What separates good economic development organizations from great ones? According to Barry Broome, it comes down to leadership, data, and the courage to adapt.

In this episode of Develop This!, host Dennis Fraise sits down with Barry Broome, President and CEO of the Greater Sacramento Economic Council and recipient of the 2025 Chairwoman's Award from the International Economic Development Council.

Barry shares hard-earned insights from decades in the field, offering a candid look at the evolving economic development landscape. From the acceleration of reshoring and the rise of secondary markets to the growing influence of AI and automation, this conversation dives deep into the forces shaping regional economies today.

A major theme? Communities must be prepared—or risk being left behind. Barry emphasizes that credible data, reliable power infrastructure, and workforce readiness are no longer optional—they are prerequisites for competing in today's investment environment. As demand for data centers and AI-driven industries surges, the conversation highlights a critical reality: power availability may be the single biggest constraint on growth.

The discussion also explores a shift toward smaller, more strategic projects and why chasing megadeals without fundamentals in place can backfire. Barry offers practical, real-world advice for economic developers looking to position their communities for long-term success.

Whether you're working in a large metro or a second-tier market, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you lead with clarity, compete effectively, and build a more resilient regional economy.

Key Topics

Leadership traits of high-performing economic development organizations
The impact of AI and automation on jobs and regional competitiveness
Strategies for attracting, retaining, and growing investment
The critical role of power infrastructure in data centers and AI projects
Workforce challenges and opportunities in a shifting economy
Lessons learned from a distinguished career in economic development

Sound Bites

"Moving away from meritocracy to comfort levels."
"Not having good data is a red flag for communities."
"Power availability is critical for data centers."