February 2002

RICHARD V. PRYOR
Director, Office of Economic Development
City of Wilmington

The Baker Administration has been in place just over a year now-time enough to weed out the corruption of people like those who were milking the Wilminingtonians or misusing Suburban Street Funds; time enough to tackle the City's archaic telecommunication and computer systems; time enough to put effective managers in place and train staff; time enough to get a handle on the City's finances; time enough to come up with a plan.

A city-wide, comprehensive plan is just what Mayor Jim Baker called for at this time last year. He also said he wanted to attract upper-income residents, convince MBNA to build apartments above the old courthouse, have a convention center, a downtown children's museum, and more neighborhood retail.

In spite of the recession, there is construction in the City of Wilmington. MBNA is still producing new buildings, the Justice Center continues apace, the Ships Tavern District is moving forward, the Residences at City Center just held its Open House, and Delaware Avenue is finishing its facelift. But these were all in the works before this administration.

What is in the works from the Baker Administra-tion? What is the economic development plan?

Richard Pryor, the City's Director of Economic Development, brings a wide range of experience to the challenge of enhancing economic development in Wilmington. He understands the City from his nearly 15 years on City Council. He brings business and management expertise from his six-plus years as President of Coventry Development and his 17 years as the Chief Executive Officer of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Wilmington. Dick will share his plans for economic development in Wilmington.

Beverley Baxter