Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development

In this engaging episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane is joined by Anne Krieg, the Director of Community and Economic Development for Bangor, Maine. Anne provides an insightful overview of Bangor's economic landscape, emphasizing that while tourism is a major economic driver in Maine, Bangor relies more heavily on its medical centers and educational institutions, such as the Northern Light Medical Center and the University of Maine. She discusses the effective use of federal funds to revitalize underserved neighborhoods and the significant challenges that rural communities face due to limited staffing. Through her experience and perspective, Anne highlights the importance of community-focused planning and the need for systemic changes in regional development strategies to foster lasting economic growth. 10 Actionable Insights Livability: Focus on making your community a desirable place to live with walkable neighborhoods, good parks, and quality education. This attracts both residents and businesses who want a high quality of life. Community Engagement: Adopt a conversational, bottom-up approach to development. Involve the community in discussions to ensure that plans meet local needs and gain their support. Long-term Planning: Develop and think in terms of 5, 10, 15, and 20-year plans. Strategic foresight ensures sustainable development and adaptability to future needs. Promote Your City: Actively market your city to the outside world. Attend trade shows and tell your city's story to attract new investments and visitors. Utilize Unique Assets: Leverage unique local assets like municipal airports and foreign trade zones. Highlight and make full use of distinctive infrastructure to drive economic opportunities. Collaborate Regionally: Foster informal regional collaborations. Work with neighboring communities to address broader economic challenges and opportunities. Support Rural Areas: Provide assistance to smaller rural communities that lack staff and resources. Offer guidance and resources to help them navigate development challenges. Implementing Strategies: Focus on executing developed economic strategies. Turn plans into action by ensuring your team is dedicated to following through on strategies. Holistic Approach: Employ planners who can see the bigger picture and integrate various aspects of city planning into economic development. A holistic view can create more cohesive and well-rounded development initiatives. Sustainable Partnerships: Establish ongoing partnerships with local institutions and organizations. Collaboration with local entities ensures continuous support and resources for development projects. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Anne Krieg.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Anne (Hoey) Krieg | LinkedInCity of Bangor, Maine

In this episode Dane Carlson and Beka Shiver (Economic Development and Transportation Planner for the Southwest Georgia Regional Commission) delve into the grant application process for federal programs like the Economic Development Administration. They explore a range of projects, from critical infrastructure improvements to innovative business incubators. Shiver highlights the importance of patience and effective communication throughout the grant process. She notes that while federal funding may not be ideal for urgent needs, it plays a crucial role in supporting long-term community development, particularly in historically underserved rural areas. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Economic Development Insights Capitalize on every opportunity: Be proactive in networking by answering all phone calls, attending relevant meetings, and consistently distributing business cards. This approach can lead to unexpected partnerships and opportunities. Seek out multiple funding partners: Don't rely on a single source of funding. Combine resources from various entities such as county, city, and economic development commissions to create stronger, more competitive grant applications. Aim for higher matching contributions: While federal EDA grants typically require a 20% match, providing a higher match (e.g., 35%) can make your application stand out and increase chances of approval. Focus on regionalism and partnerships: Collaborate with multiple partners on singular projects. This approach not only strengthens applications but also fosters a spirit of regional cooperation. Be patient with the grant process: Understand that federal funding is designed for long-term community development, not immediate needs. Plan accordingly and manage expectations. Maintain consistent communication: Keep regular contact with funding agencies throughout the grant application and review process. This helps build relationships and keeps your project on their radar. Look for innovative solutions: Draw inspiration from historical necessity-driven innovations to solve current challenges in rural communities. Think creatively about how to address modern problems. Leverage STEM education initiatives: Use these programs as a foundation to build an ecosystem of innovators in the region. This can help create a skilled workforce and attract high-tech industries. Be a good steward of resources: Continuously look for ways to maximize the impact of available funds and talents. This includes finding creative ways to stretch budgets and leverage existing assets. Create an ecosystem for innovation: Focus on developing an environment that encourages people to try new ideas and approaches, even if they might fail. This can foster a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation. Diversify economic base: Work towards having a variety of industries in the region, from agricultural to manufacturing. This creates a more resilient local economy that can weather