Economic Development and Developers in the News # 259
Econ dev news from 82 economic development executives and organizations in 34 states.
Welcome to the 259th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains news from 82 economic development executives and organizations in 34 states.
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The Econ Dev Show is a podcast and email newsletter sharing 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 find, understand and enrich their sites, match them to projects, and respond with confidence in minutes instead of scrambling for days.
Alabama
Economic development veteran Taylor Williams joined Fine Geddie & Associates as a partner after nearly two decades at PowerSouth Energy.
Herman Lehman brings economic development experience to the Disability Belongs board, drawing on three decades of community work.
Arizona
Opus completed a 125,258-square-foot Chandler industrial project for small and midsized businesses, with Micah Miranda supporting the opening.
James Smith was named Goodyear’s economic development director, focused on business growth and jobs.
Arkansas
Arkansas Economic Developers and Chamber Executives named its 2027 board to guide statewide economic and community development programs.
Entergy Arkansas dedicated a new substation serving the Port of Little Rock, adding capacity for industrial growth and business recruitment.
The Venture Center selected three companies for its fourth lithium accelerator, connecting battery supply-chain startups with Arkansas producers, researchers, and investors.
UA Little Rock will host its first Workforce Summit on September 24, connecting employers, educators, and workforce leaders.
Anna Bagwell became the Springdale Chamber of Commerce’s economic development director.
California
Todd Jones will become Shasta College’s interim economic and workforce development dean, connecting students with apprenticeships and technical training.
Mountain View will launch a downtown Makers Market on September 18, supporting 50 local creators with workshops and customer access.
Sacramento and regional partners will host the first CAPBIO Summit on September 16, connecting biotech growth with workforce training.
The Pasadena Economic Development Division won an International Economic Development Council Gold Award for its Deep Tech campaign.
Morgan Hill attracted manufacturing projects promising nearly 1,000 jobs, with almost 900,000 square feet leased or sold in 60 days.
Stockton removed data centers from its economic development plan pending public hearings after residents raised concerns about pollution and utility costs.
An Imperial County study projected a $373.4 million fiscal surplus from a proposed data center, based on developer information and assumptions.
Fullerton approved work on a comprehensive economic development plan covering permitting, business outreach, redevelopment, and workforce needs.
Colorado
A solar-industry study projected 961 additional clean-energy jobs on Colorado’s Eastern Plains over ten years, highlighting opportunities for rural economic diversification.
Region 10 opened its updated regional economic development strategy for public comment through September 20, addressing housing, childcare, workforce, and infrastructure.
Connecticut
Bristol advanced plans to convert the J.H. Sessions Building into housing, with floor plans and a purchase agreement underway.
Florida
Polk State College won a $2 million grant to launch commercial-driver training for Florida’s logistics, transportation, and defense sectors.
Tampa Bay Economic Development Council is targeting data centers and maritime growth through workforce planning and investment-zone proposals.
Florida Economic Development Council and Orlando Economic Partnership opposed Amendment 3, warning property-tax cuts could weaken infrastructure and local economic development.
St. Petersburg is considering $325,000 for a commercial corridor redevelopment that would be its first award under a 2023 incentive program.
Bill Bailey urged communities to test multifamily incentives against public return before approving support.
Georgia
Georgia reported $35.2 billion in investment commitments and 25,300 expected jobs for fiscal 2026, with expansions driving most projects.
Illinois
Illinois awarded $11.4 million to 23 workforce organizations for training and support services that help people overcome employment barriers.
At the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council, Tyler Cravens became chief executive after serving as interim leader.
Leah Dellicarpini set Salem priorities for housing, business expansion, and downtown revitalization.
Iowa
Jake Smith became the Greater Des Moines Partnership’s economic development manager, sharing services with Polk City.
Greater Dubuque Development Corporation earned regional awards for relocation and newcomer programs, while former CEO Rick Dickinson received a leadership award.
The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance reaffirmed its regional growth strategy after Cedar Rapids increased funding.
Jasper County Economic Development Corporation awarded improvement grants to two Baxter businesses, with city support for a storefront and patio.
