Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today established the Governor’s Office of Urban Development and Infrastructure and appointed Marvin Hayes as the office’s director.
The Office of Urban Development and Infrastructure, outlined in the governor’s Turnaround Ohio plan, will be charged with assuring that the priorities of Ohio’s cities and towns are articulated and included in the efforts of all cabinet agencies, boards and commissions.
“This office, in a partnership with local and state governments, will work to ensure that Ohio’s cities and towns are not only great places to live and raise a family, but also centers of economic vitality,” Strickland said.
The office will also coordinate development of the Ohio Development and Redevelopment Plan through a statewide process with significant input from mayors, city councils and metropolitan planning organizations. This plan will target development to areas of Ohio that need resources for job development, infrastructure renewal or to preserve farmland.
Marvin Hayes, of Cleveland, will serve as the director of the Governor’s Office of Urban Development and Infrastructure beginning April 9.
“I look forward to working with Governor Strickland to revitalize Ohio’s great urban areas and strengthen our economy,” Hayes said.
Hayes has served as the executive assistant to Cuyahoga County Commissioner Tim Hagan since 2004. In this position, Hayes represents and advises the commissioner on economic development policy, infrastructure policy, workforce development and justice affairs.
Hayes previously worked for the Parsons Corporation in Pasadena, California, as the Midwest/Mid-Atlantic Business Development Manager for Parsons Water and Infrastructure Group from 2001-2004.
Hayes also served as the executive assistant for intergovernmental relations for Cleveland Mayor Michael White from 1997-2001, and as a freelance political consultant from 1994-1996. Hayes graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1992.