sector-specific downturns. Leverage local strengths: Identify and utilize existing resources and industries (like major corporations or military bases) as anchors for further economic development. These can serve as the foundation for supply chains or complementary businesses. Plan for sustainability: Think beyond the initial grant cycle. Develop strategies to maintain momentum and progress after the initial funding ends, ensuring long-term impact. Focus on infrastructure improvements: Prioritize essential upgrades like wastewater systems, transportation networks, and broadband internet. These are often critical for attracting and retaining businesses. Be aware of funding limitations: Understand the competitive nature of grant funding and plan accordingly. Have backup plans and alternative funding sources in case primary grant applications are unsuccessful. Build long-term relationships: Instead of applying for grants year after year, focus on developing ongoing partnerships with funding agencies. This can lead to more consistent support and better alignment with agency goals. Consider industrial park development: Where appropriate, explore opportunities to create or expand industrial parks. These can serve as hubs for business attraction and expansion efforts. Embrace a long-term perspective: Recognize that significant economic development often takes years or even decades to fully manifest. Set realistic timelines and celebrate incremental progress along the way. Special Guest: Beka Shiver.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Beka Shiver | LinkedInSouthwest Georgia Regional CommissionGeorgia Artificial Intelligence in Manufacturing

In this episode, Dane talks with Deb Barnett, the executive director of SI Now. SI Now is a relatively new regional economic development organization founded in the fall of 2022, serving 17 counties in Southern Illinois. She explains that the organization was created to address the need for a more strategic and collaborative approach to economic development in the region, moving away from the previous model where communities and counties worked in isolation. During the conversation, Barnett highlights SI Now's focus on long-term economic growth and shares insights about their current projects and future plans. She also discusses her involvement in a podcast called "Small Town Big Business," which features interviews with small business owners in Southern Illinois. Barnett emphasizes the importance of storytelling in economic development and expresses optimism about the increasing number of opportunities and projects in the pipeline for the region. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Deb Barnett.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Launch Your EDO Podcast with the Econ Dev Show: Ready to take your economic development efforts to the next level? The Econ Dev Show has partnered with destination marketing expert Adam Stoker to help you launch a successful podcast for your EDO. Our tailored service provides the expertise, tools, and support you need to create compelling content that attracts businesses and investors to your community. Don't let the challenges of starting a podcast hold you back. Your community has a story to tell – let's amplify it together!Links:Official website of SI NowSI Now's NOW! magazineIEDC Excellence Award for regional partnershipsIEDC Excellence Award for NOW! magazineSI Now's LinkedIn pageSI Now's Twitter page

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Carlson sits down with Adam Stoker, president and CEO of Relic, to discuss the intersection of economic development and destination marketing. Adam, whose company specializes in creating podcasts for Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), shares insights on how the strategies used in tourism promotion can be effectively applied to economic development efforts. The conversation explores the similarities between attracting tourists and attracting businesses, with both aiming to bring outside money into specific geographic areas. The discussion then delves into the power of podcasting as a marketing tool for economic developers. Adam emphasizes how creating valuable, educational content through podcasts can help build relationships with potential investors and businesses without resorting to direct sales pitches. He shares success stories from his experience, highlighting how inviting guests to share their stories on a podcast often yields better results than traditional outreach methods. The episode also addresses common objections to starting a podcast, such as fear of poor performance and lack of time, with Adam encouraging economic developers to overcome these barriers and prioritize audience building for long-term success in their community promotion efforts. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Adam Stoker.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Adam Stoker | LinkedInRelic Agency: Holistic Marketing Partner for Destination OrganizationsDestination Marketing Podcast336: Why Destination Marketers Should Think Like Economic Developers with Dane Carlson — In this episode, Adam talks with Dane Carlson, host of the Econ Dev Show and CEO of Site Hunt, about the crucial link between tourism and economic development. Dane shares his journey from blogging to economic development, including how he transformed Mariposa California by adding an escape room to the visitor center. Dane also emphasizes the importance of collaboration between economic developers and destination marketers to create meaningful visitor experiences and drive local economic growth. Launch Your Economic Development Podcast — Ready to amplify your economic development efforts through podcasting? The Econ Dev Show is partnering with destination marketing expert Adam Stoker to help economic developers like you launch successful podcasts. Whether you're looking to attract businesses, engage with investors, or showcase your community's unique strengths, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

