Photo: Norfolk Public Works Director Steve Rames, City Attorney Mel Figueroa, Economic Development Coordinator Brooke Anderson, Economic Development Director Candice Alder, Mayor Shane Clausen, DED Director of Field Services Sheryl Hiatt, and Norfolk Finance Officer Randy Gates
NORFOLK, Neb. — February 19, 2026 — The City of Norfolk continues to demonstrate sustained economic momentum, generating hundreds of millions in private investment while earning statewide recognition for workforce development, housing initiatives, and community placemaking efforts.
The Nebraska Department of Economic Development (DED) recently recognized Norfolk for 20 years of successful participation in the state’s Economic Development Certified Community (EDCC) program, reaffirming the city’s long-standing commitment to strategic growth and business attraction. Norfolk was among the first communities to earn EDCC certification in 2005 and has since been recertified in 2010, 2015, 2020, and 2025. The program, administered by DED and sponsored by the Nebraska Diplomats, currently includes 40 certified communities statewide.
EDCC certification requires communities to maintain proactive economic development strategies, including documented development sites, online marketing initiatives, local financing tools, and collaborative partnerships that foster a welcoming business environment. Communities must reapply every five years to maintain certification.
Strong Investment and Industry Growth
Since 2020, Norfolk has attracted more than $600 million in private-sector investment and supported the development of nearly 700 new housing units, reinforcing the city’s position as a regional economic hub. In recognition of these achievements, the Nebraska Diplomats named Norfolk Nebraska’s Community of the Year in 2024 for excellence in downtown revitalization, workforce development, and housing initiatives.
The Norfolk Area Economic Development Council continues to drive industrial growth across Madison County. Recent projects include:
- FieldWise, an agricultural technology company, expanding operations following its acquisition by Lindsay Corporation in 2023.
- Norfolk Crush, a soybean processing facility that opened in 2024, creating nearly 60 jobs.
- CIE Norfolk, which expanded operations after acquiring Elkhorn Valley Ethanol in 2022 and diversified production to include food-grade, spirit, and pharmaceutical-grade ethanol products.
“Over the past five years, regionally and nationally based agricultural companies have further established their roots in northeast Nebraska, helping diversify our business climate,” said Candice Alder, Economic Development Director for both the Norfolk Area and the City of Norfolk. “These developments create jobs while supporting our state’s leading industry and regional producers.”
Expansions Strengthen Local Business Base
Several established employers have also made significant investments in Norfolk:
- Weiland Doors expanded into the former Arkfeld Manufacturing facility.
- King Steel invested $8 million to add a second heat-treat line and create 12 jobs.
- Nucor Steel completed a $58 million engineered steel bar upgrade in 2022.
- Norfolk Iron & Metal finalized a multi-million-dollar headquarters expansion.
Additional growth has been driven by expansions from local financial institutions and businesses, including Elkhorn Valley Bank, Midwest Bank, BankFirst, Madison County Bank, Faith Regional Health Services, Cornhusker Auto, Prime Stop convenience store, the Norfolk CAT Dealership, and MetGreen Solutions.
Workforce Development and Regional Collaboration
Norfolk plays a central role in the Northeast Nebraska Growing Together initiative, a regional effort focused on workforce readiness, entrepreneurship, and community vitality. The program supports talent development, business innovation, and placemaking through initiatives such as:
- Intersect Coworking and Incubator
- Northeast Community College’s iHub innovation center
- Cooperative education partnerships with Wayne State College
- Expanded childcare, scholarships, and job retraining programs
The initiative received a 2024 Workforce Award from the Mid-America Economic Developers Association, highlighting its success as a model for integrated workforce and economic development.
Placemaking and Quality-of-Life Investments
City leaders have prioritized quality of life through strategic investments in public spaces and downtown revitalization.
Norfolk secured $435,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding in 2023 to improve accessibility and support façade enhancements in downtown districts. In 2024, the city received $1.125 million in Civic and Community Center Financing Funds for the Illuminate Norfolk River Point Project, which includes gateway signage and lighting improvements within the River Point Creative District.
Recent projects include the completion of River Point Square Park and the North Fork Riverfront development, featuring whitewater rafting amenities and scenic trails. The riverfront project earned a 2024 Mid-America Economic Developers Association Placemaking Award and a 2025 Rising Star Award nomination from the NEBRASKAland Foundation.
Addressing Workforce Housing Needs
Through partnerships with NeighborWorks Northeast Nebraska, the city secured more than $1.6 million in awards from Nebraska’s Rural Workforce Housing Fund, supporting projects such as the Phillip Avenue Apartments and the 166-unit Foundry Apartment complex. Public-private collaboration also established a $2 million local workforce housing fund, enabling development of nearly 200 housing units.
Planning for Future Growth
Looking ahead, Norfolk leaders have completed site planning for nearly 500 acres of industrial land to attract future investment and expansion projects. Entrepreneurial support initiatives, including the Norfolk Area Business Resource Network and Intersect Coworking, continue to connect startups with local resources and talent.
“Since 2021, our community has generated $12 million in grants, incentives, and funding opportunities,” said Mayor Shane Clausen. “Local, regional, and state partnerships remain key drivers of Norfolk’s innovative strategic planning and economic development success.”
For more information on Nebraska’s Economic Development Certified Community Program, visit opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/edcc/.
