About Traci Stein, Great Plains Development

I founded Great Plains Development to help communities, developers, organizations, and businesses move real projects forward.

With more than 20 years of experience in economic development, project finance, local government processes, technology, and organizational support, I understand what it takes to move an idea from concept to completion.

My background includes 16 years with the Watertown Development Company, where I worked directly on economic development, business growth, development projects, community partnerships, and public-private initiatives. I also have regional experience with the First District Association of Local Governments, giving me a strong understanding of how projects move through both local and regional systems.

Most projects do not fail because of a lack of good ideas.

They fail because the numbers do not work, the structure is wrong, the process is not understood, or the right support is not in place at the right time.

Great Plains Development was created to help solve those problems.

As a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional by GROW America (Formally National Development Council), I focus on structuring projects so they are financially viable, aligned with available development tools, and positioned to move through the approval process successfully.

I have personally prepared and filed 16 Tax Increment Financing districts, supporting projects such as:

• Senior and affordable housing
• Redevelopment of underutilized properties
• Commercial and retail expansion
• Infrastructure-supported development
• Projects requiring coordination between developers, cities, lenders, and local approval bodies

My work includes helping communities and developers evaluate project feasibility, structure financing tools, navigate public approval processes, and move projects from concept to implementation.

My educational background includes a Master of Science in Information Systems from Dakota State University, a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Mount Marty University, and master’s-level coursework in Industrial Management through South Dakota State University. That coursework included exposure to industrial operations, workplace safety, process improvement, and OSHA-related compliance concepts.

This combination of business, technology, development finance, and industrial management gives me a practical understanding of how projects, organizations, infrastructure, and operational systems fit together.

That combination of business, technology, finance, development, and systems experience allows me to support clients beyond traditional consulting.

Through Great Plains Development, I can assist with:

• Economic development strategy
• Tax Increment Financing analysis and district preparation
• Housing and redevelopment project support
• Development finance structuring
• Local government approval processes
• Grant and funding strategy
• Website development
• IT support and technology troubleshooting
• Administrative and organizational support
• Document preparation, research, and project coordination

Great Plains Development partners with:

• Cities and local governments
• Economic development organizations
• Developers and builders
• Lenders and funding partners
• Small businesses
• Community organizations
• Professionals needing project, administrative, or technology support

Whether the need is housing, redevelopment, commercial growth, website development, IT support, or administrative assistance, the focus is the same: Make the project work. Get it organized. Move it forward.