Develop This: Economic and Community Development

Develop This! Podcast

Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

  1. 3 days ago

    DT #662 Why Trust, Talent, and Infrastructure Drive Site Selection Success

    What separates communities that win major investments from those that get left behind? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Tess Fay, Vice President of Global Location Strategies, to explore the increasingly complex world of site selection and the factors shaping the future of U.S. manufacturing. Tess shares how companies evaluate locations through the lens of long-term risk, infrastructure capacity, workforce strength, and community readiness. With major investment decisions carrying consequences for decades, preparation and execution have never been more important. A major theme throughout the conversation is trust. Tess explains why communities that communicate clearly, maintain realistic timelines, and consistently deliver on commitments build the credibility needed to compete for large-scale projects. The discussion also dives into growing infrastructure challenges, particularly around energy availability. As demand for manufacturing and industrial development continues to grow, access to reliable power is becoming one of the most critical factors in site selection. Workforce resilience, strategic partnerships, and strong local leadership also emerge as essential ingredients for long-term success, helping communities adapt to changing economic conditions and evolving industry needs. A key takeaway? Winning projects isn't just about having a site available—it's about being prepared, building trust, and demonstrating long-term capability. Key Takeaways Major site selection decisions are shaped by long-term business needs Infrastructure and energy availability are becoming critical competitive factors Trust and credibility play a major role in investment decisions Workforce resilience is essential for sustainable growth Strategic partnerships strengthen community competitiveness Preparation and execution often determine which communities win projects Key Topics Covered Site selection complexity and scarcity management Community preparation and trust-building Infrastructure readiness and energy challenges Workforce resiliency and sustainability Strategic partnerships and political will The future of U.S. manufacturing Sound Bites "Decisions impact the company's future for decades." "Buttoned-up timelines build trust and credibility." "Trust and solutions orientation build confidence."

    DT #662 Why Trust, Talent, and Infrastructure Drive Site Selection Success

  2. 3 days ago

    DT #663 Data-Driven Economic Development in a Changing World

    What does it take to build resilient communities in an era of rapid economic change? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Ryan Silva, Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council, about the policies, partnerships, and strategies shaping economic growth across New York. Ryan shares insights on how data-driven decision-making is helping communities plan for the future, attract investment, and navigate increasingly complex economic challenges. From workforce development to infrastructure planning, the conversation highlights the importance of grounding strategy in reliable research and long-term thinking. A major focus is the impact of the CHIPS and semiconductor investments transforming regions across the country. Ryan discusses how large-scale projects create opportunities for growth while also requiring communities to think carefully about readiness, workforce capacity, and supporting infrastructure. The discussion also explores the balance between pursuing major economic wins and ensuring smaller communities have the tools and resources needed to thrive. Throughout the episode, Ryan emphasizes the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and continuous professional development in a rapidly evolving field. A key takeaway? Successful economic development is built on preparation, partnerships, and a willingness to embrace both opportunity and change. Key Takeaways Data and research are essential for effective economic development strategy Semiconductor investments are reshaping regional economies Community readiness is critical for attracting large-scale projects Workforce development and infrastructure remain top priorities Small communities can thrive through resilience and strategic planning Collaboration and adaptability drive long-term success Key Topics Covered Economic development policy and initiatives Data-driven planning and decision-making Impact of the CHIPS Act and semiconductor investments Workforce and infrastructure development Community readiness and regional growth Professional development in economic development Sound Bites "Finding a way to get to yes." "Building the plane while flying it." "Hope in small community resilience."

    DT #663 Data-Driven Economic Development in a Changing World

  3. 8 Jul

    DT #660 The Atlanta Beltline Story: Balancing Growth, Equity, and Opportunity

    What does it take to transform a community while ensuring everyone benefits from the growth? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc, about one of the most ambitious community redevelopment projects in the United States. Clyde shares his unique journey from healthcare leadership into economic development and explains how large-scale infrastructure projects can serve as catalysts for economic growth, community revitalization, and long-term opportunity. A major focus of the conversation is community-led development. Rather than imposing change from the top down, the Atlanta BeltLine has prioritized public engagement, trust-building, and ensuring that residents have a voice in shaping the future of their neighborhoods. The discussion also explores the challenges of balancing growth with equity, particularly when it comes to housing affordability and ensuring redevelopment benefits both existing and future residents. Throughout the episode, Clyde highlights the importance of mentorship, relationship-building, and lifelong learning as essential leadership skills for economic developers navigating increasingly complex challenges. A key takeaway? Successful redevelopment is not just about infrastructure—it's about creating opportunities, building trust, and putting people at the center of growth. Key Takeaways Community engagement is essential to successful redevelopment projects Infrastructure investments can be powerful catalysts for economic growth Equitable housing must be part of long-term development strategies Public trust is critical in community transformation efforts Mentorship and relationship-building are key leadership skills Economic development is ultimately about improving opportunities for people Key Topics Covered Community-led redevelopment strategies Economic impact of infrastructure investments Equitable housing and neighborhood revitalization Leadership and mentorship in economic development Public trust and community engagement The future of economic development Sound Bites "Everyone knows something you don't know." "You're not as smart as you think you are." "People are the greatest source of optimism."

