developer for the City of Magnolia. She has experience in emergency management and hazard mitigation from Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development. Hardy will work on keeping and growing local businesses and creating new economic opportunities.

California

The Santa Monica City Council is reviewing a comprehensive 22-point proposal that includes $3 million in economic development funding, streamlined business regulations, and expanded entertainment zones to spur private investment and revitalize the local economy. The plan builds on last year’s Realignment Plan, which city officials say stabilized operations and improved public safety.

The Nevada County Economic Development Office and Sierra Business Council are hosting is launching, a Pitch Night event for entrepreneurs. It offers chances for seed funding, mentorship, and more visibility to support startups in the region.

Ondré Seltzer (Chief Executive Officer, Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation) outlined the organization's efforts to attract and support businesses in target sectors—including digital media, aerospace, bioscience, and advanced manufacturing—through workforce initiatives and public-private partnerships, resulting in significant job growth, rising median incomes, and a focus on adapting to the challenges of artificial intelligence and evolving workplace demands.

Colorado

The Pueblo Economic Development Corporation has filed a lawsuit against the City of Pueblo, alleging breach of contract and halted funding for local economic development efforts, with both PEDCO President Jeff Shaw and Mayor Heather Graham emphasizing ongoing commitment to job creation and business attraction amid concerns over financial transparency and program priorities.

Parker does not have enough owner-occupied condos. Economic Development Director Weldy Feazell says that high construction and insurance costs, plus state construction defect laws, keep developers away, even with new laws and local incentives to build more.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Municipal Development Authority, led by Executive Director David Kooris, has approved its first loan—a $9.36 million investment for a major brownfield redevelopment—amid surging demand that could soon absorb its $90 million funding pool. The agency is also providing technical assistance to help municipalities spur high-density, multifamily growth statewide.

Hamden Mayor Adam Sendroff will present the State of the Town Address and Economic Development Outlook. He shared updates on economic growth, infrastructure, business development, the mayor’s budget, and future plans with business and community leaders.

Florida

The Orlando Economic Partnership is advancing its Orlando 2045 Vision with major initiatives, including a national search for a Senior Vice President of Economic Development, the groundbreaking of a state-supported multi-use lab at NeoCity to boost advanced industries and workforce growth, and ongoing efforts to address housing, mobility, and quality of life in Central Florida.

The City of St. Cloud chose Goman+York Property Advisers LLC to manage its economic development projects. Principal Mike Goman has many years of experience and uses market-based strategies that match client needs, support community growth, and help attract new investments.

Florida TaxWatch’s latest economic outlook, developed with the Regional Economic Consulting Group, projects the state’s $1.85 trillion economy will sustain growth through 2035, though at a slower pace, as Florida’s GDP outpaces the national average and employment rises, according to Jeff Kottkamp (President and Chief Executive Officer, Florida TaxWatch).

Georgia

The Georgia Chamber of Commerce hosted its inaugural State of Economic Development address, bringing together Governor Brian Kemp, Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson, and Chamber President Chris Clark to discuss statewide strategies, partnerships, and investments aimed at strengthening Georgia’s economic growth.

Illinois

Hyundai Translead will invest $452.5 million to establish new trailer manufacturing facilities in Illinois, creating at least 2,475 full-time jobs and expanding the state’s role as a national hub for advanced manufacturing. (Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity)

Todd Volker, economic development director for Kendall County, has been appointed to TeamIllinois by the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, which will represent the state at the national SelectUSA convention connecting foreign business investors with United States communities. (Economic Development Director Todd Volker; Illinois Economic Development Corporation)

The city’s Reparations Committee, in partnership with Oakton College’s Small Business Development Center and the Reparations Stakeholder Authority, has launched a grant and training program offering up to $3,000 and structured support to Black entrepreneurs as part of a broader initiative to foster wealth creation and sustain Black-owned businesses. (SBDC Director Maurae Gilbert McCants)

Plans for a new HomeGoods store are moving forward in Oswego, backed by a financial incentive agreement of up to $1.5 million over 15 years to support development amid rising construction and borrowing costs. (Economic Development Director Kevin Leighty) anticipates the project will significantly increase municipal sales tax revenues and provide lasting economic benefits.

EDP Renewables North America has completed Pleasantville Solar, a 150-megawatt project in Illinois that will power over 39,500 homes and businesses, generate more than $31.6 million for public services, and support long-term economic growth through a major power purchase agreement with Microsoft.

Indiana

The Starke County Economic Development Foundation, in partnership with the Indiana Small Business Development Center, is offering a free workshop designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their business pitches for networking, lender meetings, and investor presentations. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts to support small business growth and entrepreneurial development in the region.

