Highland Park economic development director describes early-stage planning to boost local growth

The director for community and economic development for Highland Park said the city is focused on long-term planning to improve quality of life and local economic prospects.

"I am the director for community and economic development, that is anything development, building, housing, economics," the director said, adding that the office aims to "bring more money into the community and, helping build and shape the future."

The director framed the work as preparatory rather than construction-ready. "We don't have any cranes in the area yet. We don't have any shovels in the ground," they said, describing current efforts as building a foundation and framework for future projects. The director said assembling the department, creating community partnerships and engaging consultant McKenna were key accomplishments to date.

Speaking about personal background, the director said they were born and raised in Highland Park and previously helped start a nonprofit called My Brother's Keeper. "I started a nonprofit in 'nine, My Brother's Keeper with a couple other, guys from Highland Park," they said; the transcript did not specify the year more precisely.

Meeting remarks emphasized planning and partnership over immediate construction: the director said the office is "planning for our economic future and success" and is focused on housing, building and economic strategy that affects residency and quality of life. No formal votes, motions or timelines were announced during the remarks, and no construction or funding start dates were specified.

The director also described personal motivations for the role, saying they enjoy the opportunity to "be part of the development and be part of the government and just, shaping the future." They said they view current work as laying groundwork for later implementation, without providing specific project schedules or funding sources.