Grand Rapids Reporter

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Jeremiah Gracia, economic development director for the City of Grand Rapids, has announced that he will leave his post October 4 to return to Dublin, Ohio to serve as its director of economic development.

Gracia came to Grand Rapids from Dublin in May 2020 and has led the economic development department in the execution of its Equitable Economic Development and Mobility Strategic Plan. In that time, his team has played an integral role in overseeing $605.8 million of private investment which has created and retained 3,713 jobs. Under Gracia’s leadership, the department also implemented an Inclusion Plan program resulting in $64 million of sub-contractor commitments for Minority Business Enterprise/Women Business Enterprise/Micro Local Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE/MLBE) owned contractors for construction projects receiving City incentives.

The department also forged a new fruitful partnership through its SmartZone between two local entrepreneurial support organizations with a focus on serving underserved/underrepresented entrepreneurs. That collaboration helped create 599 jobs and helped 99 companies expand with $54 million in direct follow-up investments.  

Gracia said that while the City of Grand Rapids is on the move with several transformational projects in the pipeline, he couldn’t pass on the chance to return to his home state and lead the department he was a part of for several years.

“I am most appreciative to the City of Grand Rapids and the community for the opportunity to serve,” he said. “My experience leading the economic development department has been very rewarding. The team is passionate and dedicated to Grand Rapids. I know they will continue to do great things for the City for many years to come.

“I made the transition to Grand Rapids during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and experienced the resilience of this community and its business leaders. That resilience continues to show, and I know Grand Rapids will continue to be a leader across the state. Leading the implementation of the Equitable Economic Development and Mobility Strategic plan has been a great professional experience for me. I've learned a lot about authentic community engagement and built great relationships with many community leaders. Their insights and shared experience will forever be a part of my professional journey and I thank them for all they have taught me.”

City Manager Mark Washington said that while he is disappointed to see Gracia depart, he understands his opportunity, wishes him the best and knows the department will continue to deliver – encouraging and assisting robust development here in Grand Rapids.

“Jeremiah came to Grand Rapids in a challenging and dynamic period during the pandemic,” Washington said. “He rose to the occasion and helped us through an economic slowdown and helped us recover stronger than ever. He’s help set us up to welcome new and exciting projects that will provide additional housing options, grow and diversify our economy, and make this a world-class city.”

Washington said the City will conduct a nationwide search for Gracia’s successor. Assistant Economic Development Director Jono Klooster will serve as interim economic development director, effective October 4. With more than 13 years’ experience in the City’s economic development department in a variety of roles – including serving as acting director prior to Gracia’s 2020 appointment – Klooster has provided strong leadership, helping to position the department to respond to post-pandemic economic pressures.

"I am confident in Jono's leadership as interim economic development director and with Deputy City Manager Kate Berens' continued role as the executive in my office who works closely with his department. Together, they will continue to advance transformational projects and support key business initiatives to capitalize on the fantastic opportunities in front of this community,” remarked Washington in making this appointment.

Original source can be found here.