Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and leaders from the state’s business and innovation sectors recently announced the creation of a new public‑private partnership: the Governor’s Competitiveness Council. Led by members of the business community in collaboration with government officials, the council will develop a long‑term, statewide vision to strengthen Colorado’s national business competitiveness and greater enhance the state’s innovation ecosystem. The council will also craft a data‑driven strategy to benchmark Colorado’s competitive advantages and identify legislative, policy, and regulatory recommendations aimed at further strengthening the state’s economy.
Delaware Gov. Matt Meyer and the Delaware Prosperity Partnership recently announced the launch of Innovate Delaware, a new initiative designed to attract startups to the state. The program aims to strengthen the state’s appeal to both homegrown startups and emerging companies from across the country, with a focus on fintech, clean energy, sustainable advanced materials, and biopharma manufacturing. Innovate Delaware’s first major effort will be the Delaware Rural Health Challenge, supported by a new grant program for rural health‑tech startups that is seeded with $5 million from the Rural Health Tech Catalyst Fund.
On Aug. 1, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore succeeded Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt as chair of the National Governors Association (NGA), and Indiana Gov. Mike Braun was named vice chair and chair‑elect. Upon assuming the role, Moore launched Service United, a new NGA initiative encouraging governors to create state‑based service programs modeled on the Service Year Option he has championed in Maryland. NGA secured $10 million from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation and the Schultz Family Foundation to support the effort, enabling states to apply for grants of up to $1.5 million to build or expand service programs. These programs aim to provide participants with skills, credentials, and stronger connections between employers and prospective employees.
Nebraska has rescinded tax incentives for data centers. On July 20, Gov. Jim Pillen signed an executive order repealing incentives previously offered under the state’s ImagiNE Act. This economic development program provides tax credits, sales tax refunds, and property tax exemptions to businesses that invest and hire workers in Nebraska.
The Technology & Innovation Office (TIO) of Economic Development New Mexico has awarded $1.2 million in non‑dilutive capital through the state’s inaugural New Mexico Quantum Technologies Award. Distributed as competitive $200,000 grants, the program supports early‑stage hardware, optics, and software developers committed to expanding or establishing operational hubs in New Mexico. The awards were split between three established in‑state firms and used to attract three out‑of‑state companies to relocate, expand operations, or establish regional facilities in New Mexico.