Economic Development and Developers in the News # 239

Welcome to the 239th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 67 executives and organizations across 35 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. 

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Alabama

The Shoals Economic Development Authority has secured over $3 million through Alabama's Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) program to expand and enhance the Barton Riverfront Industrial Park, positioning the region as a prime location for advanced manufacturing and other high-value industries. (Shoals EDA President Kevin Jackson)

Alaska

The Alaska Federation of Natives is urging public input on proposed federal changes that would eliminate key economic development programs for Native communities, warning that the move would undermine self-determined economic progress by removing the Social and Economic Development Strategies funding stream.

Arizona

Arizona Public Service, Salt River Project, and Tucson Electric Power have awarded the final rounds of the Utility Grant Funding Program, providing $1 million since 2023 to support economic development, infrastructure, and workforce initiatives in communities impacted by coal plant closures across Arizona. (TEP Manager of Community Investment Wendy Erica Werden)

Arkansas

Saline County Economic Development Corporation executive director Lamont Cornwell highlighted the growing importance of quality of life in attracting new business and industry, pointing to local community amenities as a key factor for companies when they consider relocation.

California

The Stockton City Council is set to vote on nearly $9.2 million in affordable housing loans for two major projects, following recommendations led by Stockton Economic Development Director Tina McCarty, as part of the city's ongoing strategy to spur new family and senior housing through a competitive Notice of Funding Availability process.

The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce unveiled its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan and announced a new economic development foundation at its annual State of the City event, emphasizing workforce development, housing, and enhanced regional coordination to drive economic growth through stronger public-private partnerships. (Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Kristen Miller)

Los Angeles-based developer Primestor is finalizing plans for a major overhaul of the Chula Vista Center mall that will introduce new retail options such as a full-service grocery store and revitalize the property to serve the region’s evolving needs, aligning with city-led economic development strategies to transform west Chula Vista into a regional business and retail hub. (Economic Development Director David Graham)

Shafter’s State of the City address spotlighted robust economic growth, with ongoing expansion in logistics, new housing developments, and future-focused industry recruitment, including over 450 homes built and more than two million square feet of logistics underway. (Economic Development Director Kamal Siada)

The City of Brentwood has opened applications for its Economic Development Grant Program, offering funding for initiatives supporting small businesses, marketing, tourism, and community events to strengthen the local economy, with the Economic Development Division providing guidance to applicants and hosting an informational workshop for interested organizations.

At the Accelerator for America Advisory Council forum, mayors from across the United States, highlighted collaborative strategies to advance economic development with an emphasis on green technology and university partnerships, as panelists discussed aligning local research institutions, workforce development, and industry, positioning the city as a leading model for green tech innovation.

Colorado

The Montrose Economic Development Corporation highlighted a diverse year in its 2025 recap, with initiatives ranging from attraction of major companies like Amazon to support for local ventures such as artisan pasta producers, underscoring the organization’s commitment to fostering broad-based economic growth and entrepreneurial development in the region.

Connecticut

Connecticut lawmakers have revived a proposal to create an airport development zone around Robertson Airport in Plainville, which would offer substantial property tax exemptions to businesses that improve or acquire manufacturing facilities connected to the airport. (Plainville Director of Economic Development Cal Hauburger)

Criterion Development, a Queens-based firm, has applied to demolish the former Sports Haven betting parlor in New Haven, signaling a potential major redevelopment along the city’s Long Wharf corridor, while future plans for the site remain unannounced, according to Economic Development Administrator Mike Piscitelli.

Florida

Triumph Gulf Coast has approved an amendment extending its $2.5 million grant for Pegasus Laboratories’ expansion, allowing project completion and the creation of 63 jobs by the end of 2026, with the effort led by FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance and the Pensacola–Escambia Promotion and Development Commission.

Orlando posted the fastest job growth among Florida’s major metro areas in 2025, adding 8,800 jobs and ranking seventh nationally among the thirty most populous regions, according to revised figures from the Florida Department of Commerce, as the Orlando Economic Partnership’s latest analysis highlights a shift toward innovation-driven industries and a focus on job quality amid an era of slower overall employment gains.

Liberty Pumps has been recognized as “Economic Development Partner of the Year”, underscoring the company’s significant contributions to local business growth and its collaboration with economic development initiatives, and the award affirms Liberty Pumps’ ongoing commitment to fostering economic progress and supporting community development through strategic partnerships.

