The City of Maryland Heights has established a new economic development program to enhance the City’s vibrant business base and has named Jim Carver as Economic Development Program Manager to lead the initiative. Carver has served as Chairman of the Maryland Heights Economic Development Commission since its inception in 2011. The new Economic Development Program is a formalized and assertive approach to build upon the City’s efforts in business development, business attraction and business retention under its Economic Development Commission.
The new program seeks to:
– Develop and make recommendations to the City Council and staff regarding economic development policies, regulations, marketing, strategies and activities;
– Retain current businesses and attract new ones to the City;
– Evaluate and recommend economic development opportunities as well as the use of appropriate incentives to encourage development and redevelopment within the City; and
– Articulate a vision of economic development with clearly defined goals and objectives for the City over a five-year rolling timeframe.
Carver will be responsible for implementation of the new program with assistance from City staff and will report to City Administrator Jim Krischke. He has been a member of the Maryland Heights City Council since 2010 and served two terms as Council President Pro-Tem. Carver will resign his seat on the City Council immediately to assume his new position as a full-time employee of the City.
“Councilman Carver has been a leader in economic development for the City for the past eight years and has worked closely with the Economic Development Commission, City Council, Community Development Department, Chamber of Commerce and local developers on numerous development proposals and opportunities,” said Mayor Mike Moeller. “His knowledge of local businesses and his distinct understanding of the City’s long-term vision and goals make Jim the ideal choice to lead this new program.”
Funding for the new economic development program is included in the 2018 General Fund budget. More than 1,700 companies are currently located in the Maryland Heights business community, employing more than 75,000 people. The City has experienced substantial growth in recent years, particularly in hospitality, corporate office, medical, entertainment and recreation sectors.
For more information, visit www.marylandheights.com.
