Economic Development and Developers in the News # 241

Welcome to the 241st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!

This week: updates from 85 executives and organizations across 28 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

Brilliant has secured over $470,000 through the Site Evaluation Economic Development Strategy (SEEDS) grant to prepare a new industrial site along Interstate 22, supporting targeted industry growth and job creation in rural Northwest Alabama. (Northwest Alabama Economic Development Alliance Executive Director Tom Wisemiller)

The Opelika Economic Development team has expanded its workforce development capabilities with the addition of Madison Bush as project manager, focused on talent attraction and business retention and expansion to support advanced manufacturing and innovative industries through the POW-R Workforce Initiative and strategic partnerships with educational institutions. (Director John Sweatman)

Innovate Alabama, a statewide public-private partnership focused on entrepreneurship and economic growth, is highlighting Alabama’s outdoor recreation assets as a key strategy for talent attraction and retention, with support from the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. Since 2017, more than $500 million has been invested in outdoor recreation improvements to enhance quality of life and drive economic development.

Manthei Wood Products has acquired Cahaba Veneer, supported by up to $10 million in capital investment, securing 67 jobs and creating 37 new positions in Alabama’s forest products sector, as the partnership announced by the Bibb County Economic & Industrial Development Authority strengthens regional manufacturing and reinforces Alabama’s leadership in forestry.

Alaska

More than 150 Alaskan industry leaders participated in the "Alaskans on the Hill" mission in Washington, led by Alaska State Chamber president Kati Cappozi, to advocate for federal permitting reform and support for key sectors including energy, tourism, and fishing, highlighting unprecedented collaboration across industries seeking faster, more certain federal processes.

Arkansas

The Compass Report from the UAFS Center for Economic Development found stable economic activity across most Arkansas metro areas in late 2025. It shows that Northwest Arkansas is leading in job growth.

Katie Hardy (economic developer for the City of Magnolia) and Rachel Jenkins (executive director, Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce) have completed the Mid-South Basic Economic Development Course, strengthening their capacity to support business retention, workforce development, and sustainable economic growth within their region.

California

The Economic Development Corporation of Shasta County is co-hosting the Northern California Venture Conference on May 7 to connect high-growth startups from under-served regions with investors and business leaders, furthering efforts to foster local entrepreneurship and diversify the regional economy.

Connecticut

The state House has approved a bill establishing a small business concierge at the Department of Economic and Community Development, aiming to streamline access to state programs and resources for small and medium-sized businesses, with the initiative modeled after the state's permitting concierge, enjoying broad bipartisan support, and backed by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association.

Florida

Charlie Gray, former chairman of the Orlando Economic Development Commission, was remembered by the Orlando Economic Partnership, which honored his pivotal leadership.

CareerEdge, a project of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, trained 447 workers and lifted annual wages by more than $2.5 million through jobs programs led by employers.

Palm Coast’s $79 million Promenade development, a mixed-use project featuring 204 apartments and 68,000 square feet of commercial space, has secured leases from tenants including 6th Street Deli, with more businesses expected, while the city’s Economic Development Incentive Program, led by Community Development Director John Zobler and Economic Development Director Craig McKinney, aims to support new tenants by helping offset startup costs.

Georgia

Tucker’s economic development team, led by Erica Rocker (Economic Development Director), is hosting its inaugural Economic Development Summit and fourth annual Small Business Expo in May to mark National Economic Development Week. They want to help business leaders find resources and encourage investment, redevelopment, and innovation in the community.

Eloisa Klementich (president and chief executive officer of Invest Atlanta) has released "An Equity Blueprint", a guide offering actionable strategies for fostering equitable economic development in communities facing wealth divides, reflecting on Atlanta’s decades-long focus on economic equity and providing data-driven approaches for practitioners and agencies nationwide.

Patty Hart has been appointed vice president of Economic Development at Georgia Northwestern Technical College. She will lead workforce training, help employers, and support growth across northwest Georgia.

The Clarkesville Downtown Development Authority is advancing early plans to redevelop the Old Courthouse property, with Economic Development Director Yvonne Marinelli highlighting inspiration from successful hotel projects in neighboring communities and exploring strategies like targeted incentives and a potential central business district to attract new investment and enhance downtown economic activity.

