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Colorado Springs racked up some truly significant wins in 2023. Most notable was the announcement in late July that U.S. Space Command's permanent headquarters will remain in Colorado Springs instead of moving to Huntsville, Ala. The long-awaited decision capped more than two years of wrangling by officials from Colorado and Alabama after former President Donald Trump announced in the final days of his administration that the command's headquarters would move to Alabama. This month, Space Command announced it had reached full operational capacity; the ability to reach full operational capacity faster in the Springs was a factor throughout the debate. The city also welcomed a string of announcements adding up to a wealth of jobs and new investment in the community. Since last December, nine companies, including technology and defense-related businesses, announced plans to hire nearly 3,000 people and spend almost $2 billion on buildings, equipment and other expenses related to their expansions. Five companies that already operate in the Colorado Springs area — Boecore, Entegris, Infinity Systems Engineering, Microchip Technology Inc. and Zivaro — will account for more than 80% of the jobs planned in the nine expansions. The year ended with the approval of state incentives for four tech and defense-related companies that are considering the Springs and El Paso County for expansion; combined, they could bring nearly 1,600 jobs to the area. #economy #yearinreview #coloradosprings #business

A ranking of the Best States for Business places Virginia at the top of the list for the third time in five years. Learn more about the report and why Virginia tops the list. #novabusiness #novaliving

In a new piece for Governing, Results for America Vice President and State Practice Lead Patrick Carter shares how government leaders in red states and blue states are increasingly investing in solutions backed by evidence of effectiveness. Read the article today and learn how states like Minnesota and Tennessee are changing the way taxpayer dollars are spent to deliver better outcomes for more Americans. #StatesLeading #RFAStateStandard  https://lnkd.in/g6kxNF9p

“We ask businesses to weigh in on workforce, then career and technical education, then individual school programs, and so on,” said Colorado Succeeds Vice President of Policy Katie Zaback when testifying today for the Opportunity Now Grants and Tax Credit bill. “What if we just asked businesses to define their needs?” HB24-1365 will put funding toward the creation of a regional talent development grant program that will help seven regions host summits and set talent development goals. It will also support a fourth and final round of Opportunity Now grants, investing specifically in building and construction trades. This bill passed unanimously out of committee. Aligning business needs with education to improve learner outcomes is a top priority for Colorado Succeeds and the Education to Employment Alliance (comprised of The Colorado Chamber of Commerce, Colorado Inclusive Economy, Colorado Succeeds, Colorado Technology Association, and Colorado Thrives). The regional talent development grant program proposed in this bill will leverage local business intermediaries to bring stakeholders together. Read more about this bill, and other pieces of Governor Jared Polis' bipartisan workforce development package: https://lnkd.in/g9BEsJsy #futureofwork #edcolo #copolitics #workforcedevelopment

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📉 Economic Development in Reverse: The Case of Chinatown, Washington DC The situation unfolding in Chinatown, Washington DC, provides a stark example of the challenges faced by communities when key drivers of economic activity depart. 🔑1. The Departure of Economic Catalysts: - Chinatown's rise was closely linked to the vibrancy brought by the Washington Capitals and Wizards at the Capital One Arena, a classic case of sports and entertainment spurring urban renewal. - With the recent announcement of these teams relocating to Virginia, we are reminded of the fragility of such economic ecosystems. The departure of major attractions often leaves a void, potentially reversing the gains made in local business, employment, and community engagement. 🚨 2.Confronting Economic and Social Challenges: - This potential void in Chinatown could exacerbate existing challenges, notably the uptick in crime, including drug-related activities and violence. Public safety concerns, as highlighted by WUSA9, may deter new investment and exacerbate the community’s economic difficulties. - The impending economic shift calls for proactive measures, not just in terms of business development but also in strengthening community resilience. 🔄 3. Navigating the Economic Aftermath: - The scenario in Chinatown is a reminder of the importance of diversification in urban economic planning. Reliance on a few major economic drivers can be risky, and balanced development strategies are crucial. - As investors and economic development professionals, we must anticipate and plan for such reversals. It's vital to foster environments where communities are not overly dependent on singular economic activities and can withstand such shocks. The unfolding situation in Chinatown, DC, is a cautionary tale of how communities can be left vulnerable when key economic drivers relocate. It underscores the need for sustainable, diversified economic strategies that can weather such transitions. Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, it shows that crime matters. Elected officials should care about the impact of all crime on their own residents, including the businesses too. These anchor tenants can and sometimes do move. #EconomicDevelopment #ChinatownDC #UrbanPlanning #CommunityResilience #realestate #tax #economy #finance #sportsandentertainment