    DT #660 The Atlanta Beltline Story: Balancing Growth, Equity, and Opportunity

  4. 8 Jul

    DT #661 How Authentic Community Branding Drives Growth

    What makes some communities stand out while others struggle to tell their story? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Sandy Dubay, CEO of PPR Strategies, about the growing importance of communication, branding, and storytelling in economic development. Drawing on her experience in both economic development and public relations, Sandy explains why authentic storytelling has become one of the most powerful tools communities can use to attract investment, build trust, and create lasting connections. The conversation explores common communication mistakes organizations make, the importance of maintaining consistent messaging, and how communities can develop brands that reflect who they truly are rather than who they want to be. A major focus is the challenge of communicating across generations. Sandy shares practical insights on adapting messages to different audiences, leveraging social media effectively, and meeting people where they are without losing authenticity. The discussion also covers crisis communication, media relations, and the leadership skills needed to navigate an increasingly complex communication environment. A key takeaway? Strong communities are built on strong stories—and the most effective stories are authentic, consistent, and centered on people. Key Takeaways Authentic storytelling strengthens community identity and growth Consistent messaging is essential for effective branding Communities should focus on stories that genuinely resonate with audiences Communication strategies must adapt to different generations Strong media relationships help amplify community success stories Crisis communication requires preparation, transparency, and trust Key Topics Covered Evolution of economic development and community branding Authentic storytelling and community messaging Media relations and communication strategy Generational communication differences Social media and audience engagement Leadership and crisis communication Sound Bites "Tell the stories that truly resonate." "Consistency is critical in branding." "Meet your audience where they are."

    DT #661 How Authentic Community Branding Drives Growth

  5. 1 Jul

    DT #658 Building Stronger Communities Through Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

    What if the next wave of economic growth starts with local entrepreneurs? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Rob Williams of SourceLink to explore how entrepreneurship-led economic development can help communities build stronger, more resilient economies. Rob shares how communities—especially rural ones—can leverage their unique assets to support entrepreneurs, strengthen local ecosystems, and create long-term growth from within. The conversation highlights SourceLink's ecosystem approach, focusing on how connecting entrepreneurs to the right resources, partners, and support networks can reduce fragmentation and accelerate success. A major theme is measurement. Rob discusses why communities need better ways to track entrepreneurial activity, job creation, and ecosystem health beyond traditional economic development metrics. The discussion also explores the growing role of AI, broadband, and technology in unlocking innovation at scale and expanding access for entrepreneurs in both rural and urban markets. A key takeaway? Strong entrepreneurial ecosystems are built through connection, collaboration, and a clear understanding of what local businesses need to grow. Key Takeaways Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of local economic growth Young firms play a major role in job creation Rural communities can build innovation around their unique assets Strong ecosystems require clear connections between resources and entrepreneurs AI and broadband are expanding access to innovation Success should be measured through ecosystem health, not just traditional metrics Key Topics Covered Entrepreneurship-led economic development Rural innovation and community assets SourceLink's ecosystem-building approach Metrics for entrepreneurial success AI and technology in entrepreneurship Economic development education and the role of IEDC Sound Bites "Job creation starts with young firms." "AI is unlocking innovation at scale." "Connect, collaborate, and innovate."

