As Edmond continues to grow, and the center city district evolves, the City of Edmond is investing in those partnerships, announcing the hiring of Leana Dozier as the first Downtown Transformation Manager.
A new position with the City, the Downtown Transformation Manager is responsible for improving the downtown area through strategic programs and partnerships. This high-profile position has a high level of responsibility for project supervision and administration for the downtown area and is accountable for creating overall development objectives, action plans, and other developmental activities.
“Bringing public and private entities together to foster partnerships that will bring vital projects to fruition is essential as Edmond’s already thriving downtown continues to grow and evolve,” Dozier said. “I am excited to be a part of everything that is happening both in downtown and across Edmond and look forward to working with all our partners as we move forward.”
With the Alliance since March 2019, Dozier coordinated, managed, planned and implemented OKC’s GOLT Bonds, TIF districts, retail strategy and incentives. She managed, planned and implemented urban renewal areas and redevelopment programs, and developed and administered programs for local governments assisting small businesses with grants and technical assistance using CARES Act funding and ARP funding.
“We are excited that the City has made this commitment to downtown with this new position,” said Michelle Schaefer, Treasurer for the Downtown Edmond Business Association. “It gives businesses downtown a dedicated, single point of contact for questions and concern. They will be an advocate who understands Downtown Edmond and a resource for us to turn to as we continue to grow.”
Dozier comes to the City after more than four years as the Director of Policy, Planning and Partnerships for The Alliance for Economic Development in Oklahoma City. The Alliance was formed in 2011 to better coordinate land, incentives and economic tools with the goal of making Oklahoma City even more attractive to companies and developers.
“We are excited to have Leana join our team,” said Scot Rigby, City Manager for the City of Edmond. “She has a wealth of experience and a proven track record, and those skills will be essential as we work with private partners to not only complete the projects already underway in the downtown area but also plan for collaborative and successful projects in the future.”
Dozier holds a bachelor's degree in Administrative Leadership from the University of Oklahoma. Before joining the Alliance, she worked for the City of Oklahoma City for 13 years, where she started as a Project Manager and ended her time there as a Construction and Engineering Prequalification Manager.
Learn more about the projects going on downtown at the interactive map at this link.