The Manatee Board of County Commissioners has approved a new services agreement with the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation to fund countywide economic development efforts, reinforcing a commitment to strategic growth and job creation through ongoing financial support.

Sanford is using targeted infrastructure upgrades, major industrial and retail redevelopment, and adaptive reuse projects to drive job growth and investment, positioning itself as a key employment and logistics hub in the Orlando region while maintaining a strong focus on historic preservation. (Economic Development Director Brady Lessard)

Lake Mary has solidified its role as a strategic hub for corporate, technology, and healthcare investment in Central Florida, as director Bryan Nipe (Director of Economic Development and Parks and Recreation) details recent expansions in medical facilities, strong corporate relocation activity, and quality-of-life enhancements that bolster the city’s regional economic leadership.

Georgia

Georgia has launched the Economic Development Corporation of Georgia, a public legal entity designed to expand business financing, attract investment, and stimulate long-term economic growth, and the new corporation will combine the resources of the Georgian Development Fund and Enterprise Georgia, with oversight from the State Asset Management Agency and the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development.

The Effingham County Economic Advisory Board approved $12,000 in funding from its Revolving Loan Fund to support renovations and expansion for BodyWorx Massage Health & Wellness, while managing limited remaining funds and pending disbursement from the United States Department of Agriculture.

The Decide DeKalb Development Authority has approved a five-year strategic economic development plan that targets high-quality investment, job creation, and improved quality of life in DeKalb County, Georgia, with an emphasis on key industries including health care, advanced manufacturing, and knowledge sectors, as it advances a coordinated strategy for countywide growth. (Decide DeKalb President Dorian DeBarr)

Illinois

HomeGoods is set to open a new store in Oswego after approval of a financial incentive agreement of up to $1.5 million to help offset high construction and borrowing costs, and the project is expected to significantly boost local tax revenue, according to Kevin Leighty (Economic Development Director).

The Geneva City Council has approved an inducement resolution signaling support for a proposed preservation and redevelopment of the historic Bennett House, with the city willing to consider tax increment financing for eligible project costs as a catalyst for revitalization. (Economic Development Director Cathleen Tymoszenko)

The City of Joliet Economic Development Department has launched a new bilingual newsletter and refreshed its social media presence to provide regular updates on major projects, business activity, and strategic initiatives, expanding accessible communication with residents and stakeholders. (Economic Development Director Paulina Martínez)

Indiana

Greg Hildebrand (President and Chief Executive Officer, Marshall County Economic Development Corporation) underscored the critical role of workforce development and “Quality of Place” in attracting and retaining businesses and talent, noting the challenges posed by funding cuts and reaffirming the organization's commitment to advancing professional and economic opportunities in the community.

A new study led by Michael J. Hicks (Director, Center for Business and Economic Research, Ball State University) and commissioned by the United States Department of Energy finds that Indiana counties restricting wind and solar development experience net annual economic losses of nearly $200 million and close to 9,000 jobs, underscoring the substantial economic consequences of local renewable energy policies.

Kansas

Doug Williams (Executive Director, Grow Hays), Debra Teufel (President and Chief Executive Officer, Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce), and Dan Lara (State Director, Kansas Small Business Development Center) have been appointed to the Network Kansas Board of Directors, further strengthening the organization’s work supporting entrepreneurship, small business growth, and community development across the state.

Louisiana

The St. Bernard Economic Development Foundation is partnering with the St. Bernard Real Estate Investors Group to host an investor meetup aimed at fostering collaboration and sharing actionable insights into the real estate market, featuring guest speaker Shane Jeanfreau, a seasoned investor specializing in mobile home park strategies.

Greater New Orleans, Inc. has released an analysis that projects the Louisiana International Terminal will generate over $33 million in annual tax revenue and create more than 4,300 jobs at full buildout, representing one of the most significant economic investments in St. Bernard Parish’s history. (Michael Hecht, President and Chief Executive Officer)

The Jefferson Parish Economic Development Commission has secured $3.65 million in new federal funding for its Food and Beverage Incubator, which will serve as the Greater New Orleans region’s only major wholesale food production incubator, supporting entrepreneurs and regional growth. (President and CEO Jerry Bologna; President and CEO Michael Hecht, Greater New Orleans, Inc.)