📈 Ohio just cemented two huge records at the close of 2023: the most jobs across the state AND the lowest unemployment rate in a year. We also had the greatest budgetary surplus ever recorded and finished the year with a haul of awards for business friendliness. These are more than buzz phrase statistics to throw around. They represent hard work, adaptability, and resilience, and they are a fitting culmination to a multigenerational story of growth 220+ years in the making. While reading about life during Ohio's frontier period, I came across Charles Johnston's journal detailing his exploration north of the Ohio River in 1790. As a much older man, in 1827, Johnston published a new forward to his account in which he reflected on Ohio's transformation from a vast wilderness into a national driver of economic growth: "On the margin of the river, flourishing towns have arisen, and productive farms appear. On the stream itself, numerous steam boats have supplied the place of the wretched [wooden flatboats], formerly the only vehicles of trade and communication, which labored along with difficulty, and without profit to their owners. Works of internal improvement have been commenced, which promise the highest benefits to a country enriched by nature with many of her choicest gifts. A great canal, already begun, will probably be completed in the course of a few years, which will yield all the benefits of a direct water communication with New Orleans by the rivers Ohio and Mississippi, and with New York by way of the New York canal; bearing on its bosom a commerce which will extend, by interior navigation, from the northern to the southern extreme of the United States. This is a career of prosperity unequalled even by the rapid progress of other members of the American Union, and unparalleled in history. What a subject of reflection to the statesman and political economist!" The success Ohio is enjoying today began long before our time, but we all have a small place in it's future. The economy we are building now will inspire the same growth and transformation for future generations. Companies moving to Ohio in 2024 might very well employ our grandchildren and beyond. It really is an exciting time to be in Ohio.

The Nebraska Legislature dove into the budget debate last week, with senators thoroughly examining different parts of the proposal. Take a look below to ensure you didn’t miss anything from last week's action. Senators give first-round approval for state budget adjustments with few changes; Five legislative candidates, including Sen. Carolyn Bosn and Sen. Eliot Bostar, have already raised more than $100,000 for their election; Epic battle over taxes shaping up, with one group warning against an ‘EPIC’ mistake; Fatal fetal anomaly exception for abortions, introduced by Sen. Mervin Riepe, stalls in Judiciary Committee; Special education, reading, computer science, and other bills advance from Education Committee within Sen. Lynne walz's priority bill; Parts of tax-relief package start taking shape; Lawmakers fail to override Gov. Jim Pillen's veto as conservatives flip votes, side with Governor; and Gov. Pillen approves gender care regulations. February 2024 General Fund receipts released; As search for next University of Nebraska president continues, experts say higher Ed leadership is changing; US Senator Deb Fischer, Congressman Mike Flood secure $25M more for University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Innovation Campus agricultural research center; State unveils first climate action plan, aiming to reduce emissions by over 30%; Nebraska State Board of Education rejects measure defining and banning sexually explicit materials in school libraries; NEBRASKA PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION rejects reconsideration of overlapping broadband grants; State ranked fifth in the nation for low unemployment rate; and advocates for developmentally disabled rally for more than ‘good enough for you’ funding in support of Sen. George Dungan's legislation. Want to read more about these articles? Check out our website! kisselkohoutes.com/news

The revised #CABudget highlights the difficult challenges our state is facing. In order to ensure that our most vulnerable students are able to harness the power of a college degree—which will power California through turbulent times—we urge for a multi-year pathway to recovery centered in equity. Read our full statement: https://buff.ly/4blMEGG

Business leaders Danny Seiden, President and CEO of the Arizona Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Todd Sanders, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce discuss the upcoming state legislative session on Arizona Horizon. According to Seiden, maintaining Arizona's status as the top destination for businesses requires a focus on good policy. He's hoping for bills that recognize this importance, along with support for well-funded education, infrastructure, and energy. Watch the full segment below to learn more about this session. https://bit.ly/3S5YuN5