Makayla Gross will help to lead a new project by the SouthGrow Regional Initiative to develop Community Economic Development plans for 30 communities in southern Alberta. (Photo: SouthGrow Regional Initiative)

By David Opinko

‘Community Economic Development’ plans to be developed across southern Alberta

Apr 16, 2025 | 8:48 AM

Work is underway to help communities across the region address labour gaps.

The SouthGrow Regional Initiative was among the 25 organizations in southern Alberta to receive funding from the Government of Alberta’s Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Program.

They will use their $128,000 grant to create and implement tailored Community Economic Development (CED) plans for 30 local municipalities.

The project will address a long-standing issue in the region – a lack of local staff capacity to advance economic development. The CEDs will include strategies for business retention and expansion, investment attraction and readiness, and infrastructure planning.

SouthGrow Chair and Vulcan County Councillor Laurie Lyckman says they will work directly with each municipality to create custom, data-informed plans, provide staff and council with training, and offer two years of follow-up coaching to support implementation.

Nighttime construction on Hwy 3 in Lethbridge starts April 17

Apr 17, 2025

SASHA launches #BuyABed fundraiser to support vulnerable Lethbridge residents

Apr 04, 2025

$20K grants available: TELUS STORYHIVE Pan-Asian Edition opens applications April 1

Mar 18, 2025

“This project will equip our communities with the tools and knowledge they need to take meaningful action,” says Lyckman. “With support from the province and our partners, we’re strengthening the economic foundations of Southern Alberta— community by community.”

As part of this effort, SouthGrow has hired Makayla Gross, whom they describe as a “rising star in economic development.”

She is from Bow Island and has a background in marketing, business development and strategic planning.

Gross is the founder of Westward Marketing Solutions and has not only collaborated with municipalities and organizations in southern Alberta but has also been SouthGrow’s Communications Coordinator for the past two years.

She will work directly with municipal leaders and staff on the development and implementation of the CEDs.

Coutts Mayor Jim Willett says, “Makayla’s has proven herself to possess energy, insight, and talents which make her the ideal person for this work. I’m eager to see what our team can accomplish with her in this new role.”

You can learn more about the other NRED grant recipients in the article below.

READ MORE: $3 million announced to boost southern Alberta economy

For local news delivered daily to your email inbox, subscribe for free to the Lethbridge News Now newsletter here. You can also download the Lethbridge News Now mobile app in the Google Play and the Apple App Stores.