For Immediate Release Contact: Katie Lunne, Marketing Mgr.
November 19, 2012 937-852-2520, klunne@citywidedev.com
Steven J. Budd Receives Leadership Award
Dayton Economic Development Leader Recognized by Economic Development Industry
Steven J. Budd, FM HLM, President of CityWide Development Corporation was awarded the Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), for his extraordinary commitment in promoting economic development. The honor was presented at an awards ceremony on Monday, October 1 during the IEDC Annual Conference, September 30 – October 3 in Houston, TX.
“The Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award celebrates a longstanding, committed economic development leader who has led with integrity and generosity for at least 15 years” said Jay Moon, IEDC chair. “Mr. Budd is a fine example of such an individual.”
The Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award recognizes an individual who has continuously led the same public or non-profit economic development organization with integrity, tenacity, and a philanthropic spirit for at least 15 years. Nominees should demonstrate a vast knowledge of the intricacies of the economic development profession and play a pivotal role in the continued success of their organization.
Steven Budd has been a tireless advocate for long-term, comprehensive development in his adopted hometown of Dayton, Ohio for more than 30 years. After joining the CityWide Development Corporation staff as a housing analyst in 1978, Mr. Budd quickly rose through the ranks and was named as the organization’s president in 1989, a position he has held since.
Created as the primary development arm of the City of Dayton, CityWide long depended on funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and Economic Development Administration. Shortly after Mr. Budd took the helm of the organization, this money became scarce and he was faced with the challenge of finding new sources. He worked tirelessly with stakeholders to establish strong and lasting partnerships that have been essential to the continued development of the City. Many of Dayton’s development successes are due to the ongoing strength of these partnerships and the establishment of comprehensive neighborhood initiatives that address the unique challenges of each area.
By focusing on neighborhoods individually, Mr. Budd has been able to oversee dramatic transformations throughout the Dayton area. The Phoenix Project, a collaboration between Good Samaritan Hospital and the City of Dayton, has leveraged over $85 million dollars in private sector development into the neighborhoods and major corridors surrounding the hospital. Since the project’s inception, major crime has decreased by 90 percent. During his tenure, Mr. Budd also spearheaded the renewal of the city of Dayton’s only movie theater, the Neon. Part of a larger downtown revitalization, the upscale art house movie theater has proved to be an immensely successful venture, drawing people into center City and surrounding entertainment district.
Mr. Budd is a longstanding and active member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). He served on the merger team that oversaw the transition of IEDC’s two predecessor organizations, was a founding member of the Economic Development Research Partners (EDRP), and held several leadership roles within IEDC before being elected as chairman in 2004.
Steven Budd has helped guide the transformation of the City of Dayton for the more than three decades. His commitment to public service and unwavering pursuit of creative solutions to urban issues is unmatched. For this reason, the International Economic Development Council is honored to present the 2012 Jeffrey A. Finkle Organizational Leadership Award to Steven Budd.
About the International Economic Development Council
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is the world’s largest independent non-profit membership and research organization devoted exclusively to the field of economic development. IEDC helps economic development professionals create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities and improve the quality of life in their regions. Serving more than 4,400 members, IEDC provides a diverse range of services including conferences, professional development and certification, publications, research, advisory services, and legislative tracking. Visit www.iedconline.org.