Why York County: 30 Years Strong — Building What’s Next

Lisa Hurley
Executive Director
York County Development Corporation

As we step into a new year at the York County Development Corporation, January feels especially meaningful. In December 2026, YCDC will proudly mark 30 years of service, three decades of partnership, progress, and shared commitment to strengthening opportunity across York County. This milestone is one we’ll be celebrating all year long.

At the heart of this anniversary is a simple question we ask every day: Why York County?
The answer has always been rooted in shared commitment. I am deeply grateful for the individuals, businesses, and communities who invest their time, leadership, and resources to move our county forward. That collaborative spirit has shaped the last 30 years and continues to guide us as we look ahead. When you drive through York County, you can see the impact of those partnerships taking shape in real and lasting ways.

Welcoming New Talent to the Team

That forward momentum continues with the addition of new talent. I’m excited to welcome Grace Staehr as the newest member of the YCDC team. Grace brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong interest in economic and community development. Her role will support several key focus areas, including workforce initiatives, business support, and community partnerships.

Grace’s addition aligns directly with YCDC’s strategic emphasis on talent and organizational capacity. When we talk about Why York County, we’re talking about being intentional—about connecting people to opportunity and ensuring the right support systems are in place for long-term success. We’re thrilled to have Grace on board and look forward to the energy and perspective she brings to our work.

A Thank You and Farewell

With growth also comes transition. I would like to extend a sincere thank you to Emily Perry for her contributions during her time at YCDC. Emily played an important role in supporting our mission, and I appreciate the dedication and care she brought to her work.

We are excited to see Emily begin her next chapter as a school counselor at McCool Junction Schools. Her continued commitment to students and education reflects the very outcomes YCDC strives to support, and we wish her every success as she continues to make a positive impact in our region.

Connecting Our Work to Strategy

As we celebrate 30 years strong, YCDC’s work remains grounded in a clear and intentional strategic plan. Our scope—spanning workforce development, housing, business retention and expansion, talent attraction, and community vitalities are designed to work together, not in silos. Each focus area reinforces the others, helping ensure opportunity is accessible, sustainable, and aligned with community needs.

Looking ahead, 2026 will also mark the start of our next five-year strategic planning process. This effort will allow us to reflect on progress, identify emerging opportunities, and ensure YCDC remains responsive, focused, and forward-looking.

Advocacy, Engagement, and What’s Ahead

Advocacy remains a critical component of our work. YCDC will continue to engage with elected officials and partners at the local, state, and federal levels to ensure rural communities like ours have a seat at the table. Strong policy, infrastructure investment, and workforce support are essential to building long-term competitiveness and reinforcing Why York County—today and into the future.

As part of our 30th anniversary year, we will also be reaching out to stakeholders and partners to engage in upcoming events and initiatives, including Regional Career Day, our Annual Banquet, and ongoing Business Retention and Expansion visits. These touchpoints are essential to staying connected, understanding local needs, and continuing to build meaningful relationships across York County.

Built Together — Then and Now

As we enter this anniversary year, our message is simple: YCDC’s progress is built together. Stakeholders are not just supporters of this work—they are partners who help turn vision into action.

Thirty years in, we are proud of the foundation that has been built and energized by what lies ahead. Thank you for your continued partnership, for investing in York County’s future, and for helping us continue to demonstrate—year after year—Why York County.