Indiana Dunes Tourism and state and national park leaders report that parks in Porter County have driven over $140 million in economic development and supported 2,600 jobs, with ongoing projects including major facility renovations, increased accessibility, and collaborative marketing efforts. (Christine Livingston, President and Chief Executive Officer)

Brooklyn Burton has been appointed vice president of economic development at Greater Lafayette Commerce, where she will lead business attraction, expansion, and retention efforts. Burton brings extensive experience in workforce development, industry partnerships, and grant management, having overseen major talent pipeline and advanced manufacturing initiatives across regional organizations. (President and Chief Executive Officer Mikel Berger)

Iowa

The Iowa Economic Development Authority gave has approved $1.56 million to help United Equipment Accessories Inc. grow. This money will create 18 new jobs and improve a 33,400-square-foot factory, boosting local industry and workforce skills.

Kansas

The city commission is considering economic development incentives such as industrial revenue bonds, property tax breaks, and sales tax exemptions for a new $6.2 million Chick-fil-A in Hays. Assistant City Manager Jarrod Kuckelman says the project should bring in a lot of new sales tax money.

The Flint Hills Economic Alliance is a new group planning to bring together local economic development efforts. They are now collecting ideas from the community and working on their organization. Emporia City Manager Trey Cocking said they will hire a CEO or president to lead the group.

Kentucky

Economic development professionals, business leaders, and industry partners from Kentucky will meet at the Kentucky Collaboration Conference 2026. This event will focus on partnership, strategy, and growth, with sessions and networking to support economic development initiatives across the state.

The City of Covington Economic Development Department’s 2025 Impact Report highlights over $1 billion in annual payroll, robust small business growth, and national recognition for the city’s economic progress, underscoring Covington’s commitment to sustainable investment and transformative projects that strengthen its position as a rising destination for business and innovation.

Louisiana

Louisiana Innovation (a division of Louisiana Economic Development) has launched the Water Innovation Studio of Louisiana in partnership with The Water Institute, aiming to accelerate the development, testing, and deployment of new water management technologies. The initiative, supported by programs like Headwaters and Confluence, seeks to position Louisiana as a global leader in water innovation and commercialization.

Louisiana has launched the FastSites program, investing $150 million to prepare 19 sites across 16 parishes for immediate business development. This revolving fund initiative aims to make the state more competitive by removing infrastructure barriers and reinvesting returns, according to Governor Jeff Landry and Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan Bourgeois.

Louisiana Central has launched Elevate 2030, a ten-parish strategic economic development plan to improve organization, build partnerships, and market boldly. It aims to strengthen old and new industries in Central Louisiana. (President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Masingill)

Meta’s $10 billion investment in an artificial intelligence-optimized data center is driving unprecedented economic growth in northeastern Louisiana, resulting in increased tax revenues, new business activity, and major redevelopment initiatives, with local leaders and economic developers expressing optimism about long-term transformation for the region. (Rob Cleveland, executive director, Grow NELA)

Maine

Charlie Woodworth, Executive Director of Greater Franklin Economic & Community Development, has helped expand broadband to 96 percent of county addresses and invested $34.4 million in infrastructure. The group also supports digital literacy, workforce housing, childcare, and works with social services like SeniorsPlus. collaborating

Ocean’s Balance, led by CEO Mitch Lench, won Exporter of the Year from the Maine International Trade Center for selling seaweed ingredients around the world. Along with three other winners, it supports advancing Maine’s international trade and economic growth, said Maine International Trade Center President Wade Merritt.

Massachusetts

The South Eastern Economic Development Corporation a regional nonprofit focused on empowering entrepreneurs and expanding access to capital in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, has received a $96,200 grant from MassDevelopment’s Small Business Technical Assistance Program to enhance its advising, training, and gap financing support for small and microbusinesses.

Michigan

Abode Fulton, LLC has secured a $4.75 million performance-based loan from the Michigan Strategic Fund Board to develop 109 market-rate apartments and commercial space, advancing a key brownfield redevelopment in Grand Rapids. (Sarah Rainero, Economic Development Director, City of Grand Rapids)

Minnesota

Hermantown is preparing for transformative economic growth as it competes to host a potential Google data center, a project expected to generate significant regional investment and job creation. Strong infrastructure, a supportive workforce, and Minnesota’s recently passed data center transparency law have strengthened the area’s appeal, according to Kimberly Parmeter (President and Chief Executive Officer, Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce).

Mississippi

Marley Spencer is the new Interim Downtown Economic Development Director for the City of Oxford. She will lead downtown revitalization, business engagement, and economic development projects. Spencer has worked as a grant writer to support Oxford’s plans for downtown growth.