Kentucky
Shaping Our Appalachian Region reported $20 million in new wages and 526 jobs through its Eastern Kentucky collaboration model.
LG&E and KU earned national economic development recognition after supporting 92 projects representing nearly $5.7 billion and 4,574 jobs in 2025.
Cadiz-Trigg County Industrial Development Authority secured $905,338 for a new access road opening 57 acres for industrial development.
Jim DeCesare was named executive director of the new Leitchfield-Grayson County Economic Development Board, overseeing business recruitment and expansion.
John Sadosky became Covington’s economic development director, focused on jobs, housing, and stronger neighborhoods.
Louisiana
Coastal Machine & Supply plans a $25.5 million Carencro expansion for aerospace and defense production, expected to create 129 permanent jobs.
Maryland
Marc Elrich approved $420 million in bonds for VIVA White Oak; Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation’s Jared Smith projects 9,000 jobs.
Stephanie Mervine became director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism, prioritizing business retention, expansion, and local storytelling.
Worcester County secured $150,000 for an economic development study targeting jobs and industry diversification in its southern communities.
Frederick County heard mixed reactions to a proposed 1,874-acre rezoning plan aimed at expanding employment and industrial development.
Massachusetts
Wayland is seeking a $500,000 state grant to advance its town and Route 20 master plans.
Westford’s Economic Development Committee reviewed social media outreach and a business survey to strengthen local business engagement.
Michigan
Buchanan adopted a standard policy for development incentives tied to public benefits such as jobs and redevelopment.
Olga Stella became Detroit’s chief of economic development and workforce, overseeing five departments and coordinating business, housing, and employment partners.
Cornerstone Alliance won regional awards for its entrepreneurship program and Canal Commons, recognizing business training and public-space improvements in Benton Harbor.
A Benton Harbor developer proposed a $2.2 million office conversion expected to create 80 jobs, with Cornerstone Alliance support.
Lansing Economic Area Partnership supported Tailgaters’ $6 million Williamston redevelopment, turning a former industrial property into an entertainment venue with 55 jobs.
Minnesota
Amy Klobuchar met Cass County leaders about housing, infrastructure, and childcare as barriers to local economic development.
Mississippi
Thomas Gregory is leading downtown, industry, workforce, and entrepreneurship projects for the Greenwood-Leflore-Carroll Economic Development Foundation.
David Vowell retired after 25 years leading Neshoba County development, with David Alexander succeeding him.
Missouri
Missouri leaders outlined new tax credits and innovation zones for downtown revitalization, supporting vacant-building reuse and St. Louis redevelopment.
Montana
Glendive’s Brixtel ammunition plant sits empty despite earlier promises of 350 jobs, leaving economic developers seeking answers about the project’s future.
Sylvia Carney became food and agriculture specialist at Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation, serving five southeastern Montana counties.
Nebraska
Ho-Chunk Inc. broke ground on a $100 million casino and hotel expected to create 230 permanent jobs.
Kimball and Trusted Community Development partnered on business support and an economic development tax campaign, filling a local staffing gap.
Lexington approved steps toward buying the former Tyson property for a new industrial campus.
6 Regions, One Nebraska outlined local leadership training and coordinated economic development efforts, connecting community colleges, chambers, and elected officials.
Greater Omaha Chamber’s Heath Mello called for sustained regional economic development investment in ready sites, employer support, and workforce partnerships.
Nebraska’s economic development department lost at least 61 employees in 15 months, as pandemic programs wound down and workplace changes drew criticism.
New York
The Queens Economic Development Corporation opened a tourism kiosk at the U.S. Open to promote local hotels, restaurants, and attractions.
North Carolina
NCBiotech will convene life-sciences leaders to discuss manufacturing, workforce development, innovation, and talent growth in North Carolina.
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance reported 5,000 new housing units since 2020 as downtown recovery depends more on residents and visitors.
Randolph County Economic Development Corporation’s Kevin Franklin outlined workforce and infrastructure priorities as the county shifts toward advanced manufacturing.
Bryan Eatmon became Person County’s interim economic development director, focused on industrial sites and balanced growth.
