For nearly a decade, Fairfax City Economic Development underwent a significant transformation from a one-person office into a full-service organization, guided by a leadership approach grounded in creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. The work centered on leveraging partnerships, strengthening governance, and aligning public and private interests to drive investment and job creation. Through sustained engagement with the business community and the trust of elected officials, the FCED secured resources that expanded its capacity and broadened its impact.

Under this model, Fairfax City attracted private investment, supported commercial corridor revitalization, and strengthened its economic ecosystem through placemaking initiatives and the establishment of mission-driven nonprofit partners. The FCED-team helped launch the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance as a founding member after the region’s successful Amazon HQ2 bid, rebuilt the Mason Enterprise Center small business incubator in partnership with George Mason University, and advanced workforce training initiatives with Northern Virginia Community College. Additional efforts included the creation of a community maker-space and activating public spaces for commercial activity at no cost to taxpayers. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit, FCED led the city’s largest business support effort in its history and demonstrated agility, coordination, and the ability to deliver in moments of crisis.

Today, Fairfax City Economic Development is regarded as one of the region’s strongest and most innovative organizations, with best-in-class retail and restaurant support programs, including the Facade and Interior Improvement Grant program (FIIG) and the Lease Incentives For Fairfax Tenants (LIFFT) program, which attract and retain businesses. The organization now features a growing tourism division and has received national recognition as a model for cities across the country.

As Chief of Economic Development Programs and Strategies at New York Law School, this same approach is being applied to support New York City’s broader economic development agenda. Returning to the city where my career began at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, our work at NYLS focuses on building programs rooted in partnerships, business district support, and neighborhood-based strategies that strengthen the city’s economic landscape and leverage the leadership and convening power of one of New York’s anchor institutions.