Sterling Heights unveils unified economic-development framework, names Dylan Clark as manager

Sterling Heights officials on Tuesday presented a consolidated framework to coordinate the city's many economic-development initiatives and introduced Dylan Clark as the city's new economic development manager.

Luke Bonner, senior economic development advisor, told the council the city has pursued multiple strategic initiatives since 2015: the Sterling Innovation District, a city branding campaign, a 2025 master plan with economic-development components, formation of Corridor Improvement and LDFA districts, and incentives to attract manufacturing. Bonner said the economic-development team is expanding and needs clearer annual work plans and performance metrics to prioritize projects.

Bonner reviewed results of an email-based business sentiment survey (nonstatistical), saying 63% of respondents were business owners and that affordable commercial space, predictable permitting, and workforce and talent attraction were top concerns. "Affordable commercial space came up as number one," he said, noting the city has under 2% industrial vacancy.

Dylan Clark, introduced as Sterling Heights' new economic development manager, said he brings experience from Troy and Warren and a master's in public administration from Wayne State. Clark said he looks forward to working on brownfield redevelopment, corridor projects, small-business support and talent-attraction initiatives.

Bonner said Velocity, the city's economic development arm, will launch a second-stage growth program aimed at larger manufacturers and aerospace and defense firms, and staff are exploring long-term LDFA funding models and public-private partnerships to provide affordable space and incubation services.