app03 Thu, 12 Nov 2026 13:02:29 +0000 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development - Episodes Tagged with “Infrastructure Readiness” https://podcast.econdevshow.com/tags/infrastructure%20readiness Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. en-us episodic Actionable economic development strategies and stories Dane Carlson Dane Carlson explores the strategies, ideas, and insights that are driving economic development forward into the future. You'll hear new insights from passionate ED's about their successes and struggles, and you'll learn from attraction and retention experts about how to apply actionable strategies inside your EDO. We'll help take your organization, your community, and your career to the next level. no econ dev, economic development, ed Dane Carlson show@econdevshow.com 240: Small Town, Big Tech with Victoria Archuleta https://podcast.econdevshow.com/240 fa47acc8-b1d0-4947-996e-68baee87a660 Mon, 26 Oct 2026 00:15:00 -0500 Dane Carlson 240 Small Town, Big Tech with Victoria Archuleta full Dane Carlson Victoria Archuleta shares how Los Lunas, New Mexico, is turning rapid population growth, major industrial investments, and a booming technology sector into long-term economic opportunity while confronting the infrastructure challenges that come with success. 27:53 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Development Director for the Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, about what happens when a small community starts attracting some very big companies. </p> <p>Located just south of Albuquerque, Los Lunas has grown from a quiet bedroom community into an industrial powerhouse, with major investments from Meta, Amazon, and companies working in advanced technology and energy. Victoria shares how the village is managing that growth, why its first economic development strategic plan was a game changer, and how infrastructure limitations, particularly electricity and transportation, can make or break major projects. </p> <p>They also discuss the importance of building on a community's existing strengths, engaging residents in economic development decisions, supporting local businesses, and balancing industrial expansion with small-town character. </p> <p>It's a conversation about punching above your weight, planning for the growth you want, and discovering that sometimes the biggest obstacle to economic development isn't attracting companies. It's having the infrastructure ready when they arrive.</p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <p><strong>1. Build your strategy around what makes your community different.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas benefits from New Mexico's longstanding strengths in scientific research, military installations, and advanced technology. Identify the assets, institutions, industries, and geographic advantages that distinguish your community, then target businesses that need those particular strengths rather than chasing every emerging industry.</p> <p><strong>2. Make infrastructure readiness part of your recruitment strategy.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas has reached the finalist stage on major projects only to lose opportunities because electricity couldn't be delivered quickly enough. Work directly with electric, gas, water, and wastewater providers to understand current capacity, expansion costs, and realistic delivery timelines before a prospect comes calling.</p> <p><strong>3. Create a strategic plan that actually influences decisions.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas recently adopted its first economic development strategic plan, a 119-page document developed with Better City. It identifies specific targets, including aerospace, defense technologies, health and biosciences, and logistics. Use strategic planning to prioritize industries, infrastructure investments, and economic development activities over the next five to ten years.</p> <p><strong>4. Don't underestimate how much your community wants to participate.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas received nearly 600 responses to its strategic planning survey and held three town halls, including a community visioning workshop. Invite residents, business owners, and people living in surrounding unincorporated areas into the process. Their priorities may differ from yours, but those concerns can reveal important barriers to growth.</p> <p><strong>5. Treat transportation as an economic development issue.</strong></p> <p>Traffic emerged as one of the biggest concerns during Los Lunas's strategic planning process. The village is pursuing a major interchange and bridge project to improve connectivity. Coordinate with public works and transportation officials so that road capacity, commuting patterns, and freight access are considered alongside industrial recruitment.</p> <p><strong>6. Look for the next generation of businesses your existing employers can attract.</strong></p> <p>Meta's presence has created opportunities for Los Lunas to pursue related suppliers and supply-chain businesses. Pacific Fusion's component manufacturing operation presents another opportunity to build on the regional technology ecosystem. Map the suppliers, service providers, and complementary industries associated with your existing employers, then use those relationships to develop new recruitment targets.</p> <p><strong>7. Connect major employers with small, locally owned businesses.</strong></p> <p>Victoria describes how Meta orders dozens of donuts from a local bakery, illustrating how major employers can support smaller businesses throughout a community. Help local companies identify procurement opportunities with large employers, encourage local purchasing relationships, and make sure economic development benefits extend beyond the industrial park.</p> <p><strong>8. Educate residents about what economic development does—and doesn't—control.</strong></p> <p>Residents frequently ask Victoria to bring retailers such as Chick-fil-A and Whataburger to Los Lunas. She uses those conversations to explain the distinction between industrial economic development and retail growth driven by population and market demand. Clearly communicate your organization's responsibilities, priorities, and limitations so that residents understand what you're working to accomplish.</p> <p><strong>9. Strengthen regional partnerships and workforce pipelines.</strong></p> <p>Los Lunas works with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and benefits from proximity to institutions including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Tech. Develop strong relationships with regional economic development partners and educational institutions to support employer recruitment, workforce preparation, and emerging industry opportunities.</p> <p><strong>10. Don't let business attraction overshadow retention and expansion.</strong></p> <p>Meta's continued expansion in Los Lunas demonstrates the value of maintaining relationships with existing employers. Victoria emphasizes that economic development isn't just about attracting companies; it's also about retaining, developing, and supporting businesses of every size. Make regular employer conversations, expansion support, and attention to existing business needs part of your economic development work.</p><p>Special Guest: Victoria Archuleta.</p> Los Lunas New Mexico, economic development strategic planning, data centers, Meta expansion, advanced manufacturing, fusion energy, infrastructure readiness, logistics and distribution, community engagement, business retention and expansion In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Development Director for the Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, about what happens when a small community starts attracting some very big companies.

