Economic Development and Developers in the News # 267
Econ dev news from 66 economic development executives and organizations in 24 states.
Welcome to the 267th weekly edition of Economic Development and Developers in the News.
Today's issue contains 39 stories from 24 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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Alabama
Alabama awarded $9.3 million for industrial-site improvements in Aliceville, Dothan, Guntersville, Pell City, and Walker County through the Growing Alabama program.
Arkansas
Trudy Redus, founder of MPAC, earned Professional Community and Economic Developer certification through the Community Development Council.
Ryan Mikles’ division at Arkansas Tech University–Ozark adopted the workforce and economic development name, reflecting its employer partnerships and growing training programs.
California
Miranda Evans’ Riverside economic development team won three awards from IEDC for organizational performance, redevelopment, and its aerospace expo.
Colorado
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade announced federal approval of 91 Opportunity Zone tracts, including three in Mesa County.
Connecticut
Hartford’s Jack Benjamin features in a look at Connecticut’s zoning, permitting, and infrastructure changes to attract investment.
Florida
Miramar’s Economic Development and Housing Department will host a free business expo November 16, highlighting contracts tied to the $1 billion Miramar Cove development.
With Orlando Economic Partnership support, Louvolite opened its first U.S. operation, investing $7.5 million in Apopka and creating 15 jobs, with more planned.
Illinois
Evanston’s economic development committee recommended spending its final $934,579 in ARPA funds on bridge lighting and placemaking; council review is set for November 9.
Decatur approved a $72,948 water-supply study by the Illinois State Water Survey to support industrial growth while protecting neighboring water users.
Indiana
Dean Fuelling will become executive director of Adams County Economic Development Corporation November 10 after 33 years in banking.
Traci Lutton’s Economic Development Alliance of Muncie-Delaware County helped secure Astemo’s $11 million expansion, adding molding capacity and an assembly line.
Iowa
The Charles E. Lakin Foundation will break ground on 24 Malvern apartments November 4, supported by Iowa Economic Development Authority workforce housing credits.
Kentucky
David Chewning of Team Taylor County is visiting manufacturers and strengthening workforce partnerships while promoting the county’s industrial sites and existing employers.
The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development outlined new data-center incentive conditions, including impact studies, local support letters, and disclosure of taxes without incentives.
Louisiana
Paige Carter will become president and CEO of the Greater Baton Rouge Economic Partnership in January, leaving Louisiana Economic Development.
Maine
Jay reviewed a solar-project tax deal that could fund a full-time economic developer; Walden Renewables proposes a 150-megawatt facility.
Michigan
Delhi Township voted 6-0 to oppose a proposed data center backed by Lansing Economic Area Partnership and Lighthouse Sustainability, citing community opposition.
Amanda Lankerd will become CEO of the Marshall Area Economic Development Alliance on November 30, leading business growth and investment attraction.
Nebraska
Lincoln approved infrastructure agreements for future growth across 971 acres, with Lincoln Chamber CEO Jason Ball highlighting new housing and industrial-site opportunities.
New Hampshire
Economic Development Director Michael Scala announced downtown Rochester’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 designation, which takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Mexico
Economic Development New Mexico and local partners nominated 65 census tracts across 22 counties for federal Opportunity Zone status; more than half are rural.
New York
TDC’s Danielle King and Brooklyn Navy Yard’s Lindsay Greene were named economic development Trailblazers by City & State New York.
Ohio
Steubenville’s Jason Hamman secured nearly $20,000 for riverfront soil testing to help prepare the property for redevelopment.
Oklahoma
Logan County Economic Development Council showcased practical AI uses for small businesses, including sales reporting, custom software, and customer follow-up.
Richard Rogalski’s Lawton Economic Development Authority helped broaden retail incentive eligibility so smaller redevelopment projects can qualify based on public benefits.
Oregon
Canby’s Tyler Nizer earned Oregon Certified Economic Developer credentials, joining 10 other graduates recognized by the Oregon Economic Development Association.
Collaborative Economic Development Oregon’s Matt Sayre makes the jobs case for Springfield’s proposed behavioral-health campus, citing employment, local spending, and workforce training.
Pennsylvania
Jamie Colecchi’s Mon Valley Alliance called for more industrial sites and regional teamwork at its symposium, highlighting workforce and infrastructure needs.
Texas
Lilvette Santos of Pharr Economic Development Corporation called for stronger workforce training and industry partnerships to support the Rio Grande Valley’s manufacturing growth.
Elsa Economic Development Corporation’s Daniel Rivera and Drew Lentz discussed how AI is changing jobs and skills at a Rio Grande Valley workforce conference.
Tiffani Wooten was named executive director of the Conroe Economic Development Council, bringing decades of business recruitment and workforce experience.
HR&A Advisors will study a special district and storefront improvement program for Bellaire under a $100,000 contract.
United States
Zachary Barker and IEDC put homegrown entrepreneurs at the center of conference programming, while participants debated funding and support for new businesses.
The Atlanta Fed profiles two affordable-housing models: Jacksonville’s pooled loan fund for new rentals and HOPE’s program helping longtime renters become homeowners.
Business Facilities is accepting Deal of the Year entries through November 12 for standout corporate relocation, expansion, and retention projects.
American Electric Power created an infrastructure business unit to expand power capacity for industrial growth and other large customers.
Virginia
Stafford County Economic Development will host its first economic development summit November 18 to discuss its strategic plan, workforce, business growth, and site readiness.
Wyoming
In a sponsored column, Advance Casper urges residents to weigh new industries on their merits to strengthen Natrona County’s economic resilience.
