In its quest to diversify and build for the future, Wilton Manors has hired a new economic development manager.
Kimberley Allonce was introduced to the city commission at its Dec. 8 meeting. Allonce, a native of Haiti, holds a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Georgia and has worked as an economic development coordinator for the City of Orlando.
“With the anticipated changes to our land use and zoning regulations, an important part of Kim’s role will be acting as the city salesman, marketing our city to bring in those developers to take advantage of the new land use and zoning regulations so that we can attract that high-quality development that we know is critically important to maintaining vital, resilient, sustainable community,” said City Manager Leigh Ann Henderson.
Allonce told commissioners he looked forward to fostering economic development between businesses and community stakeholders and had already “hit the ground running” with 25 meetings under his belt.
In Orlando, Allonce managed incentive programs to implement several high-impact projects for the city’s downtown development. For Wilton Manors, Allonce’s focus will be on outreach and implementing the city’s economic strategic plan, Henderson said.
“We are thrilled Kimberley has joined our team,” Henderson said. “His expertise in collaborating with residents, businesses, and community stakeholders will help us ramp up our efforts to foster economic growth, promote our commercial districts, and attract new businesses to Wilton Manors.”
Allonce’s ties to Haiti will aid in addressing the city’s concerns about diversity. He is an active volunteer in the Haitian community where he serves on the board of Edikasyon Ayiti and teaches social welfare policy at Haiti’s Episcopal University. He also reviews scholarships for the National Alliance for the Advancement of Haitian Professionals.
“Life’s Just Better Here!!!” Allonce posted on Facebook. “I am beyond excited to have joined the 'Island City.' I look forward to working with the business community to bring economic growth to Wilton Manors.”
Henderson said the salary range for the economic development manager position is $64,966 to $97,965. In November, the city’s general fund was amended to add $13,804 to the economic development division. Any appropriation over $20,000 must come back to the city commission for approval, said Pennie Zuercher, city finance director.
“I think we need to re-evaluate what our priorities are today as opposed to what they were when this budget was approved a year and a half ago,” said Commissioner Mike Bracchi.
The commission begins its budget review process with a goals and objectives workshop on Feb. 2, 2021.
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