At a critical juncture in the growth of Wilton Manors, one of the people tasked with guiding the city into the future is leaving.
Kim Allonce, the city’s Economic Development Manager, has resigned. His last day is Oct. 25.
Via email, Allonce said he plans to take time and explore his professional opportunities.
“I really enjoyed collaborating with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders that truly fostered economic growth for our city. I also am very proud of the new and existing businesses I have had the opportunity to work with. Supporting and empowering them is my favorite part of economic development.”
Allonce’s tenure has seen lots of new business activity in Wilton. City Commissioner Chris Caputo praised his accomplishments, saying, “I am happy to report, as a result of great collaboration and hard work between Kim, city leaders and our very engaged community, we’ve attracted quality developers and the right sort of mixed-use projects to the city as well as having increased the overall number of active businesses in the city. There have been over 200 new businesses in 2022 already!”
City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson said people inside City Hall enjoyed working with him over his two years on the job.
“Kim is professional and collaborative. He’s just excellent for us.”
“We’re grateful for all of Kim’s work during his tenure in our city. We wish Kim the best of luck on the next stage in his career,” Caputo said.
Mayor Scott Newton echoed that sentiment saying, “He’s a nice gentleman and worked very hard for the city.”
Focus On the Future
Despite the aforementioned accomplishments and a steep increase in private business, multiple people inside city hall were expressing concern. They say the city’s needs were changing and some wondered if he could continue effectively addressing the community’s evolving needs. Despite those concerns, Allonce said he wasn’t pressured to leave.
The position was conceived around 2018-19 and Allonce came on board in October 2020.
“At that time we were in a period of economic stagnation,” Henderson said. “We were looking for a catalyst for economic growth. Much has changed.”
Going forward, the position may grow and evolve to meet Wilton’s new needs.
“We’ll look at where the city is and the best options for development going forward,” Newton said.
He also noted that occupancy in the city is at about 95%. Henderson said that gives the city leverage when bringing new development to the city.
“We’re building and it’s an opportunity to fill [retail spaces] with ones we want, not just the first ones that are willing to sign a lease.”
Caputo wants to explore all options open to the city.
“My fellow commissioners and I will discuss our changing economic development needs to determine how best to achieve our goals and support economic development going forward.”
Allonce has been working with developers to make sure all new development, retail and residential, fits in with the city’s vision. While the city decides what the job will look like going forward. Until then, Henderson and Community Development Services Director Roberta Moore will be working with developers.
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