Illinois

HomeGoods has received approval to open a new 25,000-square-foot store in Oswego, supported by a financial incentive agreement of up to $1.5 million over 15 years to offset high construction and borrowing costs, with the project anticipated to generate significant tax revenue for the village. (Economic Development Director Kevin Leighty)

Indiana

Jim Schellinger has stepped down as president of Indy Economic Development Inc. after leading the organization through notable projects such as Roche Diagnostics' $550 million expansion and Arrow McLaren's new headquarters; he is leaving the role following this period of major growth. Andrea Richter-Garry (interim president) will guide the agency as it continues its role in facilitating major investments and incentives for Indianapolis.

Indiana has launched a statewide economic development initiative focused on artificial intelligence. The state plans to attract talent, boost innovation, and grow tech jobs.

The first round of Indiana's Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI) has generated an estimated $675 million in economic impact, funding 405 projects and creating more than 3,500 jobs across the state, according to an evaluation by Purdue University Center for Regional Development and Indiana University Public Policy Institute. (Governor Mike Braun)

Iowa

Iowa lawmakers are considering property tax reforms that would restrict the use of Tax Increment Financing, a key tool cities like Dubuque have used to spur $835 million in private investment since 2010, raise 1,461 housing units, and support job growth. (Jason White, Greater Dubuque Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer)

Kentucky

The Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization is helping reduce the impact of closing the Department of Energy's Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant by advancing cleanup efforts and promoting future industrial and recreational development opportunities at the site. They also support wider economic recovery in the area.

Louisiana

Shell USA, Inc., in partnership with the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (Associate State Director Heidi Melancon), has selected 21 entrepreneurs for the 2026 Shell LiveWire Louisiana cohort, advancing small business growth across key industries and supporting economic opportunity through training, coaching, and expanded networks statewide.

Louisiana Economic Development, led by Secretary Susan Bourgeois, has overseen a surge in major projects, including a $300 million tugboat initiative and new data centers, as Governor Jeff Landry touts over $60 billion in recent investment, while the expanded use of non-disclosure agreements by state officials has sparked debate over government transparency.

Maryland

The Rockefeller Foundation has launched a national $100 million initiative to connect workers with good jobs and support economic opportunity in distressed communities, as highlighted at its “Big Bets for America: Baltimore” event, which also featured new collaborations and funding for workforce pathways, clean energy, and climate innovation, engaging over 250 leaders from philanthropy, government, and the private sector.

The Maryland Economic Development Corporation secured nearly $40 million to expand freight capacity at Tradepoint Atlantic, boosting Port of Baltimore container capacity and supporting more than 8,000 jobs.

Maryland’s General Assembly has passed the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act, which extends and enhances several major tax credit programs and modernizes the state’s economic development incentives. The legislation aims to boost competitiveness, particularly in innovation sectors, and increases flexibility for local economic development strategies.

Massachusetts

The Southeastern Regional Planning and Economic Development District is conducting a study of Pleasant Street in Fall River’s Flint neighborhood, supporting a state-funded revitalization initiative targeting vacant and blighted properties, including empty commercial storefronts, as part of broader efforts to stimulate economic development in Gateway Cities.

Governor Maura Healey has proposed the Mass Wins Act, a $305 million economic development package that would streamline the decision-making process for zoning changes in Devens by replacing the current super town meeting structure with a single regional vote convened by MassDevelopment (President and Chief Executive Officer Navjeet Bal), aiming to foster greater efficiency, participation, and statewide economic opportunity.

Michigan

Union Township in Michigan recently received a four-star rating from the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s eCities program, which benchmarks community support for entrepreneurial growth, but analysis finds the township performed below average on most measures, prompting calls for leadership to address stagnating economic indicators (Mackinac Center for Public Policy).

The Michigan House has approved a $75.8 billion state budget that significantly reduces funding for large-scale business incentive programs under the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, while increasing support for small business grants and workforce training, reflecting a strategic shift in economic development priorities.