Maine

A new quarterly publication, Hampden Magazine, created by professional photographer Chelcie Shappy, is showcasing community projects and local business stories with input from Amy Ryder (economic developer), aiming to spotlight economic activity and strengthen engagement among residents and businesses.

FocusMaine, a decade-long economic development initiative, has catalyzed over 1,500 new jobs, launched the Maine Life Sciences Innovation Center, and supported nearly 3,700 interns across 140 employers, driving growth in the state's food and life sciences sectors through sustained partnerships and strategic investment. (President and Co-founder Andrea Cianchette Maker)

Massachusetts

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is seeking a new chief of economic opportunity to strengthen ties with the business sector and advance the city’s innovation economy, emphasizing the need for long-term strategies to bolster Boston’s global competitiveness and attract new businesses in a recent meeting with corporate leaders. (Interim Chief Donald Wright)

Lowell is making significant progress on its Lowell Forward Master Plan, with nearly 600 new housing units added in the past year to support inclusive, sustainable growth. (Economic Development Director Ali Carter)

Minnesota

The Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is marking 40 years of fostering economic development and community growth through strategic investments and partnerships in the region, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs to drive long-term economic vitality.

Amid growing controversy over hyperscale data center developments in Minnesota, Northfield has drawn attention for implementing the state’s strictest environmental standards for potential data center projects, aiming to address community concerns while promoting economic growth.

Lawmakers in Minnesota are considering an $18 million allocation to the state’s Bioincentive Program, which supports commercial-scale advanced biofuels, renewable chemicals, and biomass thermal energy, as businesses await reimbursement for meeting production goals, and the proposal seeks to fulfill legislative commitments and close a $14.5 million funding gap.

Mississippi

Bellamare is advancing major destination developments in Mississippi, including the Channel South District in partnership with the city of Gulfport, aimed at boosting tourism, job creation, and sustained economic growth across the region. (Anna Jane Stanley, Vice President of Development)

Amazon has announced an additional $11 billion investment in Mississippi, bringing its total commitment in the state to $25 billion and creating over 2,000 jobs, as leaders including Rickey Thigpen (Chief Executive Officer, Visit Jackson) underscore the broader economic, workforce, and tourism benefits for the region while the company expands its footprint. (Roger Wehner, Vice President of Economic Development, Amazon Web Services)

Mississippi State University’s successful baseball season is fueling economic growth in Starkville, with hotel occupancy and average daily rates rising nearly 18 percent in March and short-term rentals up over 22 percent, which highlights the broader economic impact of collegiate athletics on local economies, according to Paige Hunt (Director of Tourism, Starkville).

Missouri

Clayco Realty Group is moving forward with a $6 billion data center in Jefferson County, projecting it will double city revenues and create thousands of jobs.

Nebraska

ACT, in collaboration with Metropolitan Community College of Nebraska and the College of Southern Nevada, has launched the Pathways to Success Toolkit to help communities align education, employers, and economic development through effective career pathways, offering actionable strategies informed by ACT Work Ready Communities and pilot programs to strengthen education-to-work connections and support workforce development efforts.

New Mexico

Bernalillo County has adopted a new economic development framework that ties tax incentives to companies’ commitments to local hiring, procurement, and community investment, with a rubric incentivizing contracts for small and minority-owned businesses, and the Street Food Institute (Executive Director Tina Garcia-Shams) has welcomed the initiative for its direct benefits to local entrepreneurs and workforce development.

New York

New York Secretary of State Walter Mosley, who also chairs the Regional Economic Development Council, visited Utica to discuss state budget priorities and economic development initiatives, highlighting recent Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding and engaging the Mohawk Valley Regional Economic Development Council in planning for future regional growth.

A new report from the Center for an Urban Future finds that the North Country’s arts and culture sector grew 29 percent from 2014 to 2024, outpacing regional employment trends and spurring significant tourism spending as the Regional Economic Development Council increased its funding share for arts projects to 24 percent ($3 million), the highest in New York State.

The New York City Economic Development Corporation, led by interim president and chief executive officer Jeanny Pack, is preparing a request for proposals for a 140-unit mixed-use project in East Harlem, requiring at least 35 affordable units, as part of broader efforts to activate city-owned sites using the 485x tax abatement program without direct subsidies.

