After 22 years planning and attracting businesses to Southlake, Greg Last — director of economic development and tourism — is leaving the city to go into business himself.

The City Council on May 21 appointed Alison Ortowski, assistant city manager, to fill his position on an interim basis while the city looks for a new director.

Last was the city of Southlake's first planner and its first planning director.

After serving with various statewide groups, he will begin his economic development and tourism consulting business, EDT Best Practices, with plenty of contacts.

"After 22 years, it feels like time to make a change," said Last, whose final day was May 17. "It's been great in Southlake for a long time."

Last said he hopes to help smaller cities that might not have an economic development staff as well as possibly contracting with the city of Southlake.