Dynamic Decisions Podcast

Not All Growth Is Good Growth: The Against Chasing Every Deal

Maurice Harris has sat on both sides of the site selection table: first as a researcher at Greater MSP and Transwestern Real Estate, now as an economic development specialist at JLL working with BNSF on rail expansion across Minnesota, the Dakotas, and Montana. 

He's also a Golden Valley, Minnesota city council member and the first African American to win a second term on that council, giving him a rare view into how research actually lands in real decisions.

• Why site selection has shifted from cheap land and low taxes toward talent attraction, housing, and quality of life over the last decade

• How Minnesota competes with low-tax states like Texas by selling schools, parks, and infrastructure instead of a lower rate

• The real story behind the Amazon HQ2 bidding war, and why Greater MSP was comfortable not winning it

• How Golden Valley built its first-ever economic development strategic plan and funded dedicated staff through a new EDA tax levy

If you've ever wondered what actually convinces a company to pick one city over another, this one will change how you think about it.