This senior executive will primarily serve as the City's chief economic development lead. They will implement a comprehensive, citywide agenda that aligns housing, planning, land use and workforce development within the City's economic revitalization strategy as determined by the mayor's priorities. The role will oversee and work in partnership with high-level leadership, both internal and external to the City of Detroit, including but not limited to the Detroit Economic Growth Corporation, ensuring integrated, equitable, and data-driven approaches to neighborhood revitalization, job creation, housing affordability, and sustainable economic growth.
Strategic Leadership and Vision
Develop, articulate, and implement a cohesive and sustainable economic development strategy for Detroit that integrates housing, planning, workforce development, and land use with the City's long-term goals.
Serve as the Mayor's principal advisor on economic development policy, public-private partnerships, financing strategies, and strategic investments.
Oversight of Departments and Agencies
Oversee executive leadership to the Departments of Housing and Revitalization, Planning, the Detroit Housing Commission, and Civil Rights & Inclusion Office.
Provide strategic direction and coordinate work with the Detroit Land Bank Authority, Detroit Housing Commission, Detroit Economic Growth Corporation and various subsidiary boards & commissions to ensure alignment with citywide priorities, statutory requirements, and community needs leveraging your executive leadership team where appropriate.
Set performance standards, drive cross-departmental collaboration, and promote integrated delivery of programs, permits, incentives, and regulatory processes.
Housing, Planning, and Neighborhood Revitalization
Guide strategies to increase the development of housing of all typologies including single family, affordable, safe, and sustainable housing; address blight; support equitable neighborhood growth; advance zoning and land-use planning that reflects community input and growth objectives.
Oversee housing rehabilitation, public housing initiatives, homeownership and rental housing programs, and housing stability efforts.
Workforce Development and Talent Pipeline
Lead a citywide workforce strategy to expand job opportunities, skills training, and talent development that meet employer needs in existing and priority sectors giving Detroit a competitive advantage for growth. (e.g., advanced manufacturing, mobility, clean energy, skilled trades).
Coordinate with schools, community colleges, universities, workforce boards, philanthropic partners, and employers to create a robust talent pipeline and inclusive economic opportunities.
Economic Development and Real Estate
Identify and advance development projects and real estate opportunities that stimulate investment, job creation, affordable housing, and long-term revenue for the city.
Lead business attraction strategy to increase investment and attract industry within the City in targeted sectors that provide sustainable growth and clear employment opportunities for Detroiters.
Provide strategic direction for the prioritization and deployment of incentives, grant programs, tax increment financing (where applicable), and capital planning; manage relationships with developers, lenders, and federal/state program administrators.
Land Use, Tax Foreclosure, and Asset Disposition
Direct the DLBA's strategies for acquiring, maintaining, and efficiently disposing of city-owned and tax-foreclosed properties in a manner that revitalizes neighborhoods, delivers measurable public benefit and aligns with Master Plan and economic development strategies.
Public-Private Partnerships and Financing
Lead the pursuit and management of public-private partnerships, intergovernmental agreements, and financing mechanisms to fund housing and economic development initiatives.
Oversee grant administration and compliance, including federal (CDBG, HOME, ESG, etc.), state, and local funding sources; ensure rigorous performance measurement and reporting.
Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement
Ensure equity is embedded in all policies and investments; engage communities historically underserved or impacted by development decisions; promote transparent decision-making and accountability.
Policy Development, Regulatory Compliance, and Risk Management
Develop policy recommendations, modernization of regulatory frameworks, and urban design standards that support inclusive growth while protecting public interests.
Ensure compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, and procurement rules; oversee risk management and internal controls.
Performance, Analytics, and Reporting
Establish and monitor key performance indicators; produce regular reports on progress, outcomes, and fiscal impacts; present findings to the Mayor, City Council, and stakeholders.
Talent, Culture, and Organizational Excellence
Build and maintain a high-performing, diverse, and inclusive leadership team; foster professional development, succession planning, and cross-functional collaboration.
Direct Reports: Executive Leads of the following, with their portfolios included below:
