Ian McCain is the Economic Development Manager in the City Manager’s Office. The Economic Development Manager is responsible for the promotion of business and economic development interests within the City, with a particular focus on supporting the Downtown Development Authority, streamlining the Tax Reversion Redevelopment process, and interfacing with local, state and federal economic development agencies.
The 2022/2023 Objectives
Coordinate the City of Eastpointe’s Redevelopment Ready Community Recertification process through the State of Michigan’s Economic Development Corporation, including ensuring best practices are implemented in all planning, zoning and economic development activities.
Strategize with the Building Official and City Planner to assist the Planning Commission in the process to revise and update the Zoning Ordinance to match the new Master Plan and to meet the Redevelopment Ready Community requirements.
Reconcile blighted property processes, including Dangerous Buildings, Show Cause and Tax Foreclosure, to create efficient procedures that ensure financial, staff and legal resources are being spent effectively and without duplicative efforts.
Research local municipal ordinances for medical marijuana facility licensing best practices and assist the review committee with the creation and implementation of the City of Eastpointe’s process, including the application, scoring criteria, and other template documents.
Implement a comprehensive outreach program for current businesses, including scheduling personal site visits and meetings with owners to assess business climate issues and concerns, and to identify their interests and priorities.
Establish and maintain data on existing city businesses and vacant commercial buildings, including properties located within the Downtown Development Authority District, Opportunity Zones, and CDBG-eligible census tracts.
Provide administrative and marketing support to the Downtown Development Authority, including the potential pursuit of purchasing and either renovating or selling tax-reverted properties in the DDA District.
Continue the process of community and stakeholder engagement for the planned reconstruction of 9 Mile Road in 2023 and 2024, including new decorative light fixtures, traffic calming, parking solutions and other ‘Main Street' improvements.