Economic Development and Developers in the News # 238

Welcome to the 238th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 30 executives and organizations across 19 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. 

Dane is the founder and CEO of Sitehunt. Sitehunt automates industrial real estate research so economic developers can respond to site selection RFIs in minutes instead of days.

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Arizona

Dan Henderson, a certified economic developer with nearly 20 years of experience, has been named Glendale's new economic development director. Henderson will now oversee Glendale’s economic development strategy, arts and culture initiatives, and the Experience Glendale tourism division.

Illinois

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have doubled funding for the Regional Site Readiness Program to $60 million, supporting industrial site preparation across the state and awarding $25.9 million to seven sites. This initiative aims to boost statewide investment and job creation. (Governor JB Pritzker, DCEO Director Kristin Richards)

Leaders from P33 Chicago and the Greater MSP Partnership outlined strategies for regional economic growth during a recent Pew Charitable Trusts webinar, highlighting initiatives in quantum computing, medical technology, and workforce development. Both organizations emphasized the importance of strong partnerships, industry validation, and transparent reporting to drive long-term and inclusive economic change.

Indiana

Lawmakers have reduced Indiana’s state economic development funding by 25 percent in a recent budget compromise, a move that could have significant implications for the state’s ability to support business growth and attract investment. (Indiana Economic Development Corporation)

Iowa

Marion County Economic Development Director Dan Nieland detailed ongoing initiatives focused on workforce development, business retention and expansion, and infrastructure improvements, including transportation and broadband projects, as part of the department’s broader strategy to attract investment and foster economic growth. Kentucky

Global Laser Enrichment has received preliminary approval for a 15-year incentive package from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority, supporting its $1.76 billion investment to commercialize advanced uranium enrichment technology and create 240 full-time jobs, advancing U.S. nuclear fuel supply resilience and cleanup efforts. Louisiana

Louisiana Economic Development is navigating a reported $76 billion wave of investment projects across the state, with support from nonpartisan policy leaders for the agency's use of confidential negotiations during site selection, seen as essential for job creation and reversing long-standing population and talent losses.

Maine

Amid growing debate over the environmental impacts of data centers, a proposed $300 million artificial intelligence data center in Lewiston was unanimously rejected by city councilors following public backlash and calls for greater transparency. The decision, shaped by concerns around secrecy and community involvement, highlights increasing scrutiny facing large-scale data center developments. (John Blais, acting economic development director)

Biddeford City Manager Truc Dever has nominated Brian Clark for Economic Development Director, highlighting his extensive experience in planning, partnerships, and transformative projects at Colby College and the University of Chicago.

Maryland

Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott’s proposed $4.98 billion budget for fiscal year 2027 features a $15 million economic development fund designed to attract businesses and finalize job-generating projects, alongside over $1 billion in capital investments for infrastructure, reflecting a broad focus on growth and community revitalization.

Massachusetts

Alison C. Steinfeld has been appointed as Framingham’s new director of Community and Economic Development, bringing decades of experience from previous roles in Waltham and Newton to lead the city’s economic growth initiatives.

Minnesota

Brad Gustafson has been named director of the St. Louis County economic and community development department, where he will oversee initiatives like affordable housing, broadband expansion, Community Development Block Grants, and film industry incentives.

Economic Development Authorities in Fillmore and Houston Counties, supported by the Community and Economic Development Associates and local leaders, continue to drive rural growth through revolving loan funds and targeted grants, investing in business expansion, property rehabilitation, childcare, and community infrastructure to foster sustained economic development across the region.

New York

Leadership at New York City’s Economic Development Corporation remains vacant as Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration searches for a new chief executive officer, prompting concerns among business leaders about the city’s commitment to job growth and economic expansion.

North Carolina

Anna S. Tharrington (Managing Partner, Hutchison PLLC) will present at the Innovate Carolina seminar series, offering practical legal and business guidance for entrepreneurs, investors, and university spinouts, supporting Chatham County Economic Development Corporation’s efforts to foster a strong foundation for startup growth, investment readiness, and long-term business success.

Ohio

Nate Strum, director of economic development at HDR, credits Ohio University’s master of public administration program for equipping him with the skills to effectively bridge public and private sector priorities, underscoring the importance of strategic thinking and public value in today’s evolving economic development landscape.

Mallory Greenham, currently chief of staff to Hamilton's city manager, has been named the city's next economic development director, effective April 2026. With over a decade of experience in economic development and a focus on urban core revitalization, Greenham succeeds the late Jody Gunderson and is tasked with continuing Hamilton's growth and investment momentum.

South Carolina

Jack Stuart has resigned as economic developer for the town of Lexington after two years leading business recruitment and marketing initiatives that contributed to significant growth in the local business community. Stuart highlighted his team's impact on downtown revitalization and plans to continue his career in business development.

South Dakota

Centerville has become a model for downtown revitalization among small towns, thanks to a proactive vacant building ordinance and leadership from Jared Hybertson (Economic Development Coordinator), leading to the rehabilitation or replacement of nearly a dozen properties and the emergence of new businesses that have strengthened the local economy.

Texas

Carl Quesinberry (senior director for industrial corporate services at Avison Young) addressed South Texas economic development leaders at a Council for South Texas Economic Prosperity event, emphasizing the importance of communities leveraging unique assets to attract investment and sharing insights into the site selection process for industrial clients across North America.

Austin Economic Development, in partnership with IKE Smart City, is launching a network of interactive digital kiosks to deliver real-time wayfinding, public information, and local business support, aiming to boost accessibility and economic opportunity while operating under a zero-cost model for the city. (Deputy Director Anthony Segura)

Virginia

Harrisonburg Economic Development was recognized by the Virginia Economic Developers Association at the 2026 Community Economic Development Awards, highlighting the organization's achievements in advancing economic growth and innovation within the region.

Merck is investing $3 billion to expand its pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities in Virginia, establishing a Center of Excellence as part of its global network. This initiative, supported by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, underscores the state’s status as a growing hub for life sciences and biopharma innovation.

Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed bipartisan legislation expected to create 3,250 new jobs and drive $7.1 billion in business investment across Virginia, supporting major projects from Avio USA, Hitachi Energy, Eli Lilly, and AstraZeneca in sectors ranging from aerospace to pharmaceuticals. (Governor Abigail Spanberger)

West Virginia

Jim Spencer, former head of the Bluefield Economic Development Authority, has completed his first year as a regional head for the United States Small Business Administration, overseeing operations across six states and the District of Columbia, and is advancing federal efforts to promote onshoring and support manufacturing growth.

Daryl E. Cowles has been appointed as Director of Economic Development for Jefferson County, bringing over 30 years of experience in public service and economic development, including legislative leadership roles and project delivery in the Eastern Panhandle. Cowles will oversee business attraction, retention, and long-term economic strategy for the county.

Wisconsin

Grant County Economic Development Director Ron Brisbois has shared new details about a proposed artificial intelligence data center being considered in Grant County, highlighting ongoing discussions with the unidentified developer and addressing questions from local businesses and residents about the project's potential impact and future.

Dunn Economic Development has launched the Dunn County Small Business Development Grant Program, offering up to $10,000 to support small business growth, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation will select recipients, and $250,000 in total funding is available through this initiative.