Located just south of Albuquerque, Los Lunas has grown from a quiet bedroom community into an industrial powerhouse, with major investments from Meta, Amazon, and companies working in advanced technology and energy. Victoria shares how the village is managing that growth, why its first economic development strategic plan was a game changer, and how infrastructure limitations, particularly electricity and transportation, can make or break major projects.

They also discuss the importance of building on a community's existing strengths, engaging residents in economic development decisions, supporting local businesses, and balancing industrial expansion with small-town character.

It's a conversation about punching above your weight, planning for the growth you want, and discovering that sometimes the biggest obstacle to economic development isn't attracting companies. It's having the infrastructure ready when they arrive.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Build your strategy around what makes your community different.

Los Lunas benefits from New Mexico's longstanding strengths in scientific research, military installations, and advanced technology. Identify the assets, institutions, industries, and geographic advantages that distinguish your community, then target businesses that need those particular strengths rather than chasing every emerging industry.

2. Make infrastructure readiness part of your recruitment strategy.

Los Lunas has reached the finalist stage on major projects only to lose opportunities because electricity couldn't be delivered quickly enough. Work directly with electric, gas, water, and wastewater providers to understand current capacity, expansion costs, and realistic delivery timelines before a prospect comes calling.

3. Create a strategic plan that actually influences decisions.

Los Lunas recently adopted its first economic development strategic plan, a 119-page document developed with Better City. It identifies specific targets, including aerospace, defense technologies, health and biosciences, and logistics. Use strategic planning to prioritize industries, infrastructure investments, and economic development activities over the next five to ten years.

4. Don't underestimate how much your community wants to participate.

Los Lunas received nearly 600 responses to its strategic planning survey and held three town halls, including a community visioning workshop. Invite residents, business owners, and people living in surrounding unincorporated areas into the process. Their priorities may differ from yours, but those concerns can reveal important barriers to growth.

5. Treat transportation as an economic development issue.

Traffic emerged as one of the biggest concerns during Los Lunas's strategic planning process. The village is pursuing a major interchange and bridge project to improve connectivity. Coordinate with public works and transportation officials so that road capacity, commuting patterns, and freight access are considered alongside industrial recruitment.

6. Look for the next generation of businesses your existing employers can attract.

Meta's presence has created opportunities for Los Lunas to pursue related suppliers and supply-chain businesses. Pacific Fusion's component manufacturing operation presents another opportunity to build on the regional technology ecosystem. Map the suppliers, service providers, and complementary industries associated with your existing employers, then use those relationships to develop new recruitment targets.

7. Connect major employers with small, locally owned businesses.

Victoria describes how Meta orders dozens of donuts from a local bakery, illustrating how major employers can support smaller businesses throughout a community. Help local companies identify procurement opportunities with large employers, encourage local purchasing relationships, and make sure economic development benefits extend beyond the industrial park.

8. Educate residents about what economic development does—and doesn't—control.

Residents frequently ask Victoria to bring retailers such as Chick-fil-A and Whataburger to Los Lunas. She uses those conversations to explain the distinction between industrial economic development and retail growth driven by population and market demand. Clearly communicate your organization's responsibilities, priorities, and limitations so that residents understand what you're working to accomplish.

9. Strengthen regional partnerships and workforce pipelines.

Los Lunas works with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and benefits from proximity to institutions including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Tech. Develop strong relationships with regional economic development partners and educational institutions to support employer recruitment, workforce preparation, and emerging industry opportunities.

10. Don't let business attraction overshadow retention and expansion.

Meta's continued expansion in Los Lunas demonstrates the value of maintaining relationships with existing employers. Victoria emphasizes that economic development isn't just about attracting companies; it's also about retaining, developing, and supporting businesses of every size. Make regular employer conversations, expansion support, and attention to existing business needs part of your economic development work.