North Carolina

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein and Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley joined Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles and leaders from the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Charlotte Center City Partners to announce a major regional economic initiative, highlighting coordinated efforts to boost economic growth in the region and strengthen public-private partnerships.

Economic development leaders in northeastern North Carolina remain optimistic about the region's growth prospects and are emphasizing collaboration as a catalyst for job creation, pointing to partnerships among local governments, businesses, and economic organizations as key to diversifying the area's economy.

The city of Asheville, the Asheville Housing Authority, and PEAK Academy are collaborating on a $475,500 master planning effort for the 60-acre Deaverview neighborhood that aims to develop at least 340 affordable homes, a 4-acre educational campus, and new public parks, supported by Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funding. (Community and Economic Development Director Nikki Reid)

North Dakota

The North Dakota Small Business Development Centers has announced its 2026 State Advisory Board, bringing together leaders from partner organizations, financial institutions, and the economic development sector to provide strategic guidance, support, and advocacy for small businesses statewide. (State Director Tiffany Ford)

The Grand Forks Region Economic Development Corporation honored J.R. Simplot Company with its annual Klaus Thiessen Award, marking the first time the recognition has gone to an agribusiness and highlighting the sector’s growing influence in the region. (President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Lund)

Ohio

Brent Stevens (Van Wert Area Economic Development Director) highlighted the planned $10 billion data center project at the Mega Site, emphasizing its use of locally produced, sustainable cooling technology and minimal environmental impact, while projecting the initiative will create new jobs and drive significant economic growth through related business and workforce development efforts.

The Ohio Controlling Board has approved funding for two economic development initiatives that will support facility expansion, workforce growth, and urban forestry, including a $520,000 low-interest loan to Cut-Rite Manufacturing and $50,000 for the City of Celina’s tree program, advancing community enhancement.

The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development is recruiting for an Economic and Community Development Director to lead business attraction, real estate development, and community improvement initiatives across northern Richland County, with President and Chief Executive Officer Jessica Gribben emphasizing the role’s importance in accelerating regional economic growth and fostering cross-sector partnerships.

Lucas County has launched the LCReady program to certify development-ready sites and streamline permitting, aiming to attract manufacturing and commercial investment and counter regional economic decline, with the initiative involving partnerships with JobsOhio and the Toledo Community Improvement Corporation, which has funded a $20 million site development effort.

Oregon

Economic development leaders Steve Chrisman (Economic Development and Airport Director, City of Pendleton) and Bill Tovey (Director of Economic and Community Development, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation) will explore regional business growth, workforce development, and economic sustainability at the upcoming Eastern Oregon Forum, highlighting key challenges and opportunities for long-term resilience.

Oregon has led the nation in new business registrations since the COVID pandemic, according to research from Richard Acquah-Sarpong (Ph.D. candidate, Oregon State University), with consistent gains over closures since 2015 and a strong entrepreneurial environment supported by the state's educated workforce, low entry barriers, and active economic development efforts that are fostering sustained business formation across the state, notes Damon Runberg (Economist, Business Oregon).

The Economic Development Council of Tillamook County is hosting its third "Level Up Tillamook Pitch Contest" in April, giving businesses the chance to compete for up to $10,000 to support new products, services, or expansion plans, underscoring the organization's commitment to fostering local entrepreneurial growth.

Eugene City Council has approved an $800,000 annual investment to expand its economic development staff, aiming to streamline city systems and launch new business programs with the goal of generating $25 million in new tax revenue within ten years.

Pennsylvania

The Bucks County Redevelopment Authority has received a $125,625 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to remediate a former brownfield site for new residential development, advancing the Shapiro Administration’s strategy to prepare shovel-ready sites and foster long-term economic growth. (DCED Secretary Rick Siger)

Northeast Pennsylvania has again been recognized as a top-performing region for economic development, with the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre metro area climbing to sixth place in Site Selection Magazine’s 2025 Governor’s Cup Awards for its population tier, reflecting successful collaboration led by Penn’s Northeast (President and Chief Executive Officer John Augustine) with regional partners that has driven sustained growth in warehouse, manufacturing, and emerging data center projects.

