YCDC Investors Brought Momentum to York County’s Development in 2025

Economic development requires a long-term effort, with projects requiring years of planning before they come into fruition. However, 2025 saw a momentum shift for York County as several projects turned from the planning to the progress phase. Community leaders, businesses, and local organizations came together to create new opportunities while showcasing the wonderful aspects of York County.

“It’s exciting to see everyone’s hard work pay off,” says Lisa Hurley, Executive Director of the York County Development Corporation (YCDC). “We couldn’t be where we are today without countless community members and organizations working tirelessly to make the region better.”  

YCDC worked on several campaigns throughout the year, but focused on a few key areas:

• Talent attraction and retention: National campaigns invited workers to choose York County or return home. 
• Workforce development: YCDC invested in programs to upskill workers, enabling them to advance their careers and create a better talent pool for employers. 
• Business attraction: New companies continue to choose York County because of its strategic location, available industrial space, and strong community. 
• Housing: YCDC continues to work with local partners to create housing opportunities.

The efforts of YCDC are not possible without the support of investors, who provide financial contributions throughout the year. Investor levels start at $100 for start-ups or in-home businesses and reach beyond $5,000 for enterprises that want to shape the future of York.

See the impact YCDC investors have on the community. Here is what the community accomplished this year. 

York County Reached National Audiences

YCDC invested significantly in digital talent attraction campaigns to tell its story. Along with its own funds, YCDC received a grant to bring new people to York County and welcome former Nebraska residents home. The Good Life Is Calling Grant was used to create a series of videos and virtual reality experiences showcasing the region while funding digital ads to make sure York County gets noticed.

The data below only reflects half of the first month, but the initial results are promising!

• Google Ads: 23,918 impressions, 439 clicks, and a 1.84% Click-Through Rate. 
• Facebook Ads: 43,584 impressions, 27,263 reach, and an even stronger 3.39% CTR.

The average CTR for Facebook Ads is 0.95%. YCDC has more than tripled its ad performance engagement.

The social media performance doesn’t stop there. Looking at the year as a whole, YCDC’s reach on Facebook has skyrocketed. In 2024, YCDC had 70,300 Facebook views. This increased sixfold in 2025 to 461,874 views. YCDC currently has 2,344 Facebook followers, 500 LinkedIn followers, and 443 Instagram followers.

YCDC’s social media efforts are designed to drive traffic to the website, and its promotions are working. Here’s the data for 2025:

• YorkDevCo.com saw 32,000 users and 99,000 page views this year.
• The 17-County Podcast was streamed 6,800 times over the past year, reaching a total of 34,000 listeners in 80 countries. 
• SizeUp York County was used 395 times by local businesses and entrepreneurs.

People are starting to notice York County, whether they are engaging with YCDC’s Facebook Ads, listening to the podcast, or reading content on the website. This is an excellent first step to attract residents and businesses that can shape the future of the region. 

YCDC Invested Directly in Workforce Development

While talent attraction is a valuable way to grow the community, YCDC is also committed to investing in current residents. Workforce development efforts give employees the skills they need to advance their careers, enter new fields, or do their jobs more effectively. When York County has a well-trained workforce, companies will have an easier time hiring, and new businesses are more likely to take an interest in the area.

YCDC invested in multiple leadership development programs in 2025 to support the community. A few highlights include:

• The 17-County Leadership course honing the personal leadership skills of York County employees. 
• The Dale Carnegie Leadership Course, created in partnership with Klute Inc., providing a communication and collaboration intensive for the local workforce. 
• The One-Day Communication Intensive with Ginger Johnson highlighting how people can work together by finding common ground. 
• The SPARK 2025 small business pitch contest balanced learning and entrepreneur development with healthy competition, resulting in funding for the winners.

YCDC also invests in the next generation of the York County workforce. The York University Career Fair introduces students to local companies, starting valuable conversations about employment. Considering that 70% of York University’s students come from outside Nebraska, this is a valuable path to attract and keep young talent in the region.  The York Regional Career Day reaches 150~ students annually and is only one of the ways we interact with our region's high school students. 

Housing Inventory is Growing in the Region

YCDC assisted with several housing projects in 2025, increasing inventory to support the community. According to a 2021 York County Housing Study, the region needs 542 units by 2030. The goal is to create housing options to accommodate a variety of lifestyles and income brackets.

A few housing projects include:

• The Bradshaw Project: This project relocated seven homes from York to Bradshaw, which are waiting for the final construction to happen to open these homes to families. 
• Countryside Estates: York's newest residential development will bring affordable, move-in-ready homes to residents. This project is made possible by Hillcrest Homes, Champion Homes, and the partnership of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.  
• McCool Junction, Henderson and Gresham: YCDC is working with the Southeast Nebraska Development District to move forward with speculative homes to keep up with workforce demand.

Every housing project creates opportunities for people to establish their families in York County and call this region home. Housing solutions require multi-faceted efforts and multiple organizations working together to drive results. 

YCDC Continues to Be a Voice for York County

All of YCDC’s efforts support York County and the businesses and residents that reside here. Along with creating job opportunities and improving housing options, YCDC is a voice for the region. Its leadership team speaks up to ensure resources are sent here and policies benefit the region.

Read Lisa Hurley’s article on the benefits of economic development in York County. Learn why funding an organization like YCDC and participating in its efforts makes a difference. Every investor is important and every contribution counts to move York County forward. Our voice is louder because of you.  

Invest in YCDC to Grow York County

There are many arms to economic development, which is why YCDC is involved in so many projects throughout the year. Recruiting talent isn’t as effective without housing for new residents, and economic development teams also want to invest in the people who live here currently. If you want to see York County grow in the coming years with sustainable, long-term investments, become a YCDC investor. You can have a voice in how the region grows and be the change you want to see.

Learn more about YCDC’s work by reading the 2025 Annual Update. You can also enroll as a 2026 investor online today.