In this episode, Bo Kemp, CEO of the Southland Development Authority discusses his unique approach to economic development through a not-for-profit organization that operates with the agility and risk-taking mindset of a for-profit business. Kemp emphasizes the importance of failing fast and pivoting quickly to optimize programs and services. He explains how his organization is structured to evaluate and stop initiatives that aren’t delivering the expected impact, which contrasts with traditional non-profits that often have difficulty abandoning projects due to the lengthy fundraising and validation process. His goal is to take on the risks that for-profit businesses avoid, using innovative techniques like measuring social impact and partnering with businesses to drive wealth-building at the municipal level. Kemp also shares how his team is working to monetize their services by offering their proven models to other municipalities. For example, their business growth services could be replicated in cities like Tucson, Arizona, allowing other communities to benefit from their expertise and infrastructure without having to start from scratch. Kemp’s team uses tools like Salesforce and data science to manage relationships and measure success, which they are willing to share with other cities to support broader economic growth. The conversation highlights Kemp’s vision of blending for-profit efficiency with non-profit values to foster sustainable, community-centered development. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Bo Kemp.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Bo Kemp | LinkedInSouthland Development Authority — The SDA is a non-profit business organization designed to grow the economy of the South Suburbs.Video - Southland Development Authority 2024 - YouTubeSouthland Development Authority | LinkedInSouthland Development Authority (@BuildSouthland) / XSouthland Development Authority | FacebookSouthland Development Authority (@buildsouthland) • Instagram photos and videosSouthland Development Authority - YouTube

In this episode host Dane Carlson interviews Don Iannone, the author of "America's Dream, at the Crossroads," a book that delves into the challenges and opportunities facing the American Dream, particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 presidential election. The discussion centers on the critical role that economic development plays in enabling Americans to achieve the American Dream, emphasizing the often-overlooked connection between economic policies and individual prosperity. Iannone explains how economic developers are at the forefront of shaping the future of the nation, making this conversation particularly relevant for those engaged in economic development and public policy. Through this dialogue, Carlson and Iannone highlight the importance of understanding economic development not just as a technical field, but as a fundamental driver of societal well-being and a key factor in the nation's political landscape. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways Connect Economic Development to the American Dream: Ensure that your community’s economic development initiatives are directly tied to helping individuals achieve their version of the American Dream, emphasizing job creation, homeownership, and economic mobility. Engage in Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies at the local, state, and national levels that support sustainable economic growth and align with the broader goals of improving quality of life and expanding economic opportunities for all. Foster Inclusive Growth: Focus on creating opportunities that benefit all segments of the population, particularly marginalized communities, to ensure that the economic benefits of development are widely shared. Promote Workforce Development: Invest in education and training programs that equip workers with the skills needed for the jobs of the future, ensuring that your community remains competitive in a rapidly changing economy. Leverage Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with businesses, educational institutions, and government entities to create innovative solutions that drive economic growth and community development. Focus on Quality of Life: Develop strategies that not only attract businesses but also enhance the overall quality of life in your community, making it a desirable place to live, work, and invest. Communicate the Economic Development Story: Clearly articulate the role of economic development in achieving the American Dream to stakeholders, including elected officials, business leaders, and the general public. Prepare for Economic Disruptions: Build resilience into your economic development strategies by planning for potential disruptions, such as technological changes, global market shifts, or political instability. Measure and Communicate Impact: Regularly assess the impact of your economic development efforts and communicate these results to stakeholders to demonstrate the value of your work and secure continued support. Stay Informed on National Trends: Keep abreast of national economic and political trends that could impact your community, and be prepared to adjust your strategies accordingly to remain aligned with broader national goals. Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now) and sponsors: EDOiQ, ResearchFDI, Jorgenson Pace, and SiteHunt. (Become a sponsor.)Special Guest: Donald Iannone.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Don Iannone Creative Works | don iannone writerAmerica's Dream at a Crossroads: The 2024 Presidential Election and Beyond (Kindle Edition)America's Dream at a Crossroads: The 2024 Presidential Election and Beyond (Paperback)Don Iannone (Ya-known), Ph.D. | LinkedInDon Iannone, Ph.D. (@doniannone) / XEconomic Development: A Vehicle for Energizing and Advancing the American Dream | LinkedIn