Special Guest: Victoria Archuleta.

Sponsored By:

  • Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you. Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show Dane Carlson talks with Victoria Archuleta, Senior Economic Development Director for the Village of Los Lunas, New Mexico, about what happens when a small community starts attracting some very big companies.

Located just south of Albuquerque, Los Lunas has grown from a quiet bedroom community into an industrial powerhouse, with major investments from Meta, Amazon, and companies working in advanced technology and energy. Victoria shares how the village is managing that growth, why its first economic development strategic plan was a game changer, and how infrastructure limitations, particularly electricity and transportation, can make or break major projects.

They also discuss the importance of building on a community's existing strengths, engaging residents in economic development decisions, supporting local businesses, and balancing industrial expansion with small-town character.

It's a conversation about punching above your weight, planning for the growth you want, and discovering that sometimes the biggest obstacle to economic development isn't attracting companies. It's having the infrastructure ready when they arrive.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

1. Build your strategy around what makes your community different.

Los Lunas benefits from New Mexico's longstanding strengths in scientific research, military installations, and advanced technology. Identify the assets, institutions, industries, and geographic advantages that distinguish your community, then target businesses that need those particular strengths rather than chasing every emerging industry.

2. Make infrastructure readiness part of your recruitment strategy.

Los Lunas has reached the finalist stage on major projects only to lose opportunities because electricity couldn't be delivered quickly enough. Work directly with electric, gas, water, and wastewater providers to understand current capacity, expansion costs, and realistic delivery timelines before a prospect comes calling.

3. Create a strategic plan that actually influences decisions.

Los Lunas recently adopted its first economic development strategic plan, a 119-page document developed with Better City. It identifies specific targets, including aerospace, defense technologies, health and biosciences, and logistics. Use strategic planning to prioritize industries, infrastructure investments, and economic development activities over the next five to ten years.

4. Don't underestimate how much your community wants to participate.

Los Lunas received nearly 600 responses to its strategic planning survey and held three town halls, including a community visioning workshop. Invite residents, business owners, and people living in surrounding unincorporated areas into the process. Their priorities may differ from yours, but those concerns can reveal important barriers to growth.

5. Treat transportation as an economic development issue.

Traffic emerged as one of the biggest concerns during Los Lunas's strategic planning process. The village is pursuing a major interchange and bridge project to improve connectivity. Coordinate with public works and transportation officials so that road capacity, commuting patterns, and freight access are considered alongside industrial recruitment.

6. Look for the next generation of businesses your existing employers can attract.

Meta's presence has created opportunities for Los Lunas to pursue related suppliers and supply-chain businesses. Pacific Fusion's component manufacturing operation presents another opportunity to build on the regional technology ecosystem. Map the suppliers, service providers, and complementary industries associated with your existing employers, then use those relationships to develop new recruitment targets.

7. Connect major employers with small, locally owned businesses.

Victoria describes how Meta orders dozens of donuts from a local bakery, illustrating how major employers can support smaller businesses throughout a community. Help local companies identify procurement opportunities with large employers, encourage local purchasing relationships, and make sure economic development benefits extend beyond the industrial park.

8. Educate residents about what economic development does—and doesn't—control.

Residents frequently ask Victoria to bring retailers such as Chick-fil-A and Whataburger to Los Lunas. She uses those conversations to explain the distinction between industrial economic development and retail growth driven by population and market demand. Clearly communicate your organization's responsibilities, priorities, and limitations so that residents understand what you're working to accomplish.

9. Strengthen regional partnerships and workforce pipelines.

Los Lunas works with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and benefits from proximity to institutions including the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, and New Mexico Tech. Develop strong relationships with regional economic development partners and educational institutions to support employer recruitment, workforce preparation, and emerging industry opportunities.

10. Don't let business attraction overshadow retention and expansion.

Meta's continued expansion in Los Lunas demonstrates the value of maintaining relationships with existing employers. Victoria emphasizes that economic development isn't just about attracting companies; it's also about retaining, developing, and supporting businesses of every size. Make regular employer conversations, expansion support, and attention to existing business needs part of your economic development work.

Special Guest: Victoria Archuleta.

Sponsored By:

  • Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you. Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.

