DT #687 How Los Angeles Stays a Global Economic Powerhouse
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Release Date: 09/30/2026
DT #687 How Los Angeles Stays a Global Economic Powerhouse
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What does it take to lead one of the world's most dynamic regional economies? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , CEO of the , to discuss his unconventional journey from social work to leading one of the nation's largest economic development organizations. Stephen shares how his diverse career shaped his leadership style and explains why listening, collaboration, and long-term thinking are essential to building resilient communities. He also discusses how Los Angeles has leveraged its diversity, innovation, and global connections to remain one of the world's leading economic...
info_outline
DT #688 How Australia Is Elevating the Economic Development Profession
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How do you build a stronger profession while helping communities thrive? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , CEO of (EDA), to discuss the evolution of economic development in Australia and why collaboration, professional standards, and continuous learning are shaping the future of the industry. Jacqueline shares her career journey into economic development and reflects on the lessons she's learned leading Australia's national professional association. She explains how Economic Development Australia has expanded education, certification, and networking opportunities while...
info_outline
DT #685 How Communities Can Turn Their Assets into Competitive Advantages
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can communities identify their greatest strengths and turn them into a competitive advantage? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President of , to discuss how communities can build a smarter asset strategy that attracts investment and supports long-term economic growth. Jeanette explains that successful economic development goes beyond available land and infrastructure. Communities must recognize both their tangible and intangible assets—from workforce and leadership to partnerships and organizational alignment—and understand how those strengths position them for...
info_outline
DT #686 How Data, Technology, and AI Are Transforming Entrepreneurship
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can communities build entrepreneurial ecosystems that create lasting economic opportunity? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , Founder and CEO of , to discuss his journey from immigrant entrepreneur to economic development leader and his mission to help communities build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. David shares how his experiences shaped his passion for creating pathways to prosperity and explains why supporting entrepreneurs is one of the most effective ways to drive long-term economic growth. He emphasizes that successful ecosystems go beyond programs—they...
info_outline
DT #683 Building Stronger Communities Through Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
How can entrepreneurship become the driving force behind stronger, more resilient communities? In this episode of Develop This!, talks with , Economic Development Specialist for the City of Arlington, about his unconventional journey from aspiring pediatric neurosurgeon to economic development leader and why entrepreneurship should be at the center of every community's growth strategy. Josh explains how entrepreneurship and economic development go hand in hand, arguing that thriving local businesses create the foundation for long-term economic success. He shares lessons from Brownsville's...
info_outline
DT #684 Why Leadership Is the Ultimate Economic Development Strategy
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What separates communities that thrive from those that struggle to attract lasting investment? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , President & CEO of , to discuss why leadership—not incentives—is the most important driver of economic development success. Gray shares lessons from decades of experience helping communities navigate complex projects, explaining how trust, transparency, and a shared vision create the foundation for sustainable growth. He discusses why leadership becomes even more critical during times of uncertainty and how crises often reveal the true...
info_outline
DT #681 How Introverts Can Master Networking and Public Speaking
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Do you have to be an extrovert to be a great networker or public speaker? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore how introverts—and anyone who feels uncomfortable in networking situations—can build authentic connections, gain confidence, and thrive in professional settings. Mark explains why successful networking isn't about collecting business cards or dominating conversations. Instead, it's about showing genuine curiosity, asking thoughtful questions, and focusing on the other person. He shares practical strategies for "working the room," creating meaningful...
info_outline
DT #682 Inside Site Selection: What Communities Must Do to Win Projects
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What really happens before a company announces a major investment—and how do communities make the shortlist? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with , Vice Chairman at , to explore the behind-the-scenes world of site selection and what it takes for communities to compete for major economic development projects. Seth explains the extensive analysis that happens long before a project becomes public, from evaluating infrastructure and workforce availability to assessing risk, political stability, and long-term business viability. He also shares how AI and advanced data tools are...
info_outline
DT #691 Data Centers, AI, and the Future of Economic Growth With Gene Marks
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
Are data centers the next essential piece of America's economic infrastructure? In this episode of Develop This!, sits down with to explore the growing debate around data centers, AI, and the infrastructure needed to support the digital economy. Gene compares today's data center expansion to the development of America's railroads, arguing that major technological advances often face resistance before becoming essential parts of everyday life. The conversation also examines concerns surrounding electricity, water usage, environmental impact, incentives, and local opposition. Gene discusses...
info_outline
DT #678 Why Authentic Branding Matters in Economic Development
Develop This: Economic and Community Development
What role does marketing play in shaping a region’s economic future? In this episode of Develop This!, speaks with about her unique path into economic development and how her background in communications and marketing has influenced her approach to regional growth and leadership. Jennifer shares how authentic branding, strategic messaging, and stakeholder engagement have become essential tools for attracting investment and strengthening regional identity. She explains why communities that clearly communicate who they are—and what makes them unique—are better positioned to compete in...
info_outlineWhat does it take to lead one of the world's most dynamic regional economies?
In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise sits down with Stephen Cheung, CEO of the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC), to discuss his unconventional journey from social work to leading one of the nation's largest economic development organizations.
Stephen shares how his diverse career shaped his leadership style and explains why listening, collaboration, and long-term thinking are essential to building resilient communities. He also discusses how Los Angeles has leveraged its diversity, innovation, and global connections to remain one of the world's leading economic hubs.
The conversation explores LA's competitive advantages, including its strength in international trade, aerospace, entertainment, life sciences, and emerging industries. Stephen also highlights the importance of infrastructure, foreign direct investment, and regional partnerships in supporting long-term economic growth.
Another major focus is resilience. From natural disasters to economic disruptions, Stephen explains how communities can prepare for uncertainty while continuing to attract investment and create opportunities. He also shares how Los Angeles is preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games and other global events that will shape the region's future.
Throughout the episode, Stephen reflects on the importance of relationship-building, global collaboration, and embracing new technologies like AI to stay competitive in a rapidly changing economy.
A key takeaway? Strong regional economies are built through collaboration, resilience, and leaders who can unite diverse stakeholders around a shared vision.
Key Takeaways
-
Diverse industry clusters strengthen long-term economic resilience
-
International trade and global partnerships remain critical to regional growth
-
Infrastructure and collaboration drive sustainable economic development
-
Preparing for major global events creates lasting economic opportunities
-
AI and emerging technologies are reshaping economic development strategies
-
Effective leadership begins with listening and building strong relationships
Key Topics Covered
-
Stephen Cheung's journey into economic development
-
Los Angeles' diverse economy and industry clusters
-
International trade and foreign direct investment
-
Regional resilience and disaster recovery
-
Preparing for the 2028 Olympic Games
-
Leadership, collaboration, and future economic trends
Sound Bites
-
“Stephen Cheung's career path was not linear.”
-
“LA hosts multiple major sporting events and teams.”
-
“AI is a key trend for economic developers.”