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson interviews Alia Abbas, an economic development consultant in Canada, about the critical importance of sustainable economic development. They discuss how integrating sustainability into daily economic development tasks can build community resilience against climate change and disasters. Alia emphasizes the need for transparent risk communication with businesses, the importance of engaging with diverse stakeholders, and the growing influence of purpose-driven development among younger generations. The episode also explores incentivizing green initiatives, learning from resilient communities, and advocating for policy changes to support long-term sustainable growth. Aliyah's insights provide a fresh perspective on creating resilient, adaptable, and sustainable communities. Actionable Takeaways Incorporate Sustainable Development: Economic developers should integrate sustainable development into their daily tasks, making communities more resilient to disasters and climate change. Transparent Risk Communication: Economic developers need to openly discuss risks like floods or power outages with businesses to build trust and help them prepare for potential challenges. Engage with Businesses on Environmental Impact: Regularly consult with local businesses to understand the environmental impacts they face and how economic development can support mitigation efforts. Incentivize Green Initiatives: Highlight and offer incentives for businesses to adopt greener practices, such as tax breaks or credits, to attract and retain companies focused on sustainability. Learn from Resilient Communities: Study and collaborate with communities that have successfully managed disasters to improve local emergency management strategies and resilience. Promote Cross-Sector Collaboration: Work with diverse stakeholders, including disaster emergency management professionals, supply chain groups, and higher education institutions, to address sustainable development comprehensively. Focus on Purpose-Driven Development: Emphasize purpose-driven projects and job opportunities to attract younger generations who prioritize making a positive impact on their communities. Advocate for Policy Changes: Push for policy changes that support sustainable and resilient economic development, ensuring long-term community stability and growth. Develop Workforce Programs: Create workforce development programs that focus on green skills and sustainability to prepare the local workforce for future demands. Stay Informed and Educate: Continuously educate yourself on new sustainability initiatives and trends by engaging with businesses and participating in relevant events and organizations, like the Great Lakes Economic Development Council. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now) and sponsors: EDOiQ, ResearchFDI, The PACE Group, and SiteHunt. (Become a sponsor.)Special Guest: Alia Abbas.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.

Dane Carlson had a wild July. Quiet fireworks, a hurricane, and COVID-19. But that's not the interesting part. The interesting part is what he built: Sitehunt now automatically responds to RFIs. How? It reads the RFI document, extracts questions and criteria, matches your sites, and generates a response packet. All automatically. Plus, it understands local demographics, workforce, housing, and childcare situations. It uses this to answer RFI questions more intelligently. Dane says no other tool does all this for economic developers. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Links:Sitehunt

About this Episode In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson sits down with Lara Gale, Economic Development Program Manager for the Taubman Center of State and Local Government at Harvard Kennedy School, and Alison Turner, Senior Economic Development Researcher at Argonne National Laboratory. Lara Gale and Alison Turner bring their extensive expertise and passion for economic development to the discussion, sharing their unique perspectives and strategic visions. They delve into innovative approaches to fostering growth and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders. Lara provides insights into her role at the Harvard Kennedy School, where she manages economic development programs and supports state and local governments through research and practical solutions. She highlights key projects and initiatives that have contributed to economic successes, including infrastructure development and community engagement strategies. Alison discusses her work at Argonne National Laboratory, focusing on research-driven economic development. She explores the role of technology and data in shaping economic development strategies, sharing examples of how data-driven decision-making can identify trends, optimize resources, and create business-friendly environments. Together, Lara and Alison address the unique challenges and opportunities in managing economic development in diverse contexts. They emphasize the significance of community engagement and partnerships in driving economic growth, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations for a holistic approach to development. This episode showcases the innovative work being done by Lara Gale and Alison Turner, providing valuable insights and practical strategies for economic developers and community leaders looking to drive positive change in their regions. