In a world that often dwells on what can’t be done, Canada reminds me of the power of asking how can we make it happen. That spirit, the focus on “How Yes, not Why Not,” came through again and again during my recent trip to Toronto, where I met with IEDC members, partners, and leaders from across Ontario. It is a mindset rooted in optimism, collaboration, and community, and it is one that lies at the very heart of economic development.

The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and the New Growth Innovation Network (NGIN) recently partnered to host a 1.5-day Economic Partnership Alliance Workshop during IEDC’s Annual Conference in Detroit. The workshop brought together U.S. economic development professionals to strengthen partnerships, foster collaboration, and explore new approaches to advancing inclusive economic growth.

The newest buzzword in economic development is “data centers.” Economic development leaders are touting new data center projects almost daily, and it was one of the most talked-about items at IEDC’s Annual Conference in Detroit. Companies are investing billions of dollars to build and develop new data centers to support artificial intelligence (AI) and other large data needs—at levels far beyond anything we have seen before.

Detroit was electric this September as thousands of economic developers from across the globe gathered for IEDC's Annual Conference. Over four incredible days, professionals and thought leaders immersed themselves in plenaries, breakout sessions, and tours that showcased how a city and region have catalyzed growth through collaboration and become a blueprint for resilience and reinvention.