Steve Gugliotta has taken over the role of Director of Community Development for the City of Galesburg. The announcement came yesterday from the city. He'd been filling the position on an interim basis since Ryan Berger's resignation in April of this year. Gugliotta has been with the city for 23 years, starting as a General Inspector in 1998 before being promoted to Associate Planner in 2005 and then Planning Manager in 2017. "Steve has been an integral leader in the Community Development Department, as well as a vital member of the City of Galesburg leadership," said Todd Thompson, City Manager. "He has brought concrete knowledge and expertise to the table, as well as dedication to a job well done, making him an ideal candidate to fill this position." In his time with the city, he's administered the city's Tax Increment Financing program, which has assisted over 25 projects that have invested $40M into the redevelopment of existing buildings. In addition, the Galesburg Enterprise Zone program has assisted over 50 projects that have invested approximately $34M into the development or redevelopment of existing and new buildings. "I am honored to be selected as the Director of Community Development," said Gugliotta. "I believe the largest component in accomplishments of projects and community progress is working in cooperation with city administration, colleagues, elected officials, community groups, and developers on projects that help improve our community as a whole. I will continue to utilize that principle in pursuit of successfully fulfilling my new role as Director of Community Development." In his new position, Gugliotta will be overseeing the Community Development Department. The department is responsible for economic development incentive programs, inspections, code enforcement, public transportation, and coordinating the refuse and recycling contracts, among other responsibilities. Prior to his career with the city, Gugliotta served as a Commercial Loan Officer with JVS Financial Group and as a Funding Officer for Korea Exchange Bank. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management from Illinois STate University, a Master of Arts in Geography/Urban Planning from Western Illinois University, and is a certified planner with the American Institute of Certified Planners.