Economic Development and Developers in the News # 249

Welcome to the 249th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News. 

Today's issue contains news from 110 economic development executives and organizations in 39 states.

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The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter actionable strategies, fresh news, insights, and ideas from the economic development community and your host, Dane Carlson.

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Alabama

The City of Tarrant launched demolition of two commercial structures to remove blight, strengthen major corridors, and attract investment, Mayor Tracie Threadford said.

A new agricultural center in Jackson’s Gap has spurred local economic growth, adding community resources and supporting regional development through agricultural infrastructure.

Alabama earned a 2026 Silver Shovel Award, highlighted by U.S. Space Command’s 1,312 defense jobs and Eli Lilly’s $6 billion facility. (Governor Kay Ivey; Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair)

The City of Gadsden is seeking a $2.832 million federal grant to expand apron space and upgrade fueling facilities at the Northeast Alabama Regional Airport, aiming to boost regional economic growth and attract new industry. (David Hooks, Executive Director, Gadsden-Etowah County Industrial Development Authority)

Arizona

A delegation from Tucson, the Arizona Commerce Authority (led by President and Chief Executive Officer Sandra Watson), and the University of Arizona formalized Taiwan agreements focused on semiconductors, optics, talent, and innovation.

Arkansas

The Arkansas Connected Communities Association launched as a statewide trade association focused on data center and AI infrastructure policy, aiming to support investment, jobs, and ratepayer protections.

Arkansas municipal leaders are advocating for Issue 3, a proposed constitutional amendment that would let cities create economic development districts to attract investment and compete with nearby states.

Swarm Aero won Fayetteville approval for its manufacturing facility after a court ruling, while the city added nondisclosure rules for future economic development projects. (Economic Development Director Devin Howland)

California

AVAIO Digital's data center project in Pittsburg has been approved with conditions covering renewable energy, recycled water, and environmental protections for the broader technology park initiative. (Jordan Davis)

General Atomics received a $20 million California Competes Tax Credit to advance a San Diego fusion test facility, supporting clean energy commercialization.

Corte Madera approved a $145,000 contract with Good City Co. and Economic & Planning Systems Inc. to develop a 5- to 10-year economic development plan.

Connecticut

Connecticut is investing $121 million in QuantumCT to support quantum workforce training and commercialization with UConn, Yale, and DECD. (Commissioner Daniel O’Keefe)

Delaware

The Delaware Prosperity Partnership granted Sallie Mae funding as Delaware adapts its incentive programs to support major employers.

Kurt Foreman of Delaware Prosperity Partnership was named one of North America's top 50 economic developers, recognizing his work to attract, grow, and retain businesses in Delaware.

Florida

The Orlando Economic Partnership says Orlando is strengthening industry-university collaboration to support modeling, simulation, training, cleantech, and high-skill talent.

Mark Wilson, CEO of the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Florida Chamber Foundation, says Florida must align education and employers to build a stronger workforce pipeline.

CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Executive Director Marci Murphy earned the 2026 Toni Jennings Workforce Development Professional of the Year award from the Florida Economic Development Council for advancing workforce solutions.

FloridaWest Economic Development Alliance Chief Executive Officer Chris Platé clarified the group is not negotiating incentives for large-scale data centers, with no pending proposals while due diligence continues.

Miramar’s Economic Development and Housing Department was re-accredited as an Accredited Economic Development Organization by the International Economic Development Council. (International Economic Development Council President and Chief Executive Officer Nathan Ohle)

Idaho

Gynii Gilliam, President and Chief Executive Officer, has come out of retirement to lead the local economic development organization and support regional business growth.

Illinois

Will County is considering a land bank to return vacant sites to use, with support from Doug Pryor (President and Chief Executive Officer, Will County Center for Economic Development).

The Oswego Village Board will vote on up to $640,000 in incentives and loans for Ellwood Steak and Fish House in a downtown redevelopment. (Economic Development Director Kevin Leighty)

The Illinois Economic Development Summit, organized by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and the Illinois Economic Development Corporation, will focus on transportation, workforce strategy, and housing.

Indiana

Premier Property Management, led by Ruger Kerstiens and supported by economic development consultant the Wheatley Group, is seeking a $3 million Lilly Endowment grant to redevelop a downtown Jasper building.

Iowa

The United States Department of Agriculture awarded Stratford Mutual Telephone Company $345,000 to expand Stratford’s emergency medical services facility and support a firetruck purchase in Hamilton County.

The Iowa Economic Development Authority Board approved more than $51 million in awards for business incentives and Community Attraction and Tourism grants, including projects expected to create 65 jobs.

Clarinda’s Hugh and Maxine Loudon Business Park earned Iowa Certified Site status from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, signaling readiness for investment and jobs. (Debi Durham, director; Amy McQueen, executive director, Clarinda Economic Development Corporation)

Kansas

Emporia State University is exploring a data center that could create 500 jobs and expand tech opportunities after recent regional job losses.