Mississippi Communities United for Prosperity brought together community leaders, banks, and small business owners at a recent summit to advance investment and economic growth in historically disinvested areas, with CEO Romona Taylor Williams emphasizing collaborative strategies to create jobs, strengthen small businesses, and foster inclusive development across the state. (Romona Taylor Williams, CEO, Mississippi Communities United for Prosperity)

International Paper will invest $225 million to build a new sustainable packaging plant in Rankin County, Mississippi, replacing an older facility and retaining current employment, with operations expected in late 2027. The project is supported by Rankin First Economic Development Authority and aligns with statewide efforts to drive record capital investment.

Montana

The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded over $700,000 in ORE Economic Development Organization Capacity Building Grants to 17 economic development organizations, supporting technology upgrades, staff training, and expanded business assistance in rural communities. (Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio)

Nevada

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development and the Las Vegas Global Economic Alliance reported progress in diversifying Nevada’s economy by attracting 20 companies across sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics, with President and Chief Executive Officer Danielle Casey emphasizing collaboration with education to create pathways for future workforce needs.

New Mexico

Bernalillo County's Economic Development Department has a new economic development plan that ties public incentives to job training, small business support, and sustainability.

North Carolina

Speaker of the House Destin Hall spoke at the Railroads and Regional Economic Development Conference. He explained how transportation infrastructure helps regional growth and supports wider development initiatives.

TSEA Energy, a Brazil-based manufacturer of power sector equipment, will establish its first facility outside Brazil in North Carolina, investing $25 million and creating 160 new jobs with above-average wages. (Governor Josh Stein and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley)

Greensboro’s Economic Development Office reports more than $4.5 billion in capital investment and approximately 15,000 jobs created in the past year, as major employers like Jet Zero, Lenovo, and Food Lion expand operations in the region, reflecting collaborative efforts led by multiple partners. (Economic Development Manager Marshall Yandle)

Ohio

The Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development hosted its 19th Annual Business Expo, showcasing over 100 businesses and nonprofit organizations and marking the debut of Jessica Gribben (President and Chief Executive Officer). The event highlighted economic diversification efforts in the region and featured a community-focused donation drive.

Portsmouth City Council is working to create the Portsmouth Community Improvement Corporation, a nonprofit that will speed up redevelopment, create jobs, and attract investment. This follows a regional trend, as the county is also starting the Scioto County Economic Development Corporation to improve local economic development efforts.

A new economic development group in Scioto County, Ohio, is seeking its first director. This hire is the first step in building the group’s leadership and creating a plan to support local and regional business growth.

Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), led by President and Chief Executive Officer Matt Abbott, reported supporting 822 new jobs and $1.6 billion in investment through 25 expansions and new locations in 2025, while also unveiling a strategic plan focused on regional leadership, talent, assets, and economic development in partnership with JobsOhio and local collaborators.

A group called Adams County for Responsible Development has submitted a petition for a constitutional amendment to ban large artificial intelligence data centers in Ohio, citing concerns about water usage, land impact, and limited permanent job creation. The initiative has drawn support from local residents and scrutiny from statewide economic development advocates.

Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter highlighted the city’s efforts to spur economic development at a recent State of the City address, emphasizing $2 million in federal funding for planned sanitary sewer infrastructure that is expected to unlock new commercial projects and support business growth in collaboration with local organizations and the Kirtland School District. (Mayor Kevin Potter)

Bob Evans Farms will become the sole tenant of a new 196,400-square-foot cold storage facility developed by Crawford Hoying, with support from the city of Fairborn’s economic development incentives. The project is expected to enhance regional supply chain infrastructure and create job opportunities. (Fairborn Economic Development Director Cherise Schell)

Demolition and remediation work is advancing at the former Ohio Cast Products site, with grant funding supporting its transformation into a nine-to-ten acre brownfield ready for redevelopment, as the city seeks a developer for a new speculative building to attract business investment. (Director of Economic Development Peter Zahirsky)

Oklahoma

The city of Sallisaw has approved a new incentives policy to attract businesses and industry. This shows economic development and sends a clear message that the community welcomes business.

Oregon

Venture Portland gave $75,000 in grants to 11 projects that help increase economic development in business areas across the city. These projects focus on hiring staff and creating activities that bring more people to small businesses. (Communications Director Jacob Falkinburg)

MSBR LLC, managed by Mark R. Schmitt (president of D&B Supply), has acquired two major vacant commercial properties in Baker City, signaling significant private investment in the area’s commercial corridor. Baker County’s contracted economic developer Bryan Tweit called the acquisitions “a positive development” for local revitalization efforts.

