Dr Laura Hodgson is the Economic Development Manager at Regional Development Australia Barossa, Gawler, Light and Adelaide Plains. She works closely with all levels of government and business to provide strategic advice, economic modelling, and business development support to strengthen regional economies.

Laura completed her PhD at the University of South Australia in 2022, researching the impact of Airbnb on housing markets across metropolitan and regional Australia. Her findings examined the implications for local governments and broader community outcomes. She has presented her research nationally and internationally, including at the National Planning Congress and the Australian Local Government National General Assembly.

Previously, Laura was Principal Economic Advisor at the City of Adelaide, where she delivered the city’s Housing and Economic Development Strategies, and a Policy Officer at the Local Government Association, where she delivered a toolkit to help local regional councils increase their regional health workforce.

She is Chair of the SA State branch of Economic Development Australia, Deputy Presiding Member of the Gawler Business and Economic Development Committee and Deputy Chair of the Victor Harbor Horse Tram Audit Committee, alongside running a yoga business for over a decade.