North Dakota
Four North Dakota projects earned awards from Mid-America Economic Development Council for downtown renewal, energy, technology, and the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
Ohio
Eric Wobser’s Greater Sandusky Partnership took over Shores & Islands Ohio’s tourism marketing, linking visitor promotion with talent and business recruitment.
Luxorion Plastics plans a $19 million Leipsic investment and 60 jobs, supported by Putnam County Community Improvement Corporation.
Oregon
Oregon lawmakers reviewed proposals to improve business competitiveness, including infrastructure investment, tax changes, and fewer regulations.
Pennsylvania
DuBois City Manager Joe Fleming urged stronger city-business collaboration to support growth and jobs.
Burlington will move its headquarters and 2,000 jobs to Philadelphia, investing $370 million with state and city incentives.
The Carbon Chamber and Economic Development Corporation opened nominations for its 2026 awards honoring local businesses, organizations, and leaders.
Moshannon Valley Economic Development Partnership added 46 chamber members and advanced regional planning, alongside business lending and facility improvements.
PPL Electric Utilities earned national economic development recognition after supporting 20 projects representing $12.8 billion in investment and 1,775 jobs.
Bensalem Economic Development Corporation secured $47,510 for a revitalization plan targeting aging commercial corridors, underused waterfronts, and stalled redevelopment.
South Carolina
SC Competes outlined how industry clusters drive South Carolina’s growth by connecting employers, educators, and public agencies.
South Dakota
Brooke Rollag became economic development director at Heartland Energy, bringing local business recruitment and expansion experience.
Texas
T1 Energy’s Wilmer solar factory now supports 1,600 jobs, helping fuel southern Dallas County’s manufacturing growth.
San Antonio is promoting tax-increment districts to fund infrastructure, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and jobs.
Pharr Economic Development Corporation won an international award for its business hub, which connects Mexican investors with local services and partners.
Global Site Location Industries announced ECONSquad AI for economic developers, offering tools for research, grants, marketing, and business retention.
United States
Sharice Davids and Nick Langworthy introduced a bill to simplify federal economic development programs for Tribal communities.
Nikema Williams introduced a bill requiring federal grant strategies to address care access, including childcare, disability, and elder care.
Rural officials reported limited benefits from Opportunity Zones while welcoming upcoming changes and calling for better outreach to local developers.
RMI released a framework for regional leaders to pursue new-energy investment through stronger clusters, coordination, and barrier reduction.
Virginia
David Ramadan joined the board of Virginia Economic Development Partnership, bringing business, government, and higher education experience.
Culpeper won two International Economic Development Council awards for entrepreneurship and Heritage Park redevelopment, said Paige Read.
Jeff McKay and other Northern Virginia leaders called for fewer business regulations to support growth and retention.
Kelly Drayton will become director December 1 at Danville’s Office of Economic Development and Tourism, succeeding Corrie Teague Bobe.
Scott Turnmeyer urged Warren County to prioritize lasting economic value through business support, productive reuse, and preservation.
Loudoun County’s Buddy Rizer urged communities to plan around local strengths before pursuing data centers, defining infrastructure needs and community benefits early.
Washington
The Port of Grandview is planning a 45-acre business park to meet demand from manufacturing, distribution, and other prospective employers.
West Virginia
Adam Phillips became director of strategic initiatives at Advantage Valley, bringing nine years of business development and industrial real estate experience.
West Virginia announced a proposed $12 billion Starwood data center in Mason County, using existing power transmission infrastructure.
Wisconsin
Rob Kreibich was honored for supporting housing, workforce, and childcare by Wisconsin Economic Development Association.
Samantha Kerkman was reappointed to a national economic development council, helping shape county workforce and global-economy policy.
At the Amery Economic Development Corporation, April Ziemer became director, focused on grants, small businesses, and quality of life.
Wyoming
Wyoming industrial customers and economic developers pushed for third-party power generation, arguing electricity shortages are limiting growth.
Lander sought community ideas for roughly $1 million in remaining economic development tax funds, with initial suggestions due September 17.
