Michael Edwards

The Jamestown Renaissance Corporation has hired Michael Edwards as its new director of downtown revitalization.

Edwards will officially begin in the role on July 1 and will lead efforts to strengthen downtown Jamestown through business development, placemaking, community engagement, strategic partnerships, and investment attraction.

In this role, Edwards will work closely with businesses, property owners, residents, nonprofit organizations, and public-sector partners to advance downtown revitalization initiatives and help implement JRC’s evolving vision for the Urban Core. During his first several months, he plans to meet with stakeholders throughout the community to better understand local priorities, identify opportunities, and help guide the next phase of downtown investment and growth.

Over the past year, JRC has undertaken a strategic evolution of its mission, governance structure, and priorities to strengthen its role as a catalyst for downtown revitalization and economic development. The non-profit is prioritizing economic growth, downtown housing, business attraction and retention, placemaking, and catalytic redevelopment projects.

Edwards will help lead this next chapter by advancing strategic redevelopment initiatives, supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses, activating public spaces, strengthening partnerships, and identifying opportunities that enhance downtown’s economic, residential, and cultural vitality.

“This is more than a staffing announcement–it’s a milestone in JRC’s evolution,” said Mayor Kim Ecklund, co-chair of the JRC board. “Over the last year, we’ve worked to reposition JRC around a renewed mission focused on strengthening downtown Jamestown’s economic, residential, and cultural vitality. Michael’s experience in downtown leadership, economic development, placemaking, and partnership building makes him uniquely qualified to help lead the organization into its next chapter and ensure that our work translates into visible, measurable progress throughout the Urban Core.”

Edwards brings more than 30 years of experience in downtown management, economic development, placemaking, urban planning, historic preservation, and community revitalization. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of the Chicago Loop Alliance, where he led initiatives focused on economic development, public space activation, business advocacy, arts and cultural programming, and strategic planning.

Prior to Chicago, Edwards served as president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, where he helped oversee more than $4 billion in public and private investment and supported significant downtown housing, business recruitment, and public-space initiatives. His experience also includes leadership roles with the Downtown Spokane Partnership, The Saratoga Associates, the Lackawanna Community Development Corporation, and a historic preservation-based downtown revitalization program in North East, Pennsylvania.

“As we looked toward the future of JRC and downtown Jamestown, we knew we needed someone with a strong track record, a collaborative mindset, and a clear understanding of what makes communities thrive,” said Noah Goodling, co-chair of the JRC board. “Michael brings the experience, leadership, and implementation expertise needed to help guide JRC’s transition and turn our vision for the Urban Core into meaningful results for residents, businesses, property owners, and visitors.”

Edwards said he was drawn to Jamestown because of both its potential and its similarities to communities where he has spent much of his career helping lead revitalization efforts.

“Some of the most rewarding work of my career has taken place in communities like Lackawanna and North East–places with strong histories, passionate residents, and a desire to build an even stronger future,” Edwards said. “Those experiences taught me that successful revitalization begins by listening, building relationships, and helping communities capitalize on what makes them unique. Jamestown has tremendous assets in its downtown, arts and cultural institutions, historic architecture, and community spirit. I look forward to meeting people, learning what matters most to them, and working together to build a vibrant, welcoming downtown that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”

Edwards also emphasized the role arts, culture, and public spaces can play in creating a thriving downtown.

“Arts, culture, entertainment, and public spaces help create the experiences that draw people downtown, encourage investment, and strengthen quality of life,” he said. “Jamestown already has remarkable cultural assets, and I believe there are opportunities to build upon those strengths as part of a broader strategy for economic growth and community vitality.”

Edwards holds a Master of Public Administration from the University of Pittsburgh and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Canisius College. He is a founding member of the Global Business District Innovation Club, a Senior Fellow of the Institute of Place Management, and a past board member of the International Downtown Association.

For more information about the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation, visit www.jamestownrenaissance.org.