Governor Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro welcomed King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands to Philadelphia, emphasizing the $3.7 billion trade partnership and signing a Letter of Understanding between Pennsylvania and the Netherlands to expand collaboration in innovation, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and agriculture.

Ted Ritsick has been nominated to lead Luzerne County’s newly established community planning and economic development division, which brings together key functions such as tourism, community development, and planning, and he brings experience from both the public and private sectors, including work at Hailstone Economic and the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.

The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation (a partner of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce) is hosting a Legislative Update to spotlight the policies and investments set to shape Carbon County’s economic and community development in 2026, featuring insights from state and county leaders and inviting participants to engage with the upcoming policy-focused discussion. (SVP Kylie Adams-Weiss)

Bethlehem Mayor J. William Reynolds highlighted notable economic growth and outlined future development plans in the recent State of the City address, emphasizing ongoing financial revitalization and a new $15 million community center initiative in partnership with United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley and River Crossing YMCA.

South Dakota

The South Dakota Board of Economic Development has approved up to $835,953 in Reinvestment Payment Program funding for Agropur Inc., supporting a $65.3 million modernization of its dairy processing facility to boost efficiency and expand product offerings, an initiative expected to increase annual powder output by 20 million pounds. (GOED Commissioner Bill Even)

Texas

Austin Economic Development is hosting the State of Small Business in Austin event during Austin Small Business Week, featuring a panel discussion on the 2026 economic outlook and the key trends shaping growth, workforce availability, and innovation, including the impact of artificial intelligence across the region's small business sector.

Gilmer voters will soon decide whether to restructure the Gilmer Economic Development Corporation from a Type A to a Type B corporation, a change that would broaden how it can use local sales tax revenue.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo has led multiple international trade missions in partnership with the Greater Houston Partnership that aim to boost foreign investment and economic ties, particularly in Asia and Europe, and while these efforts have drawn political scrutiny and transparency concerns over redacted public records, officials report discussions with major firms like Foxconn and Inventec have yielded commitments to expand operations and explore new projects in the county.

Vermont

Newport City Mayor Rick Ufford-Chase is urging increased state and federal funding to advance a downtown redevelopment plan that envisions 420 new housing units and 90,000 square feet of retail space, while also seeking support for brownfield remediation, infrastructure upgrades, and expanded business services across Vermont.

Virginia

Chesapeake's recent State of the City address highlighted major economic growth as Mayor Rick West outlined record $1.5 billion investment in two LS Cable & Systems manufacturing projects set to create 750 jobs, along with new regional partnerships and infrastructure initiatives that reinforce the city's expanding role as a key economic driver in Hampton Roads.

The City of Harrisonburg’s Entrepreneurship Development Initiative was recognized with the Community Economic Development Award from the Virginia Economic Developers Association for its innovative approach to supporting early-stage businesses, led by Peirce MacGill (Deputy Director of Economic Development), serving as a potential model for other communities.

The Fine Arts Center for the New River Valley has launched “Artrepreneurs,” an eight-week program designed to equip established artists with business skills to build sustainable practices, developed in collaboration with local economic development leaders (Shannon Ainsley, Economic Developer; Lydia Crockett, Director of Small Business Solutions), and positioning graduates to be eligible for small-business loans.

Washington

Vancouver is facing a significant shortfall in housing development, with new residential construction falling far below what is needed to meet projected population growth, according to the city’s 2025 Housing Report, as city officials, including Chad Eiken (Director of Community and Economic Development) and Patrick Quinton (Director of Economic Prosperity and Housing), emphasize challenges such as limited state funding, land constraints, and rising costs while highlighting a new comprehensive plan and a 64-point action strategy aimed at accelerating housing production and addressing affordability.

West Virginia

West Virginia Governor Jim Justice discussed state-level economic development strategies and tax relief efforts while addressing public concerns at a recent community meeting, emphasizing ongoing priorities to stimulate job growth and business investment statewide.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has signed House Bill 5381 into law, enacting the state’s "50 by 50" plan to boost electricity output to 50 gigawatts by 2050 and drive economic development by attracting major companies and training a skilled energy workforce. (Governor Patrick Morrisey)

Daryl Cowles has been appointed Director of Economic Development for Jefferson County, where he will lead efforts to create a strategic plan, improve infrastructure, address childcare needs, and balance commercial and residential growth to enhance quality of life and long-term economic sustainability.