HomeMy WebLinkAboutNeuendorfEconomicDevelopmentManager
City of Edina • 4801 W. 50th St. • Edina, MN 55424
Contact: David Katz, Communications Intern
Phone 952-833-9522 • Fax 952-826-0389 • www.EdinaMN.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Edina Hires Economic Development Manager
Edina, Minn., Sept. 4, 2012 – The City of Edina has hired its first ever Economic Development Manager to
research, organize and oversee activities calculated to enhance the economic vitality of the community.
Veteran urban planner William “Bill” Neuendorf joined City staff Aug. 27.
Neuendorf is well suited to the new role. He comes to Edina from Transit for Livable Communities, a St.
Paul-based non-profit where he served as Director of Advocacy and Policy. In that capacity, he coordinated
grassroots campaigns on behalf of Minnesota commuters and public transportation resources and promoted
the redevelopment of mixed-use neighborhood centers.
Prior to that, Neuendorf served for five years as Director of Community and Economic Development for the
Village of Morton Grove, Ill., an established first-ring suburb of Chicago. During his time there, Neuendorf
saw Morton Grove through one of the largest revitalization initiatives in its history. He spearheaded a
multifaceted initiative to create redevelopment plans and secure bonds for use in projects calculated to make
an ailing commercial district once again appealing to new businesses, residents and visitors.
Neuendorf also brings to his new position years of experience as an engineer. He worked for nearly a decade
with public agencies and private developers to design buildings that satisfied local needs, fulfilled high
community expectations, and met tight budgetary limits. Among other project types, he worked extensively
with shopping malls and town centers throughout the United States.
Neuendorf is no stranger to Edina or the development challenges and revitalization opportunities facing the
community. He and his family settled in Edina shortly after moving to Minnesota.
He is already representing the interests of Edina and two other first-ring suburbs as a freshman member of
the Metropolitan Council’s Land Use Advisory Commission. In addition, he participated in the recent
GrandView District Planning Committee to map out a future for this multiuse Edina neighborhood.
“From my time living here, I know Edina to be a place where people are proud to live,” Neuendorf said. “The
roots run deep in Edina. Strong community involvement and support is essential for the community to
maintain the high expectations of a prosperous and successful economic base.”
Neuendorf holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Marquette University and a master’s degree in
Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois.
For more information on the City’s economic development activities, call 952-826-0407.
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