States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Rep. Chris Lopez Selected to Join 2025 Western Legislative Academy Leadership Program
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Rep. Chris Lopez Selected to Join 2025 Western Legislative Academy Leadership Program
Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez was selected to participate in the 2025 Western Legislative Academy, marking the program's 25 th anniversary year. The competitive leadership program is hosted by The Council of State Governments West and is open to lawmakers in their first four years of service.
The Western Legislative Academy brings together legislators from across the western United
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Rep. Chris Lopez Selected to Join 2025 Western Legislative Academy Leadership Program
Arizona State Representative Chris Lopez was selected to participate in the 2025 Western Legislative Academy, marking the program's 25 th anniversary year. The competitive leadership program is hosted by The Council of State Governments West and is open to lawmakers in their first four years of service.
The Western Legislative Academy brings together legislators from across the western UnitedStates for focused training on lawmaking, communications, ethics, negotiation, and consensus building. Participants are chosen by the CSG West Executive Committee based on public service record and interest in strengthening the legislative process and institutions.
The 2025 academy was held December 16-19 in Colorado. Fifty-two legislators were selected from more than 100 applicants.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to take part in the Western Legislative Academy during its 25th anniversary year and to learn alongside legislators from across the West," Representative Lopez said. "The candid conversations on leadership, communication, and problem-solving were especially useful. I'm returning with lessons I can apply as I work to deliver results for rural Arizona and protect taxpayers."
CSG West is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization serving state legislators and legislative staff in Western states and Pacific Island governments. It is the western regional office of The Council of State Governments, founded in 1933 to support effective state governance.
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Chris Lopez is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 16, which includes portions of Pinal and Pima Counties.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/251222LOPEZ.pdf
N.Y. State Dept. of Public Service Announces Approval of Renewable Energy Project in Madison County
ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- The New York State Department of Public Service issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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DPS Announces Approval of Renewable Energy Project in Madison County
Wind Facility Bolsters Local Economies and is Expected to Provide $63 Million in Investment
Project Expected to Create Nearly 70 Good-Paying Jobs and Provide Significant Tax Payments to Local Governments and School Districts
Brings 100 MW of Clean Energy to Some 17,000 Average-Sized Homes
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The New York State Department of Public Service (Department) today announced the Office of Renewable
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ALBANY, New York, Dec. 24 -- The New York State Department of Public Service issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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DPS Announces Approval of Renewable Energy Project in Madison County
Wind Facility Bolsters Local Economies and is Expected to Provide $63 Million in Investment
Project Expected to Create Nearly 70 Good-Paying Jobs and Provide Significant Tax Payments to Local Governments and School Districts
Brings 100 MW of Clean Energy to Some 17,000 Average-Sized Homes
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The New York State Department of Public Service (Department) today announced the Office of RenewableEnergy Siting and Electric Transmission (ORES) has issued a final siting permit for Liberty Renewables, Inc. to develop, operate and decommission Hoffman Falls Wind, LLC, a 100 megawatt (MW) solar facility in the towns of Fenner, Nelson, Eaton, and Smithfield, Madison County. The project will create good-paying jobs, invest in crucial infrastructure, and increase tax revenues for local schools and other community priorities through tax and host community agreements.
"This important project approval demonstrates we continue to strengthen our commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy," said Department CEO Rory M. Christian. "This project joins the more than 30 projects that New York has approved over the last few years. This is a testament to New York's commitment to sustainability, affordability, and resiliency."
The Madison County facility will contribute 100 MW of clean, renewable energy to New York's electric grid while offsetting nearly 130,000 metric tons of CO2 and providing power for approximately 17,000 average-sized homes. The project is expected to be operational in 2027.
With the Hoffman Falls Wind's decision, New York State has approved 34 large-scale solar and wind projects since 2021, including 28 permitted by ORES, which was created to accelerate permitting for renewable energy generation, and six approved by the NYS Siting Board under Article 10, the statute that governed solar and wind projects over 25-MW prior to the creation of ORES. The 34 permitted facilities represent 4.3 gigawatts of new clean, renewable energy.
Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission Executive Director Zeryai Hagos said, "The approval of the Hoffman Falls Wind permit indicates New York's commitment to improve grid reliability and build clean energy. ORES is committed to advancing the State's nation-leading clean energy policies while being responsive to community feedback and protecting the environment."
The facility was approved after a thorough, timely, and transparent review process that included public comment periods and hearings. ORES received more than 135 public comments regarding the project and held a well-attended public comment hearing in April.
According to the developers, the facility is expected to provide $63 million in local investment to the Towns of Fenner, Nelson, Smith field, and Eaton, Madison County, the Cazenovia and Morrisville-Eaton Central School Districts, and participating landowners. Additionally, the towns are expected to share approximately $400,000 annually through the development of a host community agreement, with additional annual payments of $100,000 through a shared community payment program which will be paid out to neighbors of the facility.
Hoffman Falls Wind is expected to create approximately 66 full-time construction jobs and up to three permanent operations and maintenance jobs, in addition to contracting local labor for ongoing services such as road repair, snow removal, and vegetation management.
The facility will include up to 24 wind turbines, as well as an associated underground medium voltage collection system, a permanent meteorological (MET) tower, an aircraft detection lighting system (ADLS), a medium voltage-to-transmission voltage collection substation, a short 115- kilovolt (kV) gen-tie line that will connect the facility to the New York power grid via a point of interconnection (POI) switching station that will connect to the existing Fenner-Cortland 115-kV transmission line, owned and operated by National Grid.
ORES's decision to approve permitting this facility follows a detailed and transparent review process with robust public participation to ensure the proposed project meets or exceeds the requirements of Article VIII of the New York State Public Service Law and its implementing regulations.
The Hoffman Falls Wind application was deemed complete on December 20, 2024, with a draft permit issued by ORES on February 18, 2025. This wind power project meaningfully advances New York's clean energy goals while establishing the state as a leading location for efficient, transparent, and thorough siting permitting processes for major renewable energy facilities.
Today's decision may be obtained by going to the Department's Documents section of the website at www.dps.ny.gov and entering Case Number 23-02976 in the input box labeled "Search for Case/Matter Number". Many libraries offer free Internet access. Department documents may also be obtained from the Department's Files Office, 14th floor, Three Empire State Plaza, Albany, NY 12223 (518-474-2500). If you have difficulty understanding English, please call us at 1-800-342-3377 for free language assistance services regarding this press release.
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Original text here: https://dps.ny.gov/news/dps-announces-approval-renewable-energy-project-madison-county
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Housing Finance Bond Rating Upgrade
LANHAM, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Housing Finance Bond Rating Upgrade
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development received an upgraded credit rating status from Moody's Investor Service, a major credit rating agency, on the Community Development Administration's Housing Revenue Bonds.
Moody's upgraded to Aa1 from an Aa2 rating on CDA's Housing Revenue Bonds and affirmed the VMIG 1 superior credit
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LANHAM, Maryland, Dec. 24 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Announces Housing Finance Bond Rating Upgrade
The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development received an upgraded credit rating status from Moody's Investor Service, a major credit rating agency, on the Community Development Administration's Housing Revenue Bonds.
Moody's upgraded to Aa1 from an Aa2 rating on CDA's Housing Revenue Bonds and affirmed the VMIG 1 superior creditquality rating on all outstanding short-term debt. The upgrade to Aa1 from a previous Aa2 rating is a testament to the Administration's Housing Revenue Bonds strong financial performance and reduced perceived risk for bond investors.
"This upgrade is the result of continued sound financial stewardship from our Department's finance teams in our mission to create more affordable housing in Maryland," said Secretary Jake Day. "The hard work and solid financial reputation of the Department means more homes will be created for Maryland families on all income levels at a more affordable cost."