Links:

]]> 201: Why Electricity Decides Everything Now in Economic Development with Timothy Comerford https://podcast.econdevshow.com/201 0c631bd5-eb3c-485b-8908-530c83db2407 Mon, 08 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0600 Dane Carlson 201 Why Electricity Decides Everything Now in Economic Development with Timothy Comerford full Dane Carlson A deep dive into why electricity has become the defining site selection factor, and what economic developers must understand about today’s strained utility landscape. 24:12 no <p>In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Timothy Comerford of Biggins Lacey &amp; Shapiro about the rapidly shifting reality of power availability in site selection. </p> <p>Tim explains how explosive demand from data centers and industrial users is overwhelming electric utilities, reshaping incentive policy, and lengthening timelines for securing capacity. He breaks down the biggest misconceptions around power lead times, why transmission is often the bottleneck, how utilities are adapting with costly engineering studies and take-or-pay requirements, and what steps EDOs must take to credibly position their sites. </p> <p>This is a masterclass on the new electricity-driven geography of economic development. </p> <p><a href="https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/" rel="nofollow noopener">Like this show? Please leave us a review here</a> — even one sentence helps! </p> <h2>Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers</h2> <ol> <li>Build strong, direct relationships with utility contacts who will actually talk to prospects.</li> <li>Understand that real timelines for securing large loads run in years, not months.</li> <li>Work with utilities to pre-identify transmission routes and right-of-way feasibility.</li> <li>Gather realistic load estimates from prospects instead of just taking their engineer's peak numbers.</li> <li>Know whether your sites already sit near substations with real remaining capacity.</li> <li>Incorporate redundancy needs early, since 100 percent backup can double infrastructure requirements.</li> <li>Prepare for developers who request huge speculative loads and learn how to differentiate serious projects.</li> <li>Recognize that incentives tied to data centers may face political pressure due to ratepayer impacts.</li> <li>Push utilities and state partners to invest in long-range planning that anticipates industrial and data center growth.</li> <li>Educate local stakeholders that modern site readiness now includes power readiness as a top priority.</li> </ol><p>Special Guest: Timothy Comeford.</p> econdev, economic development, eco devo, electric capacity, data centers, transmission constraints, site selection, utilities, economic development, grid planning, renewable energy, industrial projects, infrastructure readiness In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Timothy Comerford of Biggins Lacey & Shapiro about the rapidly shifting reality of power availability in site selection.

Tim explains how explosive demand from data centers and industrial users is overwhelming electric utilities, reshaping incentive policy, and lengthening timelines for securing capacity. He breaks down the biggest misconceptions around power lead times, why transmission is often the bottleneck, how utilities are adapting with costly engineering studies and take-or-pay requirements, and what steps EDOs must take to credibly position their sites.

This is a masterclass on the new electricity-driven geography of economic development.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Build strong, direct relationships with utility contacts who will actually talk to prospects.
  2. Understand that real timelines for securing large loads run in years, not months.
  3. Work with utilities to pre-identify transmission routes and right-of-way feasibility.
  4. Gather realistic load estimates from prospects instead of just taking their engineer's peak numbers.
  5. Know whether your sites already sit near substations with real remaining capacity.
  6. Incorporate redundancy needs early, since 100 percent backup can double infrastructure requirements.
  7. Prepare for developers who request huge speculative loads and learn how to differentiate serious projects.
  8. Recognize that incentives tied to data centers may face political pressure due to ratepayer impacts.
  9. Push utilities and state partners to invest in long-range planning that anticipates industrial and data center growth.
  10. Educate local stakeholders that modern site readiness now includes power readiness as a top priority.

Special Guest: Timothy Comeford.

Sponsored By:

  • Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you. Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.

Links:

]]> In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Timothy Comerford of Biggins Lacey & Shapiro about the rapidly shifting reality of power availability in site selection.

Tim explains how explosive demand from data centers and industrial users is overwhelming electric utilities, reshaping incentive policy, and lengthening timelines for securing capacity. He breaks down the biggest misconceptions around power lead times, why transmission is often the bottleneck, how utilities are adapting with costly engineering studies and take-or-pay requirements, and what steps EDOs must take to credibly position their sites.

This is a masterclass on the new electricity-driven geography of economic development.

Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps!

Ten Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers

  1. Build strong, direct relationships with utility contacts who will actually talk to prospects.
  2. Understand that real timelines for securing large loads run in years, not months.
  3. Work with utilities to pre-identify transmission routes and right-of-way feasibility.
  4. Gather realistic load estimates from prospects instead of just taking their engineer's peak numbers.
  5. Know whether your sites already sit near substations with real remaining capacity.
  6. Incorporate redundancy needs early, since 100 percent backup can double infrastructure requirements.
  7. Prepare for developers who request huge speculative loads and learn how to differentiate serious projects.
  8. Recognize that incentives tied to data centers may face political pressure due to ratepayer impacts.
  9. Push utilities and state partners to invest in long-range planning that anticipates industrial and data center growth.
  10. Educate local stakeholders that modern site readiness now includes power readiness as a top priority.

Special Guest: Timothy Comeford.

Sponsored By:

  • Sitehunt: Sitehunt gives economic developers both AI-powered site selection software and a team of experts ready to do the work for you. Schedule a demo at sitehunt.io/demo.

Links:

]]>