Minnesota

Hermantown city leaders are considering a long-term tax abatement agreement for a proposed Google data center, which would return most property tax payments to the company over 28 years while retaining some revenue for the city and schools, and Economic Development Director Chad Ronchetti is emphasizing the projected financial benefits and infrastructure improvements.

Mississippi

The Greater Biloxi Economic Development Foundation, in partnership with Mississippi Power and Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Panoramic Properties, is hosting the “Pass Road Possibilities” tour to showcase redevelopment opportunities along a major Gulf Coast corridor, aiming to attract investment and foster collaboration among developers and civic leaders (Board President Bobby Gillon).

Missouri

Airbnb has invested $100,000 in Open Doors!, an initiative led by the Economic Development Corporation of Kansas City (President and Chief Executive Officer Tracey Lewis), to activate vacant storefronts for local entrepreneurs ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026™, as part of a broader $5 million Host City Impact Program supporting small businesses in tournament host cities.

The City of St. Louis has approved a data center project at the former Famous-Barr warehouse, requiring extensive community benefit measures, environmental safeguards, and a $15 million developer contribution to city priorities. The project is expected to generate 200 new jobs and more than $432 million in tax revenue over ten years.

New York

Liberty Pumps was recognized as Economic Development Partner of the Year by the Genesee County Economic Development Center, following the company’s completion of a $13.5 million expansion and decades of steady growth, while the Center (led by President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Masse) also highlighted $420 million in recent investments supporting job creation and regional economic diversification.

Megan Daly, Chief Commerce Officer at the Port of Albany, was honored at the IrishEcho Irish Maritime Excellence Awards for leading the Port’s 50 percent land expansion and important infrastructure projects. She also helps guide the Capital Region Regional Economic Development Council.

North Carolina

Caldwell County Economic Development honored industry partners and leaders at its annual banquet, recognizing Alan Merck (Chief Operating Officer, Blue Ridge Energy) for guiding more than $9 million in USDA-supported investment projects, and spotlighting the North Carolina Railroad Company’s statewide grant programs that have created 17,300 jobs since 2017.

Communities in central North Carolina are putting temporary stops or changes on building data centers because big tech companies want to build there. Local officials seeking to balance economic opportunities with regulatory measures and community input as Microsoft plans a large project in Person County.

Clayton is emerging as a strategically planned growth market in the Research Triangle Region, as the town is experiencing robust population gains, strong household incomes, ongoing residential development, and comprehensive planning to support employers and attract talent. (Joe Stallings, Economic Development Director for the Town of Clayton)

North Dakota

The University of North Dakota has earned the national Innovation and Economic Prosperity designation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities, recognizing its leadership in economic engagement, workforce development, and innovation through initiatives spanning rural health, autonomous systems, and commercialization (Executive Director of Economic Development Cortnee Jensen).

Ohio

Ohio Logistics started construction on a 100,000-square-foot spec building in Gateway Commerce Park. The project received support from a JobsOhio grant and the Allen Economic Development Group.

Medina County's economic development is growing strong in 2026, says Bethany Dentler (Economic Development Director). The county maintains a healthy pace of activity shows ongoing efforts to help businesses grow and keep the local economy healthy.

The Tuscarawas County Commission named James C. Shively to lead county planning used his experience working with the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation and Team NEO.

Michael Oakes, executive vice president for research and economic development at Case Western Reserve University, warned that federal research funding cuts are undermining the future of American science, as reduced National Institutes of Health grants create uncertainty, threaten labs, and risk deterring the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The Logan County Community Improvement Corporation held its annual meeting and shared updates on regional economic initiatives and collaborative efforts with organizations such as JobsOhio (represented by Senior Managing Director of External Affairs Drew Cooper) and One Columbus, focusing on supporting business expansion, workforce development, and long-term economic growth.

Union County is Ohio's first "premier community" for the life sciences industry. This status will help the area attract high-paying jobs and major investment in medical devices and advanced agricultural technology. (Economic Development Director Eric Phillips)

Oregon

Jefferson County has moved from the most economically distressed county in Oregon to eighth in the latest statewide distress index, reflecting years of community-focused investments and collaboration among public agencies, employers, and partners to strengthen economic development, workforce, and infrastructure. (Economic Development Program Manager Brenna Fulks)

Pennsylvania

Recent changes in women’s sports include the WNBA expanding and startups like Unrivaled, are prompting cities and investors to rethink traditional economic development models, focusing on smaller venues, digital engagement, and local community partnerships. These efforts could bring more local and fair economic benefits.