The Housing Revenue Bonds program was created by the Department to finance construction and permanent financing for rental housing developments for people of limited incomes in the State of Maryland. In the same announcement, Moody's also gave a Aa1 rating to the $7.42 million Maryland Community Development Administration Housing Revenue Bonds Series 2025 D (Non-AMT) bond issuance.
Moody's status upgrade, announced earlier this fall, comes at a time when the Department is supporting more housing creation in Maryland.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Department financed 3,997 newly constructed or substantially rehabilitated units through its Community Development Administration - an increase of more than 1,000 additional units from FY2024's total of 2,949. The Department's $1.64 billion in project investments also surpassed the previous year's $1.2 billion in commitments.
To learn more about the work of the Department's Community Development Administration, visit dhcd.maryland.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2025/12/22/maryland-department-of-housing-and-community-development-announces-housing-finance-bond-rating-upgrade/
KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground on U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus in Casa Grande
PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc.:
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KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground On U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus In Casa Grande
Representing $120 million investment, the campus will create 200 new jobs
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CASA GRANDE, AZ (December 22, 2025) -- KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc., a member of the Kanto Group, broke ground on December 19 on its new U.S. Arizona Plant (UAP), a next-generation ultrapure chemical manufacturing campus located at the Sonoran Valley Industrial Park in Casa Grande, Arizona.
This
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Dec. 24 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc.:
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KPPC Advanced Chemicals Breaks Ground On U.S. Ultrapure Chemical Manufacturing Campus In Casa Grande
Representing $120 million investment, the campus will create 200 new jobs
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CASA GRANDE, AZ (December 22, 2025) -- KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc., a member of the Kanto Group, broke ground on December 19 on its new U.S. Arizona Plant (UAP), a next-generation ultrapure chemical manufacturing campus located at the Sonoran Valley Industrial Park in Casa Grande, Arizona.
Thisinvestment marks a major step forward in strengthening the United States semiconductor supply chain and expanding domestic production of ultra high-purity chemicals required for leading-edge chip manufacturing.
"This investment strengthens Arizona's rapidly expanding, world-class semiconductor ecosystem by bringing the essential manufacturing of ultrapure chemicals to the heart of where they are needed," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "Best of all, it will create approximately 200 high-quality, full-time jobs for Arizonans, and collaborate with our community colleges to prepare our workforce for advanced roles. Projects like this one are key to building a resilient, localized materials network right here in Arizona."
"The Arizona plant marks an important milestone in KANTO-PPC's global expansion. By establishing this site, we strengthen our ability to serve customers across North America with the quality, reliability, and speed demanded by the world's most advanced semiconductor manufacturers," said Jerry Lu, Chairman & CEO of Kanto-PPC.
With an initial Phase 1 investment of over $120 million, the UAP facility will produce ultrapure chemicals and proprietary functional chemicals used throughout semiconductor fabrication, wafer cleaning, etching, CMP, photolithography, and advanced packaging. Production is anticipated to begin in late 2027.
KPPC expects the Casa Grande site to grow into a full semiconductor chemical campus, with total investment projected to reach approximately $500 million by 2035.
Upon startup, the UAP facility will supply TSMC, Intel, Micron, and other world-class chipmakers across the United States with high-purity materials required for the next generation of logic and memory technologies.
The project reflects KPPC's strategy of co-locating manufacturing capacity near critical customer fabs to reduce logistical risk, enable rapid response, and create resilient, localized supply chain infrastructure required for U.S. semiconductor competitiveness.
The United States has emphasized the importance of robust, domestic semiconductor ecosystems, including materials, equipment and supporting infrastructure. KPPC's decision to build in Arizona aligns with national priorities related to manufacturing reshoring, enhancing the U.S. supply chain and empowering "Made in America" high-tech production.
The Casa Grande facility is engineered to meet or exceed international safety, reliability and quality standards, supporting the uptime and purity required for the most advanced semiconductor nodes.
The project underscores KPPC's confidence in Arizona's rapidly expanding semiconductor ecosystem, supported by local leaders, workforce partners, and state and regional economic development organizations.
