Power Profile: Jim Carver, Maryland Heights Economic Development Director
To Jim Carver, Maryland Heights is home. It is where he grew up and where he is raising his family. He says he wouldn’t have it any other way, and that’s part of the passion that drives him as the economic development director for the city.
“I’m a lifelong resident,” Carver said. “This position allows me to give back to the City of Maryland Heights. My job allows me to wake up every day and sell my city and promote growth.”
Carver previously served as a city councilman, where he headed the economic development commission. His background ranges from working as a supervisor for Union Pacific’s mechanical division to the United States Airforce.
As economic development director, Carver’s job is to promote growth and help build a vision for the future – for Maryland Heights and its citizens. He noted that economic development is also community development.
“It is combining the two together to build a better city for tomorrow,” Carver said. “It is what's in the best interest of the community, bringing residents and businesses together to build a vision together.”
Maryland Heights has had a lot of new growth in the last four years including the Centene Community Ice Center, a logistics center, and housing. Current businesses expanded their facilities, and the Riverport area was developed. The city has experienced five million square feet of new development and several million square feet of expansion. Carver noted there is still room to grow.
“Maintaining what we have is truly important, as well as understanding how we keep those businesses in business and what they need from us as good partners,” Carver said. “It is looking at the future of how the city can be better, how we can improve our process and our relationships with our partners throughout the city.”
One such partner is Ameren Missouri. Maryland Heights is working with the energy provider to install solar arrays in a parking lot. The solar installation comes as Maryland Heights is developing a Greenhouse, Garden and Sustainability Center Project, which will include demonstrations of solar and wind power and sustainability-focused programs for students and community members.
“We – the city and me personally – value the partnership with Ameren Missouri in so many ways,” Carver said. He added that reliable, clean energy helps sell the city to businesses.
"Energy reliability and growth are both essential to building and securing the future of Maryland Heights." Carver said that he hopes future generations will expand on the vision and make it their own.