About Us
Meet the Team
The City of Urbandale's Economic Development Department was formed in April 2013. Follow the links below to learn more about the staff you'll be working with and how they operate.
Curtis B
rown, CEcD, Director
Curtis Brown is the Assistant City Manager/Director of Economic Development for the City of Urbandale, Iowa. Before this position, Brown held positions in the Economic Development Department and City Manager’s Office for the City of Ankeny. Brown has also worked as the Executive Director of the Mason City Economic Development Corporation and Community Development Director/Assistant City Administrator for Blue Earth, Minnesota. He has a BA from Saint John's University in Collegeville, MN and a MA from the University of Texas at Austin. Brown earned the Certified Economic Developer designation from the International Economic Development Council in 2014. He also earned the Certified Public Manager designation in 2016. Email Curtis or Connect with Curtis on Linkedin.
Aaron DeJong, Assistant Director
Aaron DeJong is the Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Urbandale, Iowa. Before this position, DeJong was the Director of Economic Development of the City of Louisville, Colorado. DeJong has also held positions in the Economic Development Department of Dubuque, Iowa, and Coralville, Iowa. He has a BA from the University of Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA and a MA from the University of Iowa. Email Aaron or Connect with Aaron on Linkedin.
Ethics and Operating Principles
The purpose of the Economic Development department is to protect business and citizen investments and improve quality of life by designing and implementing strategies for tax base expansion and employment opportunities in Urbandale. In all that we do, we abide by a Code of Ethics and a set of Operating Principles.
Economic Development Advisory Board
The Economic Development Advisory Board provides perspectives and insights to help shape the City of Urbandale’s economic development strategies. The membership of the Economic Development Advisory Board is built around twelve key perspectives. Appointees are residents of Urbandale and/or work in Urbandale. The Board was established on July 9, 2013 through Council Letter 4482 (PDF). The original Board consisted of ten members. Two additional members were added on August 16, 2016 through Council Letter 5218 (PDF).
Meetings
Agendas & Minutes
Agendas are available prior to the meetings. Minutes are available following approval.
View Most Recent Agendas and Minutes
Members
Board Member | Key Perspective Sector | Term Expires |
---|---|---|
Mark Anderson | Real Estate Brokerage | June 30, 2024 |
Laura Barringer | Information Technology | June 30, 2023 |
Ann Collins | Insurance/Financial Services | June 30, 2022 |
Suzy Emmack | Retail/Hospitality Services | June 30, 2023 |
Jacki Boldt | DMACC Business Resources | June 30, 2022 |
Dave Hansen | Real Estate Development | June 30, 2021 |
Aimee Staudt | Real Estate Development | June 30, 2024 |
Vacant | Logistics | June 30, 2023 |
Christopher Pendroy | Real Estate Brokerage | June 30, 2024 |
Tom Gayman | Citizen Stakeholder | June 30, 2024 |
Curt Leaverton | Manufacturing/Bioscience | June 30, 2023 |
Matt Carlile | Young Professional | June 30, 2021 |