Interim Wichita City Manager Ed Flentje on Wednesday announced the establishment of an Office of Urban Development to coordinate city projects involving economic development, downtown redevelopment and neighborhood redevelopment.
The new office will reside in the City Manager’s Office under the direction of longtime Economic Developer Allen Bell, who has worked for the city since 1992. Bell will oversee an office responsible for consolidating staff formerly assigned to economic development, development assistance, and property management.
“Mr. Bell’s extensive experience in public finance and his work in city and state governments, as well as with the private sector, superbly qualify him for this new office,” Flentje said.
Bell assumes his new role immediately.
“I am really eager to expand my involvement in all the great things happening in Wichita,” he said. “I love this city and want to help make it a better place.”
Flentje said the new office is designed to better coordinate economic development projects and implement redevelopment strategies. It will be charged with developing staffing and technology necessary to improve management and tracking of various development projects.
“These strategies require coordination across City departments and frequently involve partnerships with other public entities and private developers outside of city jurisdiction,” Flentje said. “With rare exception, these projects call for resolution of policy issues involving the city governing body, questions of finance, legal matters, construction and real estate issues, and engagement of members of the public affected by developments. They necessitate unique combinations of public and private capital financing, often from multiple sources.”
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