Miranda leaving as head of Economic Development

After two and a half years as Maricopa’s economic development director, Micah Miranda is moving on to the same post with the City of Chandler.

In his relatively brief time in Maricopa, Miranda’s obligation to carry out the city council’s strategic plan gave him “a lot of tasks.”

Maricopa’s staff of three in the Economic Development Department has been instrumental in the progress of the Estrella Gin Business Park, the creation of the Maricopa Center for Entrepreneurship and the establishment of a revolving loan fund in November.

The latter is meant to serve pre-bankable new businesses that have not established credit. 

“We just began working on our first loan,” Miranda said.

Miranda also points to his department’s ability to attract retail businesses like those going into the Maricopa Station now being constructed near the intersection of John Wayne Parkway and Smith-Enke  Road.

“Micah’s done a stellar job for us,” Mayor Christian Price said. He said Economic Development can be “a tedious, tedious job that can be 24/7,” and the council is “deeply, deeply appreciative” of the work Miranda did for Maricopa.

A high level of communication with the council and the community has been a key lesson Miranda said he learned and will carry forward to Chandler.

 He said the Maricopa Advocate program allowed the department to engage residents. “They could see what we’re working on and why,” he said.

Like all departments, Economic Development is guided by the will of the council. Miranda said he felt fortunate  to work with a city manager and council that understands the department’s work and how to maintain it.

“He will certainly be missed,” City Manager Gregory Rose said. “I think he has a clear vision and real leadership skills, and I begrudgingly wish him well.”

Miranda’s last day is Thursday. With Denyse Airheart out on maternity leave, Michael Winer temporarily will