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MAY 16, 2025 ANN ARBOR Meet Joe Giant: Ann Arbor's new Economic Development Director March 17 was Joe Giant’s first day as Economic Development Director. Giant is the first person to hold this position in the City of Ann Arbor. Briefly describe your role as Economic Development Director. This is a new position for Ann Arbor, though similar roles exist in most other municipalities. The department works with businesses, residents and community stakeholders to pursue projects, programs and policies that support the City’s vision for sustainable growth. This can include anything from helping a new business navigate the permitting process, to negotiating major redevelopment projects, to collaborating with community partners on plans for evolving corridors and neighborhoods. What are your goals, aspirations for this position? My goal is to help implement the community’s shared vision for high-quality, sustainable and inclusive economic development. That might sound broad, but it’s grounded in real direction, particularly in the draft Comprehensive Plan, which is our community’s overall long-term vision for growth and development, and it reflects deep public engagement and consensus on how Ann Arbor should grow. In practice, that means supporting housing development at all income levels, growing the tax base through smart, well-designed projects, improving the City’s internal processes to make it easier to move good ideas forward, and helping connect businesses with the tools and resources they need to thrive. What excites you most about doing this work in Ann Arbor, Michigan? This position brings together my passions for planning, placemaking and development, making it a perfect fit — especially in a city I’ve long admired. As an urban planner, I often heard Ann Arbor held up as a model of innovation and creativity. When I moved back to my hometown of Fort Wayne, Indiana, nearly a decade ago, I made a point to visit Ann Arbor — and I kept coming back. The city’s energy, its vibrant public spaces, and its strong sense of place really stuck with me. Eventually, I joked that I needed to stop visiting before I just packed up and moved here. And now, I’m thrilled to be raising my family in a community with such great schools, parks and LINDSAY CALKA Publisher neighborhoods. Economic growth more times than not means economic growth for the few, at the expense of the many. How will you champion economic development for all, particularly poor and working class people? I believe it’s essential to remember that Ann Arbor is a city, not an amenity for students or a ritzy suburb. Cities are complex systems that need balance in order to thrive. That means being inclusive, not exclusive. If someone wants to live in a city, they should be able to. When that’s possible, everyone benefits: people feel a greater sense of pride, belonging, and investment in their community. But when teachers, firefighters, caregivers, and other essential workers can’t afford to live here, or when promising businesses are priced out before they can grow, or when creatives and young professionals leave for more affordable places, we all lose something vital. We lose the diversity, dynamism and vibrancy that make cities truly special. As this office evolves, I’ll be focused on several key strategies. First, expanding the supply of housing at all income levels to help stabilize costs. Second, removing barriers that prevent new businesses from opening or scaling. And third, ensuring City government is accessible, efficient, and solutions-oriented— so that it becomes a partner in progress, not a barrier to it. Fortunately, I’ve already had the chance to meet with many people who are doing important work in these areas. By building on their efforts and addressing the challenges only local government is positioned to solve, we can work toward a more inclusive, resilient and high-performing economy. What are your thoughts on guaranteed income programs? I’m aware of these programs, but I haven’t yet had the opportunity to study them in enough detail to comment meaningfully. I look forward to learning more. How do you envision Ann Arbor protecting and supporting gig workers in our local economy? I spent nearly eight years after college as a gig worker myself, so I remember well how uncertain and exposed that work can feel. The term has broadened over time to cover many types of independent and flexible work, but the vulnerabilities remain. For my office to be effective, we need to respond to evolving economic realities, including changes in how people work. That means staying in close contact with the private sector and keeping an open feedback loop with businesses and workers alike. While some challenges facing gig workers — like healthcare access — are beyond the City’s control, we still have an important role to play. Gig workers contribute tremendously to the local economy and quality of life, yet they’re often disconnected from traditional support networks and may lack a unified voice. Recognizing their importance and making space for their needs in local policy and economic planning is essential to a truly inclusive economy. GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and home tools— you name it! Study and meeting rooms, fast and free WiFi, and plenty of places to sit and hang out Unusual Stuff to Borrow There’s more to borrow at AADL than books, music, and movies. To name a few, there are games, telescopes, stories-to-go kits, and home tools. Check out these unusual yet handy items during your next library visit. Michigan Activity Pass With a valid library card from any Michigan public library, you can print a pass to participating organizations, including museums and state parks, through the Michigan Activity Pass website. Some partners offer complimentary or reducedprice admission; others, gift shop discounts and exclusive offers. FEATURED EVENT 5 6/30/2025 Wednesday, June 4 • 11am–4pm Downtown Library The 2025 VISIONS Vendor Fair features a variety of exhibitors demonstrating the latest products and services for the blind, visually impaired, and physically disabled, along with presentations on topics related to vision health, services, and assistive technology. Check out aadl.org/visions for more!

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