Why It Matters: The Work Behind York County’s Growth

Why It Matters: The Work Behind York County’s Growth

By Lisa Hurley, Executive Director
York County Development Corporation

Each year, as we recognize Small Business Week and Economic Development Week, it provides an opportunity to review what we do, and to put together a series of efforts to highlight our community.

At the York County Development Corporation (YCDC), our mission is to promote and encourage quality economic growth in York County. What that looks like day-to-day, and how that work benefits our communities, often happens behind the scenes.

It’s not always one project, one announcement, or one ribbon cutting. More often, it’s the steady, intentional work of building an environment where businesses choose to invest, people choose to live, and communities continue to grow.

Economic Development Is More Than Attraction

One of the most common questions we hear is: What does YCDC actually do?

Why? Because people don’t always see the full scope of how we work. One misconception is that the partnership between the City of York, YCDC, and Retail Coach is only about recruiting national retailers. That’s not the case.

I’ve asked for Retail Coach reports to support downtown businesses and have brought them into conversations with local entrepreneurs who are considering large investments. Supporting existing businesses, helping new ones grow, strengthening our workforce pipeline, advancing housing, and keeping York County competitive are all part of the work we do every day.

That approach reflects YCDC’s broad role: supporting existing businesses and those looking to invest here, strengthening our workforce pipeline, advancing housing, and helping ensure York County remains competitive in a changing economy. Our strategic plan is built around five focus areas: Talent, Business, Housing, Infrastructure, and Organizational Strength. 

An example of how these goes tie together, is the Countryside Estates project in York. This new housing project is in partnership with Champion Homes, who are constructing the homes at the facility. The initial house has been shown to many communities, even outside of Nebraska, which strengthens Champion’s York location. Plus, each house being put onsite and sold requires working with local contractors, realtors, and lenders. This one project has touched retention and expansion of our existing businesses, and is helping to find housing for incoming people, required coordination on the infrastructure side, and has had YCDC staff strengthening internal organizational strategies. 

Supporting Small Business and Entrepreneurship

Small businesses are at the heart of York County’s economy.

Over the past year, more than 600 users have completed over 2,000 reports through SizeUp York County, our free small business analytics tool. That usage has translated into an estimated $1 million in savings for local businesses in market research and consulting costs.

Through programs like SPARK, we’ve supported entrepreneurs as they test ideas, expand operations, and invest in their future here. These are the businesses that employ our neighbors and shape our communities.

Whether directly or indirectly, businesses across York County benefit from this work through access to better data, stronger workforce pipelines, expanded customer bases, and an environment that supports growth. 

Investing in Workforce and Talent

At the end of the day, this work comes down to people.

YCDC continues to work alongside schools, Southeast Community College, York University, and local employers to strengthen workforce pipelines and create opportunities for both students and adult learners.

One of the most significant efforts underway is the York Regional Workforce Development Center / Learning Center—a $10 million project designed to serve high school students, adult learners, and incumbent workers. With more than $2.6 million already raised and growing regional interest, this project represents a long-term investment in the future of our workforce.

At the same time, YCDC is working to attract talent through targeted marketing efforts. Our national digital talent campaign has generated more than 600,000 impressions across platforms, putting York County in front of potential residents. These efforts have also driven nearly 24,000 clicks, showing that people are not only seeing York County but actively exploring living and working here. Engagement continues to grow, helping support local employers by expanding awareness and strengthening our ability to attract and retain talent.

Because when businesses look at a community, they’re not just asking, Can I locate or stay here? They’re asking, Can I grow here? 

That conversation increasingly includes access to childcare. With partners, YCDC recently brought together providers and community leaders to discuss how childcare availability impacts workforce participation and business operations. At this meeting, we have identified the need to bring our providers together regularly. Like housing and training, childcare is a critical piece of the workforce equation and one that requires collaboration to move forward.

Housing, Business, and Growth—Working Together

Housing continues to be one of the most important and visible economic development challenges across the country.

In York County, we are approaching housing as part of a broader strategy. Developments like Countryside Estates, and other local efforts, are helping create the types of homes our workforce and families are looking for.

At the same time, these efforts support our existing employers by improving talent attraction and retention. In many cases, housing projects also connect directly to our Business Retention and Expansion work, ensuring that the companies already investing in York County can continue to grow.

This alignment is what we’re working on in York County.

Preparing for the Next Opportunity

While much of our work focuses on today’s needs, we are also preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities.

The 200-acre Northwest York Industrial Park, with access to Interstate 80, Highway 81, rail potential, and proximity to the York Municipal Airport, positions York County for future growth in manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.

Equally important is the work that has been done behind the scenes: due diligence, site planning, and coordination. When an opportunity arises, the completed studies, such as the traffic study, matter, and allows York County to compete.

YCDC’s role is not to determine which businesses should or should not consider York County, but to ensure that when opportunities arise, we are positioned to respond. Not every project will look the same, and not every opportunity will align with every perspective. Creating a strong, competitive environment allows communities and stakeholders to engage in those decisions with clarity.

Building Visibility Beyond Our Borders

Economic development extends beyond county lines.

Over the past year, YCDC has continued to expand York County’s visibility through marketing efforts, regional partnerships, and national conversations. Whether through digital campaigns, industry events, or sharing our story on broader platforms, these efforts help ensure York County is part of the conversations where decisions are made.

We’ve now surpassed 38,000 listens on the 17 County Podcast, with most of those coming from outside of Nebraska. That tells us our story is reaching far beyond York County and helping increase awareness of who we are and what our community offers. 

That visibility also extends to how we showcase York County as a destination. As we recognize Tourism Week, YCDC is proud to partner with the York County Visitors Bureau and the York Chamber to support and promote local events and experiences. Tourism plays an important role in our economy by supporting small businesses, drawing visitors to our communities, and contributing to the overall quality of life that makes York County a place people want to return to and invest in.

A Shared Effort

The progress we see across York County is not the work of one organization.

It is the result of businesses investing, educators preparing the next generation, communities collaborating, and stakeholders choosing to support a shared vision.

YCDC’s role is to help connect those efforts, remove barriers, and keep momentum moving forward.

This work is made possible through the investment of both private and public partners. Stakeholder support allows YCDC to lead initiatives, respond to opportunities, and represent York County in the conversations that shape future growth. It’s a shared commitment that drives results.

Looking Ahead

Economic development is not about short-term wins. It’s about long-term direction.

To our stakeholders, investors, and partners, thank you. Your support allows this work to continue, expand, and adapt to what comes next.

If you have questions, ideas, or are exploring an opportunity in York County, we encourage you to reach out to the YCDC team. Whether you’re a business owner, entrepreneur, or community partner, we’re here to connect you with resources and help move ideas forward.

As we recognize Small Business Week, Economic Development Week, and Tourism Week, it’s a reminder that the strength of York County comes from the people, businesses, and communities who continue to invest in its future.

That is Why York County.