Economic Development and Developers in the News # 251
Econ dev news from 14 economic development executives and organizations in 24 states.
Welcome to the 251st weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 14 economic development executives and organizations in 24 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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Sitehunt helps economic developers understand their sites, match them to projects, and respond with confidence in minutes instead of scrambling for days.
Arizona
Mesa’s Office of Economic Development, led by Jaye O’Donnell, launched a foreign investment strategy targeting export-heavy industries and $200 million in active projects.
Arkansas
Oak Street Printing won a three-year incentive agreement with Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County for a $9 million project and 32 jobs.
Fayetteville expanded its Can Do incentive programs to help small businesses and property owners reinvest in key commercial corridors.
California
California Association for Local Economic Development won a $5 million permit streamlining grant to help local governments speed project approvals.
Connecticut
Ridgefield’s Economic Development Commission backed short-term rental rules meant to expand visitor lodging while addressing local concerns.
East Hartford named Steve Hnatuck to lead community development and guide long-term planning and major redevelopment projects.
Hawaii
Maui Economic Development Board will host an AI hospitality session for entrepreneurs, students, and local businesses.
Hawaiʻi expanded film tax credits and created a blue economy office to diversify industries and grow jobs.
Supporters say Oʻahu should keep its Office of Economic Revitalization to help small businesses and workers adapt to AI.
Illinois
Karis Critical withdrew its Hoffman Estates data center rezoning request after local pushback, raising questions about Illinois data center rules.
Route 66 Road Ahead Partnership launched a preservation and economic development grant program for small businesses and attractions along the historic highway.
Indiana
Muncie leaders outlined business retention, site development, and partnership work to attract investment and improve quality of life.
Iowa
Outfly Development started a $16 million industrial complex in Dubuque that will add 100,000 square feet and expand the tax base.
Kentucky
Kentucky State University won a $2 million grant from Appalachian Regional Commission for workforce training and coal-community redevelopment.
Southwestern Kentucky Economic Development Council approved a $688,600 budget to recruit companies, market the region, and retain skilled workers.
Louisiana
A Louisiana column questioned how economic development districts make deals before public disclosure, focusing on LSU and Bayou Fountain districts.
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts House advanced a $425 million economic bill that drops Gov. Maura Healey’s main proposal and shifts support to businesses and workers.
Michigan
A Mackinac Center review found large state subsidies may increase lobbying more than real job growth.
Minnesota
Anoka County proposed five Opportunity Zone tracts to attract private investment and redevelopment in priority areas.
Regional partners are using Trail Town designations to grow tourism, support small businesses, and create outdoor recreation jobs.
East Grand Forks opened an RFP for the former Simplot property, seeking housing, business growth, and a stronger tax base.
John Fedo reported Ely projects including workforce housing, a boutique hotel, and a grant-backed brewery and event center.
Mississippi
Courtney Taylor is using AccelerateMS to connect schools, employers, and communities and strengthen Mississippi’s workforce system.
Missouri
The City of Mexico approved $50,000 for sewer work to support workforce housing and improve its funding bid.
Creve Coeur renewed its three-year agreement with 39 North AgTech Innovation District to attract agtech firms and deepen partnerships.
Montana
Great Falls is seeing new factories, defense upgrades, and local investment drive a long-awaited economic boom.
Nebraska
SourceLink and the Nebraska Business Development Center launched a statewide entrepreneurship dashboard to track startups, workforce trends, and talent retention.
New Hampshire
Londonderry is hiring a planning and economic development director to guide growth, update its master plan, and oversee major projects.
New Mexico
New Mexico leaders approved $3 million in job-training funds to support workers and Project Jupiter’s growth.
New York
New York City Economic Development Corporation may shift toward economic justice under Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s administration.
North Carolina
Asheville paused new data center projects for one year to study water, power, land use, and long-term rules.
Jabil will invest more than $102 million in Henderson County, adding over 148 jobs at wages above $62,000.
South Carolina
Foothills Regional Airport received a grant to support jobs and business growth through expanded aviation services.
Tennessee
A statewide fellowship academy named regional economic development leaders as founding fellows to guide Tennessee competitiveness work.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation leaders met with La Crosse businesses about workforce, housing, and health care challenges.
Madison is buying former farm land as part of its plan to add thousands of homes by 2030.
Rhinelander approved an agreement for a 48-unit affordable senior housing project backed by Oneida County Economic Development Corporation.
Realta Fusion raised $45 million and partnered with UW-Madison to grow Wisconsin’s fusion energy industry.
Green County will hold a public hearing on a possible data center pause to gather community input and set clear rules.