"Arizona has emerged as North America's premier semiconductor hub-home to the most advanced chip processing technology in the country," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "KPPC's new campus represents a vital ecosystem addition and showcases the expansive supply chain growth taking place across the state."
"As the U.S. prioritizes the onshoring of semiconductor production, increasing the capacity of vital supply chain elements is essential to the continued growth of the industry," said Christine Mackay, President and CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council. "The addition of KPPC in Pinal County fortifies the importance of Greater Phoenix as the heart of domestic semiconductor manufacturing."
Phase 1 of the project will create approximately 80 highly skilled jobs, growing to 200 full-time positions at full build-out. The construction phase will also generate hundreds of contractor and supplier opportunities across Pinal County and Greater Phoenix.
KPPC plans to partner with regional workforce programs, community colleges, and technical institutes to support long-term talent development in chemical operations, laboratory analysis, maintenance engineering, and semiconductor manufacturing support.
View a rendering of the Casa Grande campus HERE (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ckMY2BoiPdtDZYKeP3xmIC7i8jy-6GwZ/view?usp=sharing).
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About KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc.
KPPC Advanced Chemicals Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of KANTO-PPC, a global leader in electronic-grade wet chemicals for semiconductor and advanced packaging applications. KANTO-PPC is a member of the Kanto Group, the world's No. 1 semiconductor wet chemical supplier (Linx Consulting, 2025 SPCC), serving fabs across Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Europe, and the United States.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2025/12/kanto-ppc-groundbreaking/
Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas
TOPEKA, Kansas, Dec. 24 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce posted the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas
Gov. Kelly: "This is a game-changer for Kansas"
New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state
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Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Dec. 24 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce posted the following news release on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas
Gov. Kelly: "This is a game-changer for Kansas"
New stadium and mixed-use entertainment project is expected to create 20,000 jobs and generate more than $4 billion in economic impact for state
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Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a newteam headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact.
The agreement includes two distinct parts: (1) a $3 billion stadium in Wyandotte County, which will open at the start of the 2031 NFL season; and (2) a new Chiefs headquarters and training facility in the City of Olathe in Johnson County. Both sites will have mixed-use developments that could include sports, entertainment, dining, shopping, office, hotel and residential properties.
"This agreement to bring the Chiefs to Kansas takes our state to the next level. With this new stadium, we're creating thousands of jobs, bringing in tourists from around the world, attracting young people, and most importantly, we're continuing to make Kansas the best place in America to raise a family," Gov. Kelly said. "This is a game-changer for Kansas, and it's a signal to America and the world that our state's future is very bright."
The agreement was approved today by the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC) with strong bipartisan support. It will be a public-private partnership between the state and the Chiefs organization - and it will require no funds from the current state budget and no new taxes on Kansans.
A fact sheet of the agreement and the independent Economic Impact Study can be found here.
"Today is an extraordinary day in the history of the Kansas City Chiefs," Chiefs Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. "We are excited to partner with the State of Kansas to bring a world-class stadium to our fans. This project represents another step in our legacy of innovation and our fan-first mentality, which started with my father, Lamar Hunt. The stadium, practice facility, and surrounding development will benefit the entire region, and further elevate Kansas City in the eyes of the country and the world."
"This is a great day for Kansas City Chiefs fans," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "This public-private partnership, the result of a thoughtful and deliberate process, will build upon the Hunts' generational legacy by boldly investing in one of America's greatest fan bases. The Chiefs' new enclosed stadium will be a stage for unforgettable moments, whether it's playoff games, concerts or championship events. We congratulate the Chiefs and the Kansas City community on this important achievement."
The Chiefs announcement adds to the Kelly-Toland administration's unprecedented streak of winning business investment projects that create jobs and grow Kansas' economy. Since 2019, Kansas has attracted more than $30 billion committed capital investment and created or retained almost 78,000 jobs.
