Johnson named city’s Economic Development Director
MADISON – Madison’s many exciting developments, along with opportunities for sustainable community growth, led Josh Johnson to accept the position of Economic Development Director for the City of Madison.
“Madison has grown dramatically since I lived in the Huntsville and North Alabama area,” Johnson said. “I believe this growth can and will continue across all sectors.”
“As Economic Development Director, I am charged with the management of public-private investment in the community, increasing employment, citizen wealth, a stronger tax base and improved quality of life in Madison,” Johnson said.
Johnson will work closely with Mary Beth Broeren, Director of Development Services, and the Planning Staff.
Johnson’s career began with interning with the City Manager and City Planner of Mountain Brook. After college, he worked as a Transportation Planner for Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority, Planner for Shelby County and Senior Planner for Birmingham. His last job was Director of Planning and Development for the transit authority.
He served six years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He now is an Infantryman in National Guard.
In Madison, Johnson will plan and implement policies, projects and programs that support Madison’s economic goals. He will analyze various economic metrics, key-performance indicators and trends, while working with city and regional stakeholders on workforce development, commercial recruitment/retention and sustainable housing.
“In the short term, being a resource during COVID for Madison’s retailers and industrial businesses will be crucial for remaining resilient,” Johnson said. “Developing a strategy to annex desirable unincorporated properties contiguous to the city is another key project.”
Johnson believes that citizens hope for Madison to become a premiere city in the Southeast. “Madison’s leadership is progressive … without sacrificing what makes Madison such a desirable place,” he said.
Madison City Schools consistently breaks achievement records, and “this investment in education has a spillover effect that produces higher property values, housing demand, and associated retail opportunities,” Johnson said.
From Town Madison to U.S. 72, Madison’s core areas will connect with multimodal transportation projects. “The underpinning of these developments is supporting long-range planning documents, zoning and subdivision regulations,” Johnson said.
Johnson earned a bachelor’s degree at the University of North Alabama and a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He holds a professional certificate in Geographic Information Systems from Michigan State University.
His wife Elizabeth has been a homemaker since the birth of their twins, Sara and Josiah Johnson.
Josh enjoys working out, running, deer and turkey hunting, fishing, bouldering, kayaking, hiking and camping.
