Economic Development and Developers in the News # 243
Econ dev news from 86 economic development executives and organizations in 34 states.
Welcome to the 243rd weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News!
This week: updates from 86 executives and organizations across 34 states.
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The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter with practical strategies, news, and ideas for economic developers from Dane Carlson.
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Alabama
The Shoals Economic Authority secured nearly $4.5 million through Alabama's Growing Alabama Tax Credit program to advance site work and infrastructure at Shoals Research Park, the state's largest award this round.
Northport is weighing an incentive package for Sucarnoochee Investments, operator of Big Mike's Steakhouse, as it works to open a new restaurant projected to generate $4.8 million in annual sales and 35 jobs.
Alaska
The Haines Economic Development Corporation is seeking renewed borough funding after reorganizing its board, and the assembly will review the request despite budget-cut pressure.
Sitehunt
Sitehunt automates industrial real estate research so economic developers can respond to site selection RFIs in minutes instead of days.
Dane, the host of the Econ Dev Show, is the founder and CEO of Sitehunt.
Arizona
Mesa is considering a 124-room hotel and retail project at Longbow Business Park as the city works to add higher-end lodging. (Economic Development Director Jaye O'Donnell)
Arkansas
The University of Central Arkansas Center for Community and Economic Development selected 25 Northwest Arkansas leaders for its grant-funded Community Development Pipeline program. (Center Director Shelby Fiegel)
Christopher Cauley, Fayetteville's Economic and Community Development Director, earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council as the city expanded business-support programs.
California
Shafter approved a five-year plan to reduce $250 million in supply-chain leakage and attract new businesses. (Economic Development Director Kamal Siada, with Civic Soul)
The Institute for Social Transformation and partners are advancing the $22 million Community Economic Mobilization Initiative by providing technical assistance and peer learning to more than 50 California community groups.
Colorado
Governor Jared Polis met with state and local economic leaders, including the Office of Economic Development and International Trade and the Grand Junction Economic Partnership, to discuss rural investment and the new "OZ 2.0" opportunity zone program.
Connecticut
Trumbull's new budget turns a key economic development role into a full-time job to support business growth and expand the commercial tax base.
Michael Harris has been named CEO of both the Economic Development Corporation of New Haven and REX Development.
Connecticut lawmakers passed a bill that shifts economic development programs from race- and gender-based language to support for "historically underserved communities."
Florida
The Orlando Economic Partnership, led by Tim Giuliani, marked Economic Development Week 2026 by highlighting 220 projects, 32,500 jobs, and $4.2 billion in investment since 2015. (Tracy Garcia, Senior Director of Economic Development and Strategic Initiatives)
The Orlando Economic Partnership launched Orlando 2045, a regional vision to diversify the economy, raise wages, and support growth through semiconductor work, incentives, and major corporate investment.
Fort Myers is advancing a Midtown sports complex projected by Points Consulting to generate $62.7 million in annual economic output. (Economic Development Director Steve Weathers)
Idaho
Echo City Administrator Mike Gonzalez discussed a phased "smart growth" strategy for 250 newly rezoned acres near Interstate 84.
Illinois
Ameren Illinois, the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, and local partners launched the Ameren Site Acceleration Program to prepare development-ready sites in disadvantaged areas. (Christy George, president and CEO)
The Ogle County Economic Development Corporation added Gary Binicewicz and Don Griffin to its executive board. (Executive Director Liz Hiemstra)
The Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation announced the death of Executive Director Tony Iriti, who helped drive manufacturing investment and regional growth throughout Southern Illinois.
Chicago's economic development committee advanced $54.7 million in tax incentives for the $7 billion "1901 Project" around the United Center.
Greg Caffey, Alton's Director of Planning and Development, earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council.
Indiana
Brad Bookout of Augusta Consulting earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun signed executive orders to make state-linked nonprofits more transparent and prioritize wage growth and job creation in economic development.
Iowa
Main Street Iowa, part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority, marked its 40th anniversary while recognizing downtown revitalization leaders. (Director Debi Durham)
Kansas
David Toland highlighted Emporia's readiness for new industry and met with local leaders on site, workforce, and infrastructure opportunities.
Emporia leaders are still pushing economic development after recent manufacturing layoffs, with the Flint Hills Economic Alliance supporting business attraction.
Kentucky
The Henry County Economic Development Council hosted a Farmer Input Meeting to shape future economic development priorities around growth, agriculture, and land use.
Louisiana
Louisiana Economic Development honored five small businesses through the 2026 Spotlight Louisiana Awards after its Growth Network served more than 26,000 businesses in 2025.
Dean Baugh of the North Louisiana Economic Partnership updated Webster Parish leaders on site submissions and plans to launch a six-week workforce readiness program.
With support from Louisiana Economic Development, the Louisiana Impact Fund launched the LIF cXo Leadership Program to prepare high-potential professionals for executive roles.
Maine
Lincoln County pulled $240,000 from a Wiscasset affordable housing project after officials shifted attention to a possible $5 billion data center. (Economic Development Director Aaron Chrostowsky)
New Ventures Maine, a University of Maine economic development program, graduated 10 entrepreneurs from its 60-hour Venturing Forth course.
Maryland
Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation reported record investment as major life-science and advanced-industry companies expand, creating jobs and improving returns on economic development spending.
