New hire brings 20 years of experience to Wilmington’s business development office
The City of Wilmington has appointed Louis Starks as its new business and economic development manager. Starks begins the position on July 27 and brings over two decades of experience in urban planning, housing finance, and public policy.
Most recently, Starks managed business retention and expansion efforts in Oakland County, Michigan. During his tenure there, his teams helped create thousands of jobs and oversaw projects resulting in billions of dollars of investment.
In his new capacity, Starks will focus on strengthening the local business ecosystem and advancing strategic economic growth. His responsibilities include connecting businesses with city procurement opportunities and building public-private partnerships to ensure long-term vitality.
City Manager Becky Hawke highlighted his track record in helping organizations and communities reach their potential. Starks holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa, alongside a degree from Duke University. He is also a Certified Economic Development Professional.