The city has temporarily filled the vacancy left by the departure of former Economic Development Director Kevin Johns. Rebecca Giello has been appointed as the interim director of the department, moving over from her position as deputy director of the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development Department. The appointment was announced in December and was effective immediately upon Johns’ departure. Among Giello’s accomplishments is helping to secure and implement $120 million in general obligation bonds to create and preserve affordable housing, as well as addressing efforts related to homelessness, senior programs and small business owners. She was also heavily involved in the development of the Colony Park Master Plan that is leading to the redevelopment of that East Austin tract. There is no official timetable for hiring a full-time director of the Economic Development Department.
Chad Swiatecki is a 20-year journalist who relocated to Austin from his home state of Michigan in 2008. He most enjoys covering the intersection of arts, business and local/state politics. He has written... More by Chad Swiatecki