Photo courtesy city of Sugar LandSugar Land City Manager Allen Bogard has selected Jennifer May to serve as the city's new director of economic development.
May is the former director of public affairs for Sugar Land and—following the resignation of Regina Morales—has served as interim director of economic development since April.
"More than any specific project, I hope to be able to contribute to the continued expansion of Sugar Land's economy, our growth as a destination city and our long history of successful public-private partnerships," May said. "Whether it's recruiting a new business or working to build an entertainment venue, I believe the city's team efforts will not only benefit our corporate citizens but also our residents."
A significant future project for Sugar Land's office of economic development is to evaluate transforming the state's former Central Prison Unit along Hwy. 90 into a future business park, May said. In addition, the city is working on several studies, including a retail study, a citywide marketing study and a feasibility study for a possible convention center.
"It is exciting to be involved in the process of outlining projects and programs that could impact Sugar Land for many years to come," she said.
In addition to leading the city's economic development team, May will serve as staff liaison to the Sugar Land Development Corporation and the Sugar Land 4B Corporation, which are nonprofits that use voter-authorized sales tax revenue to promote and enhance the local economy and quality of life around the city.
Since its implementation in 1999, the city's office of economic development has worked with more than 40 corporations and developers, creating more than 2,400 jobs and $1 billion in capital investments, city officials said.
May has worked with the city of Sugar Land for eight years as a management assistant, assistant to the city manager and director of public affairs. Some recent projects under May's belt include the implementation of the Legacy Foundation, the construction of a veterans memorial and the development of the city's multicultural program.
"Based on [May's] track record, I am confident we have the right person leading our efforts to create a sustainable business environment that promotes a quality economy and an expanded tax base for our residents," Bogard said.
May received a bachelor's degree in public administration from the University of Arkansas and a master's degree with a focus on urban and city management from the University of Kansas. In addition, May is a recent graduate from the Center for Houston's Future Business/Civic Leadership Forum.
