Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts Ep. 3 | Nicole Muise Kielkucki

In Episode 3 of Inside Steer: Conversations with Experts, Executive President Herbert Higginbotham speaks with Nicole Muise-Kielkucki, Vice President at Fourth Economy, about how communities across the United States are approaching economic development in a way that prioritises equity, engagement, and long-term resilience.

Drawing on her work with local, regional, and state clients, Nicole shares how economic development planning is evolving as communities confront complex challenges — from housing affordability and childcare to energy costs and workforce development. With experience spanning public sector, nonprofit, and private sector clients, she explains how understanding each community’s cultural, political, and economic context is critical to designing strategies that work in practice.

The conversation also explores how inclusive engagement and values-driven planning can help communities navigate change while ensuring growth benefits both new and long-time residents. Through examples including Pennsylvania’s first Statewide Housing Action Plan and economic development initiatives in York County, Nicole reflects on how thoughtful planning, collaboration, and data-driven analysis can support sustainable and equitable growth across urban, suburban, and rural communities.

Listen to our latest episode

Hear expert perspectives on:

• Why housing, childcare, and other support systems are increasingly central to economic development strategies

• How communities can balance growth while protecting local identity and resources

• The role of inclusive engagement in shaping plans that reflect diverse community needs

• Lessons from major initiatives including Pennsylvania’s Statewide Housing Action Plan

• How economic development strategies differ between rural communities, post-industrial cities, and rapidly growing regions

Guest(s)

Nicole Muise-Kielkucki, Vice President, Fourth Economy, North America

Host(s)

Herbert Higginbotham, Executive President, North America, Steer