Economic Development and Developers in the News # 263
Econ dev news from 100 economic development executives and organizations in 35 states and nationwide.
Welcome to the 263rd weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains 73 stories from 35 states and across the country.
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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, enrich and market their sites, match them to projects, and respond with confidence in minutes instead of scrambling for days.
Alabama
Albertville Chamber of Commerce’s Stan Witherow completed an intensive economic development course at Auburn University, strengthening his training in business and community growth.
Arizona
Surprise’s Jeanine Jerkovic explains how humor and resident surveys attract retailers on Kaycee Bunch’s Leading Ladies podcast.
California
Simi Valley reported industrial vacancy fell to 6.2%, alongside new business openings and refreshed investment marketing.
Novato adopted its first economic development strategic plan, setting a ten-year direction for business growth.
Nevada County Economic Development Office opened applications for Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Week, with high school students invited to apply by November 6.
Colorado
Sarah Tober’s La Plata Economic Development Alliance reports raises or promotions for nearly one-third of Project RUN participants after training.
Economic Development Council of Colorado marked its 50th anniversary at a statewide conference, bringing economic developers together in Cripple Creek.
Connecticut
Vicki Tesoro reported Trumbull’s office vacancy rate fell to 13%, crediting redevelopment and renewed use of commercial properties.
Bridgeport’s MLK Corridor designation could help attract investment to its East End, supporting business growth, workforce programs, and neighborhood improvements.
Florida
Carnegie Mellon University plans a Miami campus backed by Ken Griffin’s $3 billion gift, creating a new talent pipeline in Wynwood.
Georgia
Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta mapped affordable housing tax-credit use, showing how investment reaches smaller Southeastern cities and rural communities.
Allen Muldrew’s Downtown Statesboro Development Authority is hosting downtown development training October 6–8, sharing redevelopment, incentives, and partnerships with Georgia professionals.
Hawaii
Jackie Kaina’s Kauaʻi Economic Development Board received $25,000 for hurricane recovery, supporting emergency supplies and help for residents and businesses.
Hawaii DBEDT explored new Japan partnerships in clean energy, technology, agriculture, and workforce development at a public forum.
Illinois
Rockford Brake and Manufacturing earned statewide recognition for reviving a factory and bringing back over 100 manufacturing jobs.
Ginta R. Rubin was appointed economic development director for the Village of Montgomery, focusing on business recruitment and investment.
Whiteside County’s Gary Camarano was named Economic Development Director of the Year by Government Business Review.
Ed Sitar retired after 32 years at ComEd, with Ryan Pjescich succeeding him.
Iowa
West Des Moines’ Ryan Moffatt discussed Valley West Mall’s planned redevelopment after Threshold Capital bought the property, proposing mixed uses.
Dyersville Economic Development Corporation arranged student factory tours to introduce local high schoolers to manufacturing careers.
Iowa Economic Development Authority awarded $75,000 to five downtown businesses, supporting expansion through its Open 4 Business contest.
Kentucky
University of Kentucky launched an economic opportunity map, combining over 250 data sets to help communities plan investment and business growth.
Louisiana
Cameron Parish is considering reviving its industrial development board to negotiate tax agreements and community benefits for major projects.
South Central Planning and Development Commission received $74,975 to strengthen sugarcane waste supply chains from USDA Rural Development.
Rob Cleveland’s Grow NELA will provide economic development services in Ruston under a $40,000 annual agreement, with staff onsite three days weekly.
Maine
Bucksport advanced a proposed 180-day data center moratorium to study local impacts, with a public hearing scheduled October 8.
Lewiston sought public ideas for reusing its historic Red Shop, as planners consider an events hub near Simard-Payne Memorial Park.
Maryland
Washington County’s economic development department opened $115,000 in farm grants, with applications due October 30.
Maryland Department of Commerce announced Anduril’s planned $3.7 billion shipyard at Tradepoint Atlantic, expected to create over 3,100 permanent jobs.
Massachusetts
UMass Lowell and MassEcon will offer economic development training November 9–10, expanding a municipal leadership program sparked by Sandhya Iyer.
Bruce Stebbins became economic development director for the Town of Lexington.
Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development announced $330 million for housing and development projects across 207 communities.
Michigan
St. Clair County is considering a service agreement with Economic Development Alliance of St. Clair County and new support for businesses and communities.
South Haven adopted a five-year economic development plan addressing housing, workforce shortages, affordability, and readiness for new investment.
Great Lakes Tribal Economic Summit is bringing development and finance professionals together October 6–7 in Mount Pleasant to discuss delivering tribal projects.
