Economic Development and Developers in the News # 252
Econ dev news from 66 economic development executives and organizations in 35 states.
Welcome to the 252nd weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 66 economic development executives and organizations in 35 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.
Alabama
The City of Birmingham opened applications for up to $1.5 million in BOLD grants supporting small businesses, workforce development, and community resilience.
Arizona
Pima County and City economic development leaders will present regional priorities and collaborate with industry groups at the Southern Arizona Economic Development Exchange, hosted by SMPS Arizona and BILD, to align projects with long-term growth goals.
Ajo will host the Moonshot Rural Pitch Competition for the third year, giving rural entrepreneurs a Shark Tank-style stage to pitch ideas and meet investors, supporting new small-business innovation in the region.
The Arizona Association for Economic Development began its new leadership year with a retreat to advance its 2026--2030 Strategic Plan, boost training, expand collaboration, and strengthen advocacy as Heath Vescovi-Chiordi becomes president, shaping priorities for statewide economic growth.
Arkansas
The Arkansas Economic Development Commission awarded $3 million to repair the Woodson Levee, protecting homes, businesses, and the Port of Little Rock while restoring access to federal support.
California
Luis Portillo was appointed San Bernardino's economic development director to lead business attraction, investment, and job growth.
Riverside earned Accredited Economic Development Organization status from the International Economic Development Council, recognizing excellence in jobs and investment, said Miranda Evans.
Connecticut
The Ridgefield Economic and Community Development Commission is growing the cultural district, tracking business trends, backing the Tiger Shark Tank competition, and pushing business-friendly rules and visitor-focused rental updates to support entrepreneurship and new investment.
Connecticut's National Science Foundation Quantum Technologies Engine will speed commercialization, research, and workforce training in quantum tools for defense, biotech, finance, and advanced materials.
The Berlin Town Council postponed a decision on development tax abatements while officials study their complexity, investment value, and effect on local tax revenue.
Florida
Bill Cronin of the Pasco Economic Development Council explained how strategic planning, job centers, and land conservation are reshaping Pasco County's growth, and urges residents to support a long-range vision for balanced prosperity.
Georgia
Bulloch County secured $20 million, backed by an Environmental Protection Agency grant, to upgrade water, wastewater, and airport infrastructure with Bryan County, supporting long-term growth, said Commission Chairman David Bennett in announcing the investment package.
Hawaii
The Maui Office of Economic Development will host the Lahaina Homecoming Career Fair to connect residents with good-paying jobs and advance long-term workforce and economic recovery.
Honolulu's City Council overrode Mayor Rick Blangiardi's veto to sharply cut the Office of Economic Revitalization from twenty-one to four staff positions and scale back its stimulus and recovery work after criticism in a recent audit.
Idaho
In North Idaho, outdoor recreation, festivals, and urban renewal districts are key to economic development, with local groups driving millions in activity and supporting both business growth and quality of life.
Illinois
Macomb authorized Sports Facilities Companies to seek a master developer for a major indoor sports complex project, backed by regional partners and aiming to use the state's STAR bond program for financing to move construction forward.
A city finance committee approved $425 million in tax increment financing for infrastructure at The 78 to support a $750 million privately funded Chicago Fire stadium and city-owned parking garage, with final City Council approval still required.
Iowa
Mills County Economic Development Foundation and Advance Southwest Iowa Corporation formed a new partnership to share leadership and resources and grow major industrial and mixed-use projects with support from Iowa West Foundation.
Des Moines approved two downtown redevelopment projects: a $42 million apartment and retail building and a more than $1 million Cedar Ridge Distillery reuse, said Carrie Kruse.
Kentucky
Sean Schaub was appointed executive director of the Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority to grow the state's nuclear energy economy and workforce, and will lead new nuclear development efforts across Kentucky.
Interim Economic Development Director John Sadosky says Covington is working with partners on a Pike Street mixed-use project adding workforce housing and food-focused commercial space, shaped by community input and moving into the next planning phase.
Louisiana
Mayor Donna Glapion Moreno launched a plan to revitalize New Orleans East with Greater New Orleans Inc..
Maine
Scott LaFlamme started as executive director of Maine Redevelopment.
RCAP Solutions and the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission are using the RISE pilot to help Boothbay-area entrepreneurs and clarify local rules.