Governor Wes Moore highlighted Maryland investments supporting Washington County growth, including airport modernization, Hitachi Rail jobs, and childcare partnerships.
Matt Miller of the Cumberland Economic Development Corporation was named a Rising Star by the Maryland Economic Development Association for his economic development work.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley visited Northampton to discuss Mass Leads, Mass Wins, downtown revitalization, arts, and business growth.
Michigan
Saginaw invited residents to a Housing and Economic Development Strategy Open House to help shape plans for investment, jobs, and affordable housing.
Cass County Commissioners voted to renegotiate their economic development contract with Market One and seek more frequent reviews. (EDC Board Chair Ambrosia Neldon)
Minnesota
Michael Langley was named CEO of the new Minneapolis St. Paul Regional Economic Development Partnership.
The Minnesota House passed a workforce and economic development bill that moves DEED grants toward more transparent, competitive programs under an Office of Community Investment. (Department of Employment and Economic Development)
Ramsey County approved a $320 million plan for downtown Saint Paul, housing, and county-property redevelopment, with investments meant to spur recovery.
Carlton County officials, including Economic Development Director Ryan Pervenanze, are weighing concerns over a proposed one-million-square-foot data center.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development launched Choose Minnesota to support small businesses facing closures, costs, and workforce challenges. (Commissioner Matt Varilek)
Missouri
Franklin County officials are considering a coordinated economic development effort to align local governments, attract investment, and create jobs.
Nebraska
Marco Floreani joined Omaha's economic development team as Deputy Chief of Staff for Economic Development and Development Services, bringing regional and municipal experience.
New Mexico
Max Khudiakov was appointed Economic Development Administrator for Los Alamos County and will oversee LEDA and redevelopment-area work. (IEDC)
New York
The Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth released its 2026-2031 strategy covering business growth, workforce, housing, infrastructure, and placemaking.
Niagara Falls faces project delays because permit and inspection vacancies put nearly $10 million in state revitalization funding at risk.
North Carolina
The Moore County Economic Development Partnership, led by Natalie Hawkins, reported $100,000 in grants and a project pipeline worth $595 million in capital investment.
Amanda Lewis is leading Clayton's economic development work by helping businesses navigate local systems and partnerships.
Economic Development Director Ferdinand Rouse outlined the impacts of data centers in Vance County, including tax revenue, jobs, incentives, water, and energy.
North Dakota
The University of North Dakota was named an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, recognizing work to turn research into business and entrepreneur support. (SBDC State Director Tiffany Ford)
Ohio
Spirit EMS was named Darke County Economic Development's 2026 Business of the Year. (Economic Development Director Mike Bowers)
Butler Township voters will consider two joint economic development zones that would create new business-area income taxes.
Cincinnati City Manager Sheryl Long wants to replace the Department of Community and Economic Development with a new growth office while creating a Department of Opportunity and Resident Services.
Canton and Team NEO received AEP Ohio grants for downtown planning and industrial-site redevelopment. Other recipients include Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. (AEP Ohio Director of Economic Development Zach Miller)
Oklahoma
The Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation is committing $800,000 to the Simmons Center for roof work and an endowment. (President Lyle Roggow)
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority approved $3.4 million in low-interest loans supporting $7.2 million in investment, 135 new jobs, and 128 retained jobs. (DCED Secretary Rick Siger)
Bonduelle Americas will open a U.S. Growth Hub in Pennsylvania with a $3.8 million investment and $500,000 state grant, creating more than 100 jobs.
The Carbon Chamber & Economic Development Corporation and Penn's Northeast will host a site-selection and regional strategy briefing. (Kylie Adams-Weiss, Senior Vice President)
Rhode Island
The Pawtucket Foundation, led by Gaetan Kashala, is developing a parking strategy to support transit-oriented growth and investment.
Tennessee
The University of Tennessee System will launch a Division of Government Relations, Economic Development and Public Service to expand statewide impact. Carey Whitworth will lead it.
Starbucks is set to receive a $30 million FastTrack grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development for a Nashville office that will create up to 2,000 jobs.
Texas
The Orange County Economic Development Corporation, led by Megan Layne, hosted a luncheon with Larry McManus on Texas growth, jobs, exports, and infrastructure.
Laguna Vista joined a Cameron County coalition forming a regional EDO focused on advanced manufacturing, logistics, energy, and health care.
The Hutto Economic Development Corporation signed a contract with Fidelis to build the 58-acre Cottonwood Marketplace.
Copperas Cove discussed incentives for "Project Hometown Hero," a planned Veterans Affairs clinic under a Chapter 380 agreement.
The City of Pharr and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation reviewed bridge, broadband, workforce, and manufacturing projects after meeting with U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar. (Victor Perez, President and CEO)
Virginia
The Danville-Pittsylvania Regional Industrial Facility Authority reported progress on the Southern Virginia Megasite, Cyber Park, and Cane Creek Centre, including Microporous LLC's $1.66 billion project.
West Virginia
The Polymer Alliance Zone and local EDOs promoted West Virginia at SelectUSA with the SelectUSA Investment Summit as a business-attraction platform. (Polymer Alliance Zone President Keith Burdette; Wood County Economic Development Executive Director Lindsay Piersol)
