News & Resources
April 28: Webinar – Manufacturing Innovation Institutes and State Economic Development Organizations (SEDE) Department of Defense Manufacturing Innovation Institutes (MIIs) are driving innovation in critical technology sectors — but maximizing their impact often depends on creating the right partnerships. Join Manufacturing Momentum and the State Economic Development Executives (SEDE) Network for a presentation and panel discussion featuring leaders from AIM Photonics and Empire State Development (ESD). They will share how their partnership took shape, what each organization brought to the table, and the tangible benefits that followed. This webinar will provide a cooperative template for MIIs and state economic development agencies. Join us on April 28, at 3:00PM ET. Register here.
May 4: SEDE Summer Meeting (SEDE) The State Economic Development Executives (SEDE) Network is holding its summer meeting for state economic development executives or their top deputy in Washington, DC on the afternoon of May 4th in conjunction with SelectUSA activities. Leaders are encouraged to attend SelectUSA and take time to stop over for this Monday morning SEDE meeting which will be just two blocks from the Investment Summit. Much of the meeting will be dedicated to opportunities for networking among the state economic development commissioners, secretaries and executive directors or their top deputy. Register here.
Block Your Calendar: Colorado Hosts Fall SEDE Meeting – 10/15 – 16 (SEDE) The State Economic Development Executives (SEDE) Network is holding its fall meeting for state economic development executives or their top deputy in Denver, Colorado. Eve Lieberman, Executive Director of the Colorado Office of Economic Development & International Trade, is excited to bring SEDE executives to the Mile High City on October 15th and 16th. More information will be available in the coming weeks.
TechAccess: AI-Ready America (NSF) TechAccess: AI-Ready America is a national-scale initiative to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness and adoption across the U.S. by strengthening coordination, leveraging partnerships and resources, filling gaps, and scaling what works—so local and state priorities can lead in shaping an AI-driven economy that benefits all Americans.This funding opportunity focuses on Coordination Hubs. An award will be awarded in each state and territory to Hubs who will serve as the center of state/territory-wide coordination to accelerate AI readiness and deployment. Hubs will focus on coordinating with a National Lead and accelerating AI readiness training and developing a strategic plan. Letters of Intent are due by July 16th.
U.S. DOL Announces $85M in Grant Funding to Support Registered Apprenticeship Expansion (USDOL) The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of approximately $85 million in funding to help states and territories fuel Registered Apprenticeship expansion. Administered by the Department’s Employment and Training Administration, the fourth round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grants provide direct funding to states and territories based on a newperformance-based formula. The formula rewards states for recent growth in active and new apprentices and encourages strategies that increase employer participation. States with federally recognized State Apprenticeship agencies must also now publish average program approval times to increase transparency and accountability in the registration process.
President’s FY27 Budget Request Summary (NADO) On April 3rd 2026, the White House released the President’s FY 2027 (FY27) discretionary budget request to Congress, outlining the administration’s proposal for spending for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2026.The summary includes proposed cuts and additions that impact states and Regional Development Organizations, such as the elimination of the Economic Development Administration and a $1.3B increase in the Big, Beautiful Infrastructure program at DOT.
State Leader Spotlight
Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Economic Development and Tourism, Office of Governor Greg Abbott
October 2019, Adriana Cruz was appointed to lead the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism Office. The Office markets Texas as one of the world’s premier business and travel destinations. As Executive Director, Cruz provides leadership to Business and Community Development, Texas Tourism, Texas Workforce Investment Council, Texas Music Office, and the Texas Film Commission. Cruz has more than 20 years of leadership experience in economic development, marketing, and international business. Prior to her appointment to lead the Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, Cruz was President of the Greater San Marcos Partnership, the regional economic development organization established to encourage and nurture economic growth in San Marcos, and Hays and Caldwell counties. Previously, Cruz was the Vice President of Global Corporate Recruitment for the Austin Chamber of Commerce.
Earlier in her career, Cruz served as Vice President of Global Corporate Recruitment for the Austin Chamber of Commerce, leading efforts that brought high-profile companies such as Apple and Facebook to Central Texas. She also held the position of Director of Marketing in Governor Rick Perry’s Economic Development and Tourism Office, where she oversaw the state’s economic development marketing initiatives, including the development of the “Texas Wide Open for Business” brand campaign.
Across the States: Developments to Know
Massachusetts Files Mass Wins Act to Create Jobs, Lower Costs, and Attract Global Investment (Mass.gov) Governor Maura Healey filed the Mass Wins Act, an economic development bill that positions Massachusetts as a global destination for companies looking to invest, grow and create jobs in the United States, while strengthening the state’s competitiveness and lowering costs for businesses. Building on the progress of the Mass Leads Act, the proposal reflects a changing economic landscape and the need for continued, strategic investment to maintain Massachusetts’ leadership in key industries such as artificial intelligence, quantum, climate tech, defense and robotics.The bill includes $305 million in capital authorizations and is organized around five core pillars focused on driving innovation, reducing barriers to growth, expanding access to opportunity, supporting business development, and strengthening the state’s long-term economic foundations.
New Mexico Invests Up to $8M to Train 398 Workers (New Mexico EDD) The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) approved funding for eighteen companies to hire, train, and upskill 398 workers in the first quarter of 2026. These awards support key growth industries, including intelligent manufacturing, aerospace, value-added agriculture, green energy, and film and media. JTIP funding covers at least 50% of trainee wages for up to six months. The reimbursement percentage is higher for jobs located in rural and frontier areas, companies hiring New Mexico graduates, and other criteria that encourage local hiring. Companies include those specializing in defense and space tech, high-precision manufacturing, and quantum sensors.
Maryland Unveils First Public-Private Partnership Center (The Southern Maryland Chronicle) The creation of the Maryland Center for Public-Private Partnerships was announced at the Maryland Economic Development Corporation. The new center aims to speed economic development and deliver critical infrastructure projects by uniting public and private sector resources across the state. The center marks the first initiative of its kind in Maryland. It will connect state and local governments with private developers, universities, and nonprofit organizations to tackle complex challenges through innovative financing and partnership models.