The job will work to activate public spaces and create unique experiences to further generate economic development and enhanced quality of life.
On Thursday, Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer announced the creation of a new position within the Mayor's office called Director of Placemaking and Competitiveness.
The City says it wishes to continue to strengthen the economic competitiveness of the city through increased vitality and authentic experiences. Because of this, a need was identified to create this new position of Director of Placemaking and Competitiveness.
Key to this new role will be a strategic focus on identifying innovative approaches, priorities and enhancements within the city to ensure Orlando surpasses peer cities in overall experience and supports attracting and growing high-value jobs that further diversify the local economy.
This position will also focus on bringing together public and private resources to create and activate public spaces and create unique experiences to further generate economic development and enhanced quality of life for the citizens and customers of the city.
The first person appointed to the position is Frank Billingsley. Billingsley has served as the Chief of Staff for the last decade. The new appointment will be effective January 27, 2020, pending appropriate City Council confirmation.
In this new role, Billingsley will leverage his more than 30 years of experience in the field of economic development. His experience includes positions with the Greater Orlando Chamber of Commerce and the City of Orlando, including Director of Permitting Services, Downtown Development Board Director, Economic Development Director and as Chief of Staff.