Pennsylvania

Lansdale Borough is accepting applications to fill a vacancy on its Economic Development Committee. This group helps bring in private investment, promote building reuse, and create jobs by coordinating marketing and connecting businesses with the government. The chair is Andrew Carroll.

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (led by Secretary Rick Siger) leveraged high-profile events like NCAA March Madness to showcase the Commonwealth’s appeal as a premier destination for investment and tourism, highlighting over $1 billion in new projects and a projected $54.8 billion in annual visitor spending as Pennsylvania prepares for a slate of major national events through 2026.

South Dakota

Sioux Metro Growth Alliance honored leading organizations and individuals in regional development at its annual Partners in Progress awards, recognizing Dell Rapids as Community of the Year, Sioux Valley Energy for outstanding business partnership, and Justin Weiland (city administrator for Tea) as Regional Economic Development Champion for impactful leadership and support of community growth.

Texas

The City of San Antonio Economic Development Department, in partnership with the Office of Historic Preservation and Culturingua, will host the inaugural Silk Road District Festival to spotlight the district’s growth as a hub for cultural tourism, entrepreneurship, and small business development. (Economic Development Director Brenda Hicks-Sorensen)

Grapevine’s strategic approach to economic development has generated over $2 billion in investment since 2014, positioning the city as a major tourism and business hub in North Texas, with upcoming projects like the Hotel Vin expansion and Dig World attraction. (Economic Development Director Garin Giacomarro)

The Dallas Economic Development Corporation, led by Chief Executive Officer Linda McMahon, has taken a central role in evaluating options for the future of Dallas City Hall, coordinating extensive consultant efforts and managing communications as city leaders consider repair, relocation, or redevelopment scenarios. The corporation's expanded influence, marked by increased responsibility and some tension with city departments, underscores the strategic importance of its work in shaping one of Dallas's most significant civic and economic development decisions.

Forward Wichita Falls shared its Economic Development Impact Report. It shows how the group is helping businesses grow and create jobs by attracting investment and supporting local industries for long-term economic development.

The city of Cove is advancing plans to create a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to help economic growth. It will use future property tax increases to pay for streets, utilities, and other public projects, supporting community revitalization.

Austin is developing a new three-year economic development roadmap aimed at spurring growth, job creation, and global competitiveness amid slower expansion and rising suburban competition. The initiative, overseen by Assistant City Manager Eric Johnson, builds on past Chapter 380 projects that have generated significant investment, job gains, and local revenue.

Austin Economic Development, in partnership with the global nonprofit Kiva, has launched the Austin Kiva Hub to expand access to zero-interest microloans for small business owners, targeting underserved communities and empowering local entrepreneurs through community-backed funding and hands-on support. (Deputy Director Anthony Segura)

Susan Sankey has been named executive director of the Big Spring Economic Development Corporation following a comprehensive selection process, bringing experience in agriculture, rural development, and community leadership.

Virginia

Loudoun County’s Economic Development department, led by Executive Director Buddy Rizer, has launched its annual farmer trading card program in partnership with local schools to connect students with the region’s farmers, promote healthy eating, and encourage future careers in technology-driven and sustainable agriculture.

A proposed economic development agenda for Warren County emphasizes leveraging its position as a gateway to Shenandoah National Park by expanding integrated strategies across tourism, agritourism, heritage tourism, and sports tourism, restoring the Economic Development Director position, and prioritizing high-employment industrial recruitment while cautioning against speculative data center investment.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, along with Virginia Tech and other research institutions, is advancing efforts to establish a sustainable blue catfish fishery in the Chesapeake Bay, supporting both environmental resilience and economic growth. Recent state grants are enabling seafood processors like Sea Farms Inc. to expand operations and boost jobs. (Virginia Economic Development Partnership)

Wisconsin

The Vilas County Economic Development Corporation has launched its Women in Business program, aiming to boost access to education, mentorship, and consulting for women entrepreneurs through dedicated staff, targeted programming, and support from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation. (Executive Director Kathy Schmitz)

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation has awarded nearly two million dollars in inaugural Small Business Technical Assistance grants to twenty organizations statewide, aiming to boost entrepreneurship and expand support for more than 2,000 startups and small businesses through technical assistance, mentorship, and specialized programming. (Secretary and Chief Executive Officer John W. Miller)

Progress Lakeshore has opened registration for its 15th annual Excellence in Economic Development Awards Breakfast. This event honors people and groups that support economic growth in Manitowoc County through projects, investments, and community efforts.

The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation’s Office of Rural Prosperity, with funding from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago and support from the Bank of Luxemburg, has launched the Emerging Rural Developer Fellowship to boost rural housing development by placing fellows in communities, strengthening local capacity, and expanding the developer pipeline. (Secretary and CEO John W. Miller)