AI for Utilities: The Future of Economic Development and Site Selection

Originally delivered live at the Utility Economic Development Association Fall Forum 2025 in Traverse City, Michigan, this talk by Dane Carlson, CEO of Sitehunt (https://sitehunt.io), explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping the intersection of utilities, economic development, and site selection.

Originally presented as “AI, Utilities, and the Future of Economic Development,” this talk dives into how the move from chatting with AI to building with AI is transforming the way communities compete for investment and how utilities can become strategic intelligence partners in growth.

From automating RFI responses to analyzing sites in minutes and turning raw infrastructure data into actionable insight, Carlson shows how AI is redefining what’s possible for economic developers and utilities alike.

If you’re in economic development, site selection, or utility strategy, this talk will show you where the industry is heading, and how to lead it.