Curtin Property Company has secured extensions on key deadlines and adjustments to public financing incentives for its $2 billion Brookridge mixed-use redevelopment with EPC Real Estate Group while Overland Park City Council set updated terms linking progress to frequent benchmarks.

Kentucky

Lexington's Council Budget, Finance and Economic Development Committee is considering a proposed "privilege fee" program for developers to fund $569 million in upfront infrastructure costs for the Urban Service Area expansion, guided by Partners for Economic Solutions.

Kentucky received Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award for the second straight year, with GE Appliances honored for its $490 million, 800-job Jefferson County expansion.

Louisiana

New Iberia approved a new Economic Development District to enable a one-cent sales tax that will fund parking upgrades and help attract national retailers.

Jenny Mains will become New Orleans’ special advisor for international partnerships and growth, while Jeff Schwartz (new deputy mayor for economic and community development) takes over the city’s economic development work (Mayor Helena Moreno).

Louisiana earned a 2026 Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine after landing major business expansions totaling more than $46 billion in capital investment.

Gulf Coast Tactical is investing $6.1 million to expand its Louisiana operations, enhancing fabrication and assembly of unmanned maritime vessels for defense and security applications, and creating 137 new job opportunities. (Louisiana Economic Development Secretary Susan B. Bourgeois; Gulf Coast Tactical President Jeff LeLeux)

Maine

More than $16 million from the Northern Border Regional Commission Catalyst Program will support 19 Maine economic development projects, including work with the Maine Department of Agriculture, Central Maine Growth Council, and municipalities.

Maryland

The Maryland Economic Development Association will offer its Chesapeake Basic Economic Development Course online in July 2026 to make core training more accessible and affordable.

The Howard County Economic Development Authority, led by Jennifer Jones, partnered with App Beacon to power business and innovation engagement platforms across the county.

Governor Moore has signed an Executive Order directing Maryland State agencies to prioritize use of locally sourced wood products in public projects, aiming to strengthen the state’s forest products industry, support rural economies, and advance sustainable economic development while promoting responsible forest management.

Michigan

Grand Rapids officials are considering tax incentives for two major projects: a $5.5 million townhome project and a $53.7 million industrial facility expected to create 55 jobs.

Minnesota

Minnesota added 5,400 nonfarm jobs in May, exceeding national growth for two months per Department of Employment and Economic Development, which reported the state’s continued employment gains; Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon cited workforce upskilling and business support for resilience.

The Albert Lea City Council approved creating a dedicated economic development agency to support business growth, jobs, workforce housing, and tax-base expansion.

Mississippi

Mississippi won a Gold Shovel Award from Area Development magazine after the state secured national recognition for projects submitted by Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork.

Missouri

The St. Louis County Port Authority opened applications for its 2026 Community Investment Fund, offering up to $300,000 per project for nonprofit economic and community development work countywide.

The Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Cape program connected regional leaders with development issues, focusing on construction, transportation, infrastructure, and expansion.

Montana

Big Sky Economic Development named a new executive director, marking a leadership transition for the regional economic development organization.

Nevada

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development, led by Director Tom Burns, diversifies Nevada’s economy by attracting mineral processing and manufacturing businesses, supporting lithium, boron projects, and workforce initiatives like the WINN fund for critical minerals and job growth.

New Hampshire

The Northern Border Regional Commission awarded over $8.1 million for 16 rural New Hampshire projects in housing, childcare, workforce, and business growth. (New Hampshire Department of Business and Economic Affairs Commissioner Lucy Lange)

New Jersey

Senator Troy Singleton (Chairman, Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee) has proposed the Responsible Data Center Development and Resource Protection Act to establish statewide standards for large-scale data center development in New Jersey, aiming to balance economic growth with environmental protection, infrastructure reliability, and community accountability.

New Mexico

BlackVe will expand in Albuquerque with $1.5 million in incentives, creating 152 jobs and $228 million in impact as the New Mexico Economic Development Department, Albuquerque, and AREA support the spacecraft manufacturer. (Secretary Rob Black; President and CEO Chad Matheson)

A Legislative Finance Committee report sparked debate over New Mexico’s $520 million in annual tax incentives, with Rio Grande Foundation President Paul Gessing urging broader tax reform.

New York

Frank Sanchez (President of Manhattanville University) joined the Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council, where his higher education work is expected to advance regional innovation and workforce priorities.

Operation Oswego County, led by Austin Wheelock, reported 1,422 jobs created or retained and more than $196 million in capital investment at its annual meeting.

Oswego County communities secured $36 million in state grants through the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and New York Forward, leveraging $240 million in private investment. (Austin M. Wheelock, Operation Oswego County)

The Adirondack Economic Development Corporation, led by Victoria Duley, marked 50 years of supporting small businesses across Northern New York through capital access, counseling, and training.

North Carolina

Wayne County’s latest expansion project earned a statewide economic development honor, recognizing collaborative work to drive regional economic growth.

JetZero broke ground on a $4.7 billion Greensboro airplane manufacturing facility, expected to create more than 14,500 jobs, while Deloitte selected UNC Greensboro for workforce training. (North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley; Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Sherine Obare)