"Kansas has had a streak of big economic wins, but nothing is bigger than this. This is truly once-in-a-generation," said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland, who led the state team that negotiated the deal with the Chiefs. "This happened because we brought Democrats and Republicans together to do what was best for Kansas - landing our state a huge economic win, without requiring a single dollar from the state budget or a tax increase on Kansans. This historic win is the latest in a series of major economic wins for Kansas, including the Panasonic headquarters, which all tell the same story: the future for Kansas, its workers and its economy is very exciting."
"This is an extraordinary economic win for our state thanks to the effort of Governor Kelly and Lieutenant Governor Toland," said Christal Watson, Mayor & CEO Unified Government of Wyandotte KCK. "All of us in Wyandotte and Kansas City, Kansas are excited to work with the Chiefs and are committed to driving results that strengthen our region and uplift our community."
"This deal is a once-in-a-generation type of opportunity for our community and region. Having the Chiefs headquarters and training facilities here in Johnson County will be huge for our local economy - and a lot of fun for our families," said John Bacon, Mayor of Olathe. "We're eager to get to work, and are committed to ensuring the process - and the result - are first class, something everyone in Olathe - and all across Chiefs Kingdom - can be proud of."
"Today, Kansas won the Super Bowl," said Senate President Ty Masterson. "This is a huge win for Kansas. Now, we get to watch our beloved Chiefs play right here at home, keeping jobs and tax dollars right here in Kansas. Best of all, this will not cost one more penny for Kansas taxpayers."
"Here in Kansas, we love the Chiefs, and we also love a good deal for taxpayers. So this is a win-win," House Speaker Dan Hawkins said.
The project will be financed through a public-private partnership (60% public - 40% private). The public portion is funded through Sales Tax and Revenue (STAR) bonds and the Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund - both funding mechanisms established specifically for this purpose - to ensure that there will be no new state taxes and no impact on the state budget. The STAR bonds were authorized today by a bipartisan vote of the Legislative Coordinating Council.
The STAR bonds have two components: (1) It allows the state to designate a portion of new state sales tax revenues generated by this project in neighboring communities to fund this project; (2) It allows Wyandotte County and the City of Olathe to designate a portion of their local sales tax revenue generated by this project to pay for it. For more on STAR bonds, click here (https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/star-bonds/).
The Attracting Professional Sports to Kansas Fund was established by the legislature to dedicate revenue generated from iLottery and sports betting to recruit professional sports teams.
The Hunt Family is also committing to $1 billion in additional development, a portion of which can also be incentivized by STAR bonds.
For more information, visit www.kansascommerce.gov/chiefs-media-kit
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Original text here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2025/12/gov-kelly-and-kansas-city-chiefs-announce-agreement-on-plans-for-state-of-the-art-domed-stadium-in-kansas/
Colo. Agriculture Dept.: Small Grants, Big Impact - Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 24 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Small Grants, Big Impact: Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program is opening its first funding opportunity for urban producers in Colorado. The Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is accepting applications from urban agriculture operations seeking to complete small-scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressing
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DENVER, Colorado, Dec. 24 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Dec. 23, 2025:
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Small Grants, Big Impact: Funding Available to Strengthen Local Food Systems
The Colorado Department of Agriculture's Urban Agriculture Program is opening its first funding opportunity for urban producers in Colorado. The Urban Agriculture Microgrant Program is accepting applications from urban agriculture operations seeking to complete small-scale projects crucial to expanding urban production, implementing conservation practices, educating community members, and addressingother common challenges.
"Urban producers play a critical role in resilient local food systems across Colorado," said Evanne Caviness, Director of CDA's Conservation Services Division. "Farming in an urban interface poses unique challenges to urban producers, and here at CDA, we recognize the importance of investing in their innovation and resilience."
For the purpose of this grant program, urban agriculture means the cultivation and distribution of farm products in and around urban, peri-urban, and rural areas, specifically to serve the local community. These operations can also be a tool for education, community engagement, and raising awareness about agriculture and food production.
