Missouri – The Missouri Department of Economic Development (DED) is reflecting on the major influence Governor Mike Parson’s administration has had on the state’s economic landscape as he ends his term. Under Governor Parson, Missouri has benefited tremendously from strong increases in business, workforce development, community strengthening, and tourism.
Having taken office in June 2018, Governor Parson gave infrastructure and workforce development top priority since he thought these were essential for drawing business investment and encouraging job growth.
“From day one, our administration prioritized infrastructure and workforce development because we knew they would bring business investments and job creation. Today, we continue to see positive results of our hard work that are improving lives across every region of our state. We are humbled by and beyond proud of the legacy we have achieved through partnership,” Governor Parson stated.
The DED backed over 740 commercial projects under his direction, totaling more than $17 billion in investment and generating almost 60,000 employment. Among the major projects are Google’s new data center in Kansas City, American Foods Group’s new facility in Warren County, and General Motor’s manufacturing plant expansion in Wentzville. These programs have helped Missouri rank sixth nationwide and first in the Midwest for job increase over the past year.
Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development, praised Governor Parson’s commitment.
“For more than six years, Governor Parson has helped Missourians prosper by serving as our state’s number one economic developer,” said Michelle Hataway, Director of the Department of Economic Development.
“The positive impact of the Parson administration’s efforts to strengthen our economy will benefit generations of Missourians for years to come. We’re grateful for Governor Parson’s dedication and look forward to building upon his legacy of economic growth.”
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The government also significantly advanced community development. Since June 2018, 320 projects throughout the state have received money from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), for $230.6 million. Over a million Missourians have benefited from these initiatives, responding to needs ranging from local tourism to broadband access to community regrowth.
Expanding internet access via the Office of Broadband Development (OBD), which obtained $1.7 billion in federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding, has been one of the flagship projects. At this point, this program has produced more than 75,000 new and upgraded internet connections throughout Missouri, significantly improving digital access for both residents and enterprises.
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One other major emphasis has been workforce training. Initiated by Governor Parson in 2019, the Missouri One Start initiative has sponsored over 1,300 projects and trained more than 173,000 workers, therefore representing a total of more than $10.7 billion in capital expenditure. This initiative has been essential in maintaining the competitive and competent workforce of Missouri.
Under Governor Parson’s direction, tourism has also exploded. Missouri has experienced over $103.7 billion in tourism-related spending since his term started, therefore boosting the state’s economy and helping to support an average of more than 288,000 employment in the travel and hotel industries.
Governor Parson’s legacy of economic development is clear as he gets ready to step out of office. Future economic growth in Missouri has a solid basis thanks to his focus on infrastructure development, labor skill enhancement, and supportive of community and company growth.
Under Michelle Hataway’s supervision, the DED is excited to carry on expanding Missouri’s economic growth on top of this history. The public is encouraged to visit the DED website for further information on the continuous or upcoming projects of the DED.