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Leverage Academic Partnerships: Collaborate with academic institutions to access cutting-edge research and resources. This can provide valuable insights and innovative solutions for economic development challenges. Utilize Data-Driven Decision Making: Emphasize the importance of data in shaping economic strategies. Use data to identify trends, optimize resource allocation, and create a business-friendly environment. Foster Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations. Engaging the community can lead to more holistic and sustainable economic development. Focus on Infrastructure Development: Prioritize infrastructure projects that support long-term economic growth. This includes transportation, utilities, and technological infrastructure that can attract and retain businesses. Encourage Strategic Planning: Develop comprehensive strategic plans that outline clear goals, strategies, and metrics for success. Ensure these plans are adaptable to changing economic conditions. Promote Sustainability: Integrate sustainability into economic development strategies. This includes promoting green technologies, energy efficiency, and sustainable business practices. Enhance Workforce Development: Invest in workforce development programs that align with the needs of local industries. This can include training, education, and partnerships with local educational institutions. Diversify the Economic Base: Focus on attracting a diverse range of industries to reduce dependency on a single economic sector. This can make the local economy more resilient to market fluctuations. Implement Technology Solutions: Adopt technology solutions that streamline operations and enhance service delivery. This can include digital platforms for business support, economic forecasting tools, and more. Evaluate and Adapt: Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of economic development initiatives. Use feedback and data to make informed adjustments to strategies and programs. Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now) and sponsors: EDOiQ, ResearchFDI, The PACE Group, and SiteHunt. (Become a sponsor.)Special Guests: Alison Turner and Lara Gale.Links:Good Economics for Hard Times by Abhijit V. Banerjee, and Esther Duflo — The winners of the Nobel Prize show how economics, when done right, can help us solve the thorniest social and political problems of our day.Alison Turner | LinkedInLara Gale | LinkedInArgonne National LaboratoryTaubman Center for State and Local Government | Harvard Kennedy School

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Podcast, Dane Carlson sits down with Ken Chapa, the Director of Economic Development and Tourism for the City of Avondale, Arizona, a thriving community in the Phoenix metropolitan area. Ken Chapa shares his journey and passion for economic development, highlighting his strategic vision for Avondale. With extensive experience in the field, Ken discusses the innovative approaches he has implemented to foster growth and sustainability in Avondale. He delves into the dynamic economic landscape of the city, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and collaboration with various stakeholders to attract and retain businesses. Throughout the conversation, Ken addresses the unique challenges and opportunities that come with managing economic development in a fast-growing urban area. He provides insights into key projects and initiatives that have significantly contributed to Avondale's economic success, including the development of the Avondale City Center, efforts to enhance infrastructure, and the attraction of healthcare and technology companies to diversify the economic base. Ken also explores the role of technology and data in shaping economic development strategies. He shares examples of how Avondale leverages data-driven decision-making to identify trends, optimize resources, and create a business-friendly environment. Additionally, Ken emphasizes the significance of community engagement and partnerships in driving economic development. He highlights the importance of building strong relationships with local businesses, educational institutions, and community organizations to create a holistic approach to growth and development. By showcasing the innovative work being done in Avondale, this episode provides valuable insights and practical strategies for economic developers and community leaders looking to drive positive change in their regions. Ken's passion for economic development and his commitment to making Avondale a thriving and sustainable community make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in the field. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Actionable Insights for Economic Developers: Focus on Unique Strengths: Identify and leverage the unique aspects of your community to stand out. For Avondale, this included its young population and investment in amenities that cater to younger families and professionals. Develop Mixed-Use Projects: Consider developing mixed-use projects like the Avondale City Center to create vibrant, multi-functional spaces that attract residents and businesses alike. Invest in Parks and Recreation: Invest heavily in parks, recreation, and community spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents and make your community more attractive to newcomers. Foster Strong Educational Partnerships: Build strong partnerships with local schools and universities to support education and workforce development, ensuring a skilled talent pool for local businesses. Engage with the Community: Actively engage with residents to get their input on projects and initiatives. This helps build a sense of ownership and pride in the community. Leverage Data for Decision-Making: Use data-driven decision-making to identify trends, optimize resources, and create a business-friendly environment. Attract Diverse Industries: Diversify the economic base by attracting a variety of industries, such as healthcare and technology companies, to ensure economic stability and growth. Improve Infrastructure and