    DT #658 Building Stronger Communities Through Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

  6. 1 Jul

    DT #659 How Public-Private Partnerships Are Reshaping Economic Development

    What role do public-private partnerships play in the future of economic development? In this panel episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise explores the evolving PPP landscape with Joachim Arnold, Matt Chambers, and Clint Nessmith, bringing together perspectives from the U.S. and Europe. The conversation dives into how economic development organizations are rethinking funding models, private sector engagement, and long-term sustainability in a changing global environment. A major focus is funding diversification. The panel discusses why stable, flexible funding matters—and how structured campaigns can help formalize private sector participation in economic growth strategies. The discussion also explores global FDI trends, infrastructure investment, geopolitical uncertainty, and the importance of adapting economic development models to local and international realities. A key takeaway? Strong public-private partnerships create the structure, trust, and shared investment needed to drive sustainable economic growth. Key Takeaways Public-private partnerships are evolving across global markets Funding diversification is critical for long-term sustainability Private sector engagement strengthens economic development strategy Geopolitical uncertainty is reshaping investment decisions Community engagement can open new doors for growth Structured campaigns help formalize stakeholder participation Key Topics Covered Public-private partnership models Funding diversification in economic development Global trends in FDI and infrastructure investment U.S. and European economic development strategies Stakeholder and private sector engagement Adapting to geopolitical uncertainty Sound Bites "Funding stability is a key strength of the US model." "Community engagement opens doors for economic growth." "Structured campaigns formalize private sector engagement."

    DT #659 How Public-Private Partnerships Are Reshaping Economic Development

  7. 24 Jun

    DT #656 Growth vs Identity: The Real Cost of Austin's Tech Boom

    What happens when rapid tech growth collides with a city's cultural identity? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise is joined by Jon Roberts and Tracy McDaniel of TIP Strategies to explore the evolution of Austin's tech boom—and the social and economic trade-offs that come with it. Once known for its distinct culture and creative energy, Austin has become one of the fastest-growing tech hubs in the U.S. But as investment and innovation accelerate, the conversation turns to a harder question: what gets lost in the process? The discussion unpacks the growing tensions between economic expansion and community impact, including rising disparities, housing pressures, and the challenge of maintaining Austin's identity amid large-scale development. A key theme is the need to rethink how success is measured in economic development—moving beyond pure growth metrics to include equity, inclusion, and long-term community health. The conversation also touches on emerging forces like AI and data infrastructure, and how they may further reshape the city's trajectory in the years ahead. A central takeaway? Growth without inclusion risks reshaping not just economies—but the communities they're meant to serve. Key Takeaways Austin's tech growth is reshaping its cultural and economic identity Rapid development has created increasing social and economic disparities Inclusive growth requires intentional community engagement strategies Traditional economic metrics may overlook equity and livability AI and data infrastructure will continue to influence urban development Balancing innovation with identity is a growing challenge for cities Key Topics Covered Evolution of Austin's tech ecosystem Cultural identity and urban transformation Social and economic impacts of rapid growth Inclusive economic development strategies Gentrification and community displacement AI, data centers, and future urban trends Sound Bites "Are we losing Austin's identity?" "AI will run out of things to mine." "Austin will always be magnetic."

    DT #656 Growth vs Identity: The Real Cost of Austin's Tech Boom

  8. 24 Jun

    DT #657 Beyond Small: Winning Strategies for Rural Economic Development

    What does it take for rural communities to compete and grow in today's economy? In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise speaks with Jolene Schalper, EVP of the Great Falls Montana Development Alliance, to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping rural economic development. Jolene shares her journey from nonprofit leadership into economic development and explains how collaboration, creativity, and community trust play critical roles in driving regional growth. The conversation highlights how Great Falls is leveraging local strengths to support entrepreneurship, attract investment, and create long-term economic momentum. Workforce and housing challenges are also a major focus, with Jolene emphasizing the importance of data-driven strategies and proactive planning to support sustainable growth. The discussion also explores how rural communities can position themselves competitively for larger opportunities, including foreign direct investment, while still maintaining strong local identity and community connections. A key takeaway? Rural communities have unique advantages—and with the right leadership, partnerships, and vision, they can compete far beyond their size. Key Takeaways Rural communities can compete by leveraging local strengths and partnerships Collaboration and trust-building are essential for long-term growth Entrepreneurship plays a major role in rural economic resilience Housing and workforce challenges require proactive, data-driven solutions Creativity and adaptability are critical in economic development leadership Rural regions can successfully attract major investment opportunities Key Topics Covered Rural economic development strategies Community collaboration and leadership Entrepreneurship and small business support Workforce and housing challenges Foreign direct investment opportunities Professional development in economic development Sound Bites "Data drives decisions in our housing strategy." "We swing for the fences to grow our community." "Second place sucks—no ribbon for losing."

    DT #657 Beyond Small: Winning Strategies for Rural Economic Development
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Explore topics related to transformational community leadership including economic development, non-profit engagement, organizational management, and policy development. It's a candid conversation with veterans of the economic development profession along with inspiring interviews of today's thought leaders.

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