City Hires Business & Economic Development Manager

Published on July 23, 2026

The City of Wilmington is pleased to announce the hiring of Louis Starks as its new Business & Economic Development Manager, a leadership role focused on strengthening Wilmington's business ecosystem, supporting entrepreneurship, and advancing strategic economic growth.

In this role, Starks will collaborate with residents, local businesses, community groups, educational institutions, and regional partners to promote investment, workforce development, and innovation for businesses of all sizes. He will also help connect small businesses with City procurement opportunities, cultivate public-private partnerships, and lead initiatives that promote long-term economic vitality.

“Louis has built his career around helping individuals, organizations, and communities reach their full potential,” said City Manager Becky Hawke. “Whether supporting entrepreneurs, managing complex redevelopment projects, or bringing together public and private partners, he has consistently focused on creating opportunity and delivering results. He understands that a strong economy creates opportunities for everyone. By supporting local businesses and fostering innovation, his work will help ensure the benefits of Wilmington’s growth are felt throughout the community, creating jobs, strengthening neighborhoods, and improving quality of life for residents.”

Starks brings more than 20 years of experience in economic development, urban planning, housing finance, workforce development, and public policy. Most recently, he served as Manager of Business Development for Oakland County, Michigan, where he led teams focused on business retention and expansion and financial services for one of the nation's most economically diverse regions. During his tenure, his teams supported billions of dollars in business investment initiatives while helping create thousands of jobs.

Starks holds a Juris Doctor and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Iowa, as well as a bachelor's degree from Duke University. He is also a Certified Economic Development Professional.

Starks will begin in his role on Monday, July 27.