Urban growers throughout the state of Colorado are encouraged to apply, including any producer whose primary market includes community members and/or businesses local to their operation. Operations do not need to be based in a major metropolitan area to be considered.
A total of $20,000 is available for projects that support Colorado's urban farms through actionable improvements, capacity building, and community engagement. Grant awards may not exceed $5,000 for a single entity application. Applications are due by January 26, 2026.
The Urban Agriculture program staff will host an informational webinar about the microgrant on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 9 am. You can find the registration link and other information about how to apply on the Urban Agriculture Program webpage.
Urban agriculture is an area of focus for CDA as part of the agency's Strategic Plan. It falls into multiple strategic directions, such as Environmental Stewardship and Climate Resilience, People and Community, as well as Market and Economic Productivity.
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Original text here: https://ag.colorado.gov/press-release/small-grants-big-impact-funding-available-to-strengthen-local-food-systems
Ala. Commerce Dept.: Korean Economic Development Advisors Visit Alabama, Tour Key Sites
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Dec. 24 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Korean economic development advisors visit Alabama, tour key sites
Representatives for Alabama's economic development interests in the Republic of Korea visited the state earlier this month as they launch their new assignment.
Sean Blakeley and Carol Yelim Choo are leading Alabama's new foreign business development office in Seoul.
The Alabama Department of Commerce announced the office in October, along with a Japan office in Tokyo, as a way to strengthen business ties in key
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Dec. 24 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news on Dec. 22, 2025:
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Korean economic development advisors visit Alabama, tour key sites
Representatives for Alabama's economic development interests in the Republic of Korea visited the state earlier this month as they launch their new assignment.
Sean Blakeley and Carol Yelim Choo are leading Alabama's new foreign business development office in Seoul.
The Alabama Department of Commerce announced the office in October, along with a Japan office in Tokyo, as a way to strengthen business ties in keyglobal markets.
The new offices will help raise Alabama's profile in the region and build on solid, longtime relationships in both South Korea and Japan, said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair.
"We are looking forward to cultivating new partnerships while also attracting additional foreign direct investment and expanding markets for exports," McNair said. "Hosting Sean and Carol here in Alabama is one of the first steps in spreading the message in Seoul and beyond that we are ready for new business opportunities in the country."
During their visit to the state, Blakeley and Choo made stops in Mobile, Montgomery, Opelika and Chambers County, where they toured key sites and held meetings with local and state business leaders.
Their agenda included the Port of Mobile, Brookley Aeroplex, AIDT Maritime Center and Hyundai's auto assembly plant in Montgomery.
"This was their initial visit to Alabama, and the goal was to familiarize them with some of our assets," said Hollie Pegg, Assistant Director of Commerce's Recruitment and Retention Office in charge of Asian strategy. "They will primarily work from Seoul, but they will visit here periodically, and we will continue to visit South Korea."
Blakeley explained that "this was an excellent opportunity for us to really understand the Alabama offering and meet the talented people in the business ecosystem who would support potential new Korean investors."
In addition, they participated in an Economic Development Partnership of Alabama forum in Montgomery.
Pegg said Alabama has been successful in attracting significant Korean investment, particularly automotive companies, due to Hyundai's operations in Montgomery.
"The goal now is to diversify our Korean footprint. There are several industrial sectors that are good fits for our workforce, and we look forward to welcoming additional Korean investment into Alabama," she said.
Choo agreed, adding "with Korean investment into the U.S. set to increase, Alabama is well placed to attract investors from a variety of sectors including defense tech, shipbuilding and biotech."
Blakeley and Choo are with Samil PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC Korea), the firm selected by the Commerce Department to serve as Alabama's business development representative in South Korea. As the country's largest professional services firm, Samil PwC has more than 50 years of experience helping both public and private sector clients achieve their investment and trade goals.
The team is focused on identifying and cultivating Korean inbound investment opportunities, supporting Alabama exporters and trade development efforts and organizing participation in high-level engagements such as trade shows and missions.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2025/12/korean-economic-development-advisors-visit-alabama-tour-key-sites/
