Lisa Hurley, executive director of the York County Development Corporation, briefed commissioners July 22 on the corporation’s strategic work, recent project support, and a funding request for fiscal 2026.
Hurley said YCDC’s projected operating expenditures for 2025 are $452,947 and that the organization is drawing on reserves this year, with a projected reserve draw of about $11,968 tied to a special marketing project. She said York County’s FY2025 investment of $76,000 represents 16.78% of YCDC’s operating budget and that YCDC is requesting the county increase its contribution to $80,000 in 2026.
Hurley highlighted recent economic-development activity: 29 projects supported that she said represent about $393 million in capital investment, assistance with housing projects and subdivisions in Bradshaw, McCool Junction and Henderson, and an ongoing push to build both rental and ownership housing. She cited a 588-unit housing need estimate to 2030 from a county housing study and described preservation and rehab options alongside new construction.
Hurley also described a workforce-development initiative she said could be transformative: preliminary work with Southeast Community College (SCC) and local employers has produced a potential SCC commitment of $6 million to $7 million toward a roughly $10 million regional workforce center, with YCDC planning grant and fundraising work to cover the balance. She said the center would house manufacturing, healthcare and trades training designed with regional employers and school districts and could allow residents to complete technical credentials locally.
On marketing and talent attraction, Hurley said YCDC received a roughly $47,000 grant to support a larger $98,000 campaign branded “The Good Life Is Calling,” and the county contribution helps pay Golden Shovel (marketing agency) and other promotional work. She noted the county podcast, a new website, billboards in production and social-media ad campaigns that she said had achieved about $0.08 per click in recent advertising buys.
Hurley asked the board to consider the $80,000 funding request for 2026 to continue YCDC’s marketing, talent and business retention and expansion roles. Commissioners asked for clarifications about funding sources and projects; Hurley said YCDC is pursuing private, foundation and grant funding in addition to local contributions and that some federal programs are not viable for this project, so private philanthropy and state/regional partners will be a focus.
No formal vote on the funding request occurred July 22; commissioners asked staff to continue reviewing the requests and materials and to raise any questions during the budget process.