Governor Josh Shapiro and the Shapiro-Davis Administration convened CEOs, site selection consultants, and economic development leaders at a Pittsburgh roundtable, leveraging the NFL Draft’s national spotlight to promote Pennsylvania’s strong business climate and highlight over $41 billion in private-sector investment and nearly 23,000 new jobs during Shapiro’s tenure. (Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger)

Drexel University is joining six top research universities, the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center, and Team Pennsylvania in the Keystone AI + Quantum Factory initiative, a statewide effort to transform artificial intelligence and quantum research into jobs, innovation, and economic growth for Pennsylvania’s key industries. (Executive Vice Provost for Research & Innovation Aleister Saunders, Drexel University)

The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation is launching its Spring 2026 Lunch & Learn Series. The sessions will cover succession planning, economic development, and digital marketing for local businesses.

The Chester County Economic Development Council, through its Health Care Connect initiative with the Chester County Workforce Development Board, recently introduced high school students to diverse career paths in mental health and related fields, responding to the growing demand for professionals in this sector.

South Carolina

Ferrara Candy Company will invest $675 million to establish its first South Carolina operation in Orangeburg County, creating 1,000 manufacturing and corporate jobs over the next decade in a project supported by the South Carolina Department of Commerce (Secretary Harry Lightsey). This long-term commitment is expected to bolster the region’s workforce and economic growth.

Newberry County is considering selling land in a commerce park to a developer for a feasibility study on a potential data center, focusing on infrastructure and energy needs, while officials stress no project is approved yet and plan a public information session to address community concerns. (Economic Development Director Rick Farmer)

Florence Regional Airport has announced expansion plans as part of its ten-year strategic vision. The airport is working to restore rail access for cargo and attract a new airline.

South Dakota

Thunder Valley Community Development Corporation has been awarded nearly $2 million from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development to build a community center as the first phase of a regenerative, energy-self-sufficient community on the Pine Ridge Reservation, part of a broader Promise Zone initiative to boost economic opportunity and infrastructure in high-poverty tribal areas.

Texas

The Kilgore Economic Development Corporation has launched a nationwide search for its next Executive Director following the retirement of Lisa Denton, who led the organization since 2021 and, during that tenure, helped expand KEDC’s regional presence, earn international recognition, and deliver strong results in business attraction, workforce partnerships, and infrastructure investment.

Danielle Williams, credited with spearheading major downtown revitalization initiatives, business recruitment efforts, and the creation of the Growing Victoria program, is departing after 18 years to become Business Development Director for the City of Lubbock; Williams became Victoria's first Economic Development Director in 2022, establishing a tax increment reinvestment zone and driving key economic projects.

Miles Haynes is no longer Interim Economic Development Manager for the City of Beaumont, having left the position as of April 24. He was previously Assistant to the City Manager for Special Projects and a finalist for City Manager before Chris Boone took the job.

Virginia

The Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development is using grants, expansion support, and international recruitment to help local businesses grow and strengthen the city economy.

Construction has begun on Rivana at Innovation Station, a 103-acre mixed-use development led by Timberline Real Estate Partners and Origami Capital Partners, set to deliver 3.5 million square feet of office space, 3,700 residential units, retail, hotel, and recreation, while Loudoun County’s Executive Director of Economic Development Buddy Rizer highlighted the public-private partnership and Rivana’s role as a flagship project to foster long-term regional investment and collaboration.

The Danville and Pittsylvania County region in Virginia is nearing capacity at its industrial parks following major investments, including a planned $73 billion artificial intelligence data center project and Avio’s $500 million facility, collectively set to create over 3,500 jobs. Regional leaders are preparing for additional growth and new industrial sites. (Linda Green, Executive Director, Southern Virginia Regional Alliance; Corrie Bobe, former Economic Development Director, City of Danville)