212: How Incentives Really Influence Site Selection with Taylor Stepp

212: How Incentives Really Influence Site Selection with Taylor Stepp

From Econ Dev Show Podcast - Economic Development by Dane Carlson

March 16, 2026 · 24 min · Episode 212

About this episode

Dane Carlson interviews Taylor Stepp about the influence of incentives on economic development and site selection.

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, Dane Carlson talks with Taylor Stepp, Founder and President of Strategic Development Partners, about the real role incentives play in economic development deals. Drawing on experience working with corporations and communities across the country, Taylor explains how incentives influence project internal rate of return, why applicability and customization matter more than flashy packages, and how responsiveness and speed from local governments can win projects even when incentive dollars are smaller. The conversation also explores how communities can structure clearer processes, communicate timelines, and position themselves to compete more effectively for major investment. Like this show? Please leave us a review here — even one sentence helps! Special Guest: Taylor Stepp. Sponsored By: Sitehunt : Sitehunt is industrial site selection software for economic developers. Sitehunt automates industrial real estate research so you can respond to site selection inquiries in minutes instead of days. Links: Strategic Development Partners Taylor Stepp, CEcD | LinkedIn Strategic Development Partners | LinkedIn How to Spot a Community That’s Ready for…

People in this episode

Host: Dane Carlson

Guest: Taylor Stepp

Topics covered

  • economic development
  • site selection
  • incentives
  • local government
  • investment strategies

Keywords

  • incentives
  • economic development
  • site selection
  • local government
  • investment

Sponsors

Sitehunt

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Strategic Development Partners, Heritage Drums

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