Through our participation in the International Economic Development Council's inaugural Arizona Sustainable Economic Development Learning Lab, we — Erica Sturwold with Salt River Project (SRP) and Cameron Robb with Arizona Public Service (APS) — collaborated on a capstone project that transforms industrial transition into a vital economic development opportunity.

Using learnings from the course, we worked together to form a utility-led framework for sustainable economic development in decommissioned coal plant communities. The result is a model designed not only for Arizona, but for any utilities and communities across the country to adapt and replicate.

Amy C. Madison, CEcD, EDFP, EDMP has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 21 years.

Becca Cruger has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 3 years.

With so much going on in Washington, D.C., we wanted to share a quick update on the potential government shutdown beginning this weekend if the U.S. Congress is not able to agree to compromise or a Continuing Resolution to keep the government open. We know that many of you and your organizations work with the federal government on projects or rely on federal revenue streams to provide critical services and resources to your communities.

Jim Griffin (aka Griff) passed away on August 23 after a year’s fight with cancer.  He had an admirable career in economic development, beginning work in 1972 for the Hornell Area Chamber of Commerce (New York). He also became the Executive Director of the City of Hornell Industrial Development Agency. He headed both entities as CEO for 48 years. During his time in economic development in Hornell, he was responsible for the creation of 5,000 new jobs and the retention of 2,500 jobs.

Craig Hulse, CEcD, has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 15 years.

Christopher J. Girdwood has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 14 years.

Mary Ann Moon, CEcD, FM, HLM, has been a member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for 18 years.