Connectivity: Work on transportation and infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and accessibility within the community, making it easier for people to live, work, and play. Promote a Business-Friendly Environment: Create policies and initiatives that support local businesses and make your community attractive for new investments. Manage Sustainable Growth: Focus on managing growth in a sustainable way that maintains the quality of life for residents and preserves the unique characteristics of the community. Other Sponsors 🫶 The Econ Dev Show is made possible by our Econ Dev Pro members (join now) and sponsors: EDOiQ, ResearchFDI, The PACE Group, and SiteHunt. (Become a sponsor.) Edited Transcript (This is an experimental AI edited transcript.) Welcome back to the Econ Dev Show. Today we're here with Ken Chapa. He is the Economic Development and Tourism Director for the City of Avondale, Arizona. Ken, welcome to the show. Ken Chapa: Thanks for having me, Dane. It's going to be fun being here. Dane Carlson: Absolutely. So, Avondale, Arizona. I only know where this is because I have relatives that live right next door. What is it, Chandler or something? I can't remember. Maybe I'm totally wrong. But isn't that right next to Avondale? Ken Chapa: So, Chandler's on the other side of the Valley, Phoenix metro area. Dane Carlson: What's the city that's just to the west of Avondale? Ken Chapa: Goodyear. Dane Carlson: Goodyear. I have relatives that also live in Goodyear. I knew it was one of those. Gotcha. So tell us about Avondale. What exactly is it? I'm assuming it's a suburb, but is that not the case? Ken Chapa: We're definitely part of the West Valley metro area of the Phoenix Valley. We're about 45, 46 square miles, with about 98,000 people. It's one of those communities that's been growing and blossoming over the past few years. When I came on about four and a half years ago, being a smaller community in the Phoenix Metro area, my primary goal was to make sure that we stood out, that we made ourselves a little bit different than everybody else. That's been our mission. I have a great leadership team, a great mayor and council, and an awesome team that's really been helpful in achieving those goals. Dane Carlson: That's fantastic. So how do you stand out? How does that even work? Ken Chapa: When you go to Avondale, you made a comment earlier about, "Here's what I know about Avondale. You're next door to Goodyear." That's usually the first thing I hear. Or I hear, "You're the home of the NASCAR track." Ken Chapa: So, with that in mind, we needed to find our own identity. We started focusing on the unique aspects of Avondale. We have a very young population with a median age of about 30, which is one of the youngest in the region. We leveraged that by focusing on amenities and developments that cater to younger families and professionals. For example, we've been investing heavily in parks, recreation, and mixed-use developments that offer a live-work-play environment. We also place a strong emphasis on education and have great partnerships with local schools and universities. Dane Carlson: That's interesting. What kind of projects have you been working on recently? Ken Chapa: One of our big initiatives has been the development of the Avondale City Center. This project is designed to create a vibrant downtown area with retail, dining, office space, and residential options. It's aimed at creating a central hub for our community. We're also working on several transportation projects to improve connectivity and make it easier for people to get around. Another major focus has been on attracting healthcare and technology companies to diversify our economic base. Dane Carlson: That sounds like a lot of exciting developments. How has the community responded to these changes? Ken Chapa: The community response has been overwhelmingly positive. People are excited to see new amenities and opportunities coming to Avondale. We've worked hard to engage with residents and get their input on projects, which has helped build a sense of ownership and pride in the community. We've also seen a lot of interest from businesses looking to relocate or expand in Avondale, which is a great sign that we're on the right track. Dane Carlson: That's great to hear. What do you see as the biggest challenges for Avondale moving forward? Ken Chapa: One of the biggest challenges is managing growth in a way that's sustainable and maintains the quality of life for our residents. We want to ensure that as we grow, we're doing so in a way that supports our community and preserves the things that make Avondale special. Another challenge is staying competitive in attracting businesses and talent. We need to continue to innovate and find ways to stand out in a crowded market. Dane Carlson: Absolutely. It sounds like you have a solid plan in place. Any final thoughts or advice for other economic developers out there? Ken Chapa: My advice would be to really listen to your community and be willing to adapt. What works in one place might not work in another, so it's important to tailor your approach to the unique needs and strengths of your area. Also, focus on building strong partnerships. Economic development is a team effort, and having the support of local businesses, schools, and residents makes a huge difference. Dane Carlson: Great advice. Thank you so much for joining us today, Ken. It's been a pleasure talking with you. Ken Chapa: Thank you, Dane. It's been great to be here.Special Guest: Ken Chapa.Sponsored By:Sitehunt: Sitehunt is an AI-enhanced platform that helps economic developers build a comprehensive property database, enabling informed decisions and efficient RFI responses to accelerate site selection and project success.Links:Ken Chapa | LinkedInAvondaleEDGEMeditations: A New Translation by Marcus AureliusCity of Avondale