York County Development Corporation director makes annual report, funding request to commissioners

YORK – York County Development Corporation Executive Director Lisa Hurley made the organization’s annual report and budget request before the York County Commissioners this past week.

​She explained how the organization’s projected expenditures for the next year are $452,947. Hurley said the county’s current investment of $76,000 makes up just 16.78% of the YCDC’s total operating budget. They are requesting $80,000 from the county, which is an increase over last year but still below the level of investment in 2023.
YCDC works to position York County for future growth and visibility.
She outlined strategic highlights from the past year and projects which have taken place, including those continuing to be in the works.
When it comes to housing, she said, “we need more units. The goal is 588 more units by 2030. Part of this is preservation and restoration. We need both rental units and owner occupied.”
She noted the latest project in Bradshaw where houses were moved from York to a new housing area where the houses will be renovated, rented and sold. She said there are also housing projects underway in Henderson, McCool Junction and York. She said planning work is underway for more projects in Bradshaw, Gresham, Waco and York.
When it comes to workforce, she said YCDC continues to work through partnerships with educational institutions. That includes Southeast Community College, regarding an endeavor to build a York area workforce development center. Right now, pending SCC board approval, there is the potential of SCC providing $6-7 million toward the venture with an area match of $3-4 million. This facility would provide a training center for those interested in manufacturing, nursing and other training courses. If it happened, people would be able to take classes here – instead of having to travel elsewhere.
“It is still up in the air, we really have to dive into the curriculum needs,” Hurley said. “This conversation has been going on a long time and this is the first time we have had a potential financial commitment from SCC.”
She noted how YCDC has been working to enhance entrepreneurship opportunities, by starting the SPARK contest and the SizeUp York County tool.
Regarding marketing, YCDC launched a new website; the 17-County podcast continues to reach listeners (surpassing 34,500) in an effort to promote living in York County.
And there have been major new projects in York County, including a $14 million Fairfield Inn & Suites; the Green Plains/Shell biorefinery is operational; a $20 million Hyatt Studios hotel will be created; the $20-million-plus expansion at Klute Incorporated is completed; and LivFarms will be operational by the end of the year.
“We are investing in not just today but generations into the future,” Hurley said.
York County Commissioner Chairman Randy Obermier asked what the City of York contributes, Hurley said it is around $107,000. She also noted the private investment into YCDC has grown over the past few years, “as businesses are seeing a return on their investment, they are seeing the county growing.”