Michigan Economic Development Corporation offers a $50,000 match for Coopersville’s trail campaign if donations reach the goal by December 4.
Amy Paul outlines housing and business growth priorities as Southwest Berrien Chamber Growth Alliance’s new director, supporting four Harbor Country communities.
Minnesota
Nicole Fernholz of Alexandria Area Economic Development Commission explains how economic developers help businesses grow, including housing, infrastructure, financing, and workforce support.
Mississippi
Stone County Economic Development Partnership named Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Educator of the Year, recognizing support for workers affected by a closure.
Joey Deason’s Madison County Economic Development Authority welcomed plans for a conference center and adjoining hotel, totaling roughly $120 million in public-private investment.
John Hendrix left his economic development role after 32 years serving Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians to pursue a business venture.
Missouri
University of Missouri found economic gains from rural wind and solar projects, with benefits varying by industry and local development rules.
St. Louis Community Development Administration proposed nearly $20 million for housing and neighborhood programs, with public comments opening October 8.
Nevada
Clark County named its new business hub Historic Westside Innovation Commons, with an early-2027 opening planned with UNLV.
New Jersey
Michele Siekerka’s NJBIA urged manufacturing and workforce support, including equipment grants, regulatory review, and training.
New Mexico
Kirstin Keller’s Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association earned state certification for its broadband training and industrial site readiness work.
New York
Empire State Development marked a $662,000 downtown expansion in Canton, adding a café, retail space, and four apartments with state and utility support.
CenterState CEO selected a master developer for Syracuse’s ON-RAMP workforce center, advancing plans to turn a former Sears into manufacturing training space.
Anthony Shorris of New York City Economic Development Corporation discussed plans for city-run grocery stores, part of the mayor’s affordability agenda.
North Carolina
Pitt County Economic Development will host a manufacturing resource fair October 7, connecting employers with training, funding, and business support.
Natalie Hawkins’s Moore County Economic Development Partnership brought manufacturers and workforce partners together to discuss training, apprenticeships, and hiring.
Ohio
Shawnee State University received $2 million to expand industrial chemistry training from Appalachian Regional Commission, including three new programs.
Katie Behnke will become president of Hudson Area Chamber of Commerce October 12, moving from the city’s economic development team.
Oklahoma
Lyle Roggow’s Duncan Area Economic Development Foundation earned an IEDC silver award for its workforce program and will be recognized for new accreditation.
Oregon
SEDCOR awarded its Economic Development Champion honor to Business Oregon’s Arthur Chaput.
Pennsylvania
Reading officials highlighted a pipeline of over $100 million in private investment at the State Capitol, seeking continued redevelopment support.
Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority awarded over $448 million for broadband projects across 50 counties.
South Carolina
Will Williams’s Western SC Economic Development Partnership reported nearly $290 million in planned business expansions, representing 342 announced jobs in Aiken County.
South Carolina Public Radio covered two planned manufacturing investments totaling $660 million, expected to create more than 317 jobs in Anderson and Orangeburg.
South Dakota
South Dakota Department of Transportation awarded $2.36 million for rural roads; industrial park and agribusiness grant applications close October 15.
Tennessee
Lori Bruce’s University of Tennessee at Chattanooga showcased workforce and research partnerships at Tennessee’s economic development conference.
Texas
Jerod Potts’s Sachse Economic Development Corporation seeks a master developer for its seven-acre downtown district, with proposals due November 6.
Teclo Garcia became vice president of economic development and government affairs at Killam Development.
Michael Kowski’s McKinney Economic Development Corporation outlines how college partnerships support workforce training and long-term business growth.
United States
McKinsey and Heartland Forward offer a framework for investment readiness, helping smaller communities assess economic strengths, infrastructure, and coordination.
Andy Portera urges rural communities to teach leadership and life skills through schools, employers, mentors, and youth programs.
Virginia
Old Dominion University’s new regional study urges more housing to strengthen Hampton Roads’ economy and attract employers.
Alexandria Economic Development Partnership received $200,000 to expand technology and innovation programs from Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation.
Washington
Frank Metlow became executive director of Tri-County Economic Development District, succeeding retired Jeff Koffel.
Washington Department of Commerce awarded $2.425 million to seven waste-reuse projects, supporting businesses that turn industrial waste into useful products.
Sarah Bishop became executive director of Economic Development Council for Island County, emphasizing small-business support and stronger local partnerships.
Chelan received $75,000 to plan a more diverse economy from Washington’s Community Economic Revitalization Board, aiming for more year-round jobs.
Wisconsin
Barbara Koldos was named interim president and CEO of New North as Patti Habeck prepares to leave October 15.
