Pictured is the city’s new Economic Development Coordinator, Aili Makuch. Submitted photo

Jamestown has a new economic development coordinator – and she has a pretty big to-do list.

During Monday’s City Council work session, Mayor Kim Ecklund said the position has been filled by Aili Makuch, who at the time of the meeting had been there for two days.

“She has been here two days, and is working out very well,” Ecklund said. “I’m very excited and look forward to that. “Her wealth of experience and commitment to community development will be essential as we work to enhance economic opportunities and create a stronger future for our residents and businesses.”

In a previous interview with The Post-Journal, Ecklund said filling the role of the economic development coordinator is something that the success of the city’s comprehensive plan relies on heavily. She referred to it as “a critical role in our ongoing efforts to attract investment, foster job creation, and support local businesses.”

“This position is essential to driving economic progress and ensuring that the vision outlined in the comprehensive plan is realized,” Ecklund said.

Makuch’s professional experience includes her work as a licensed real estate salesperson, where she assisted clients with property transactions in the Chautauqua Institution and surrounding areas. She then worked for the Chautauqua County Land Bank as its program coordinator, a position that saw her work on projects to repurpose blighted properties, improve neighborhoods, and support economic growth. City officials said that experience will directly benefit Jamestown’s ongoing efforts to revitalize and expand its local economy.

As economic development coordinator, Makuch will focus on attracting and supporting businesses, securing economic investment, and strengthening Jamestown’s position as a hub for growth and innovation. In addition to priority properties such as the former McDonald’s on East Second Street, Big Lots Plaza in Brooklyn Square, the former Rite Aid on North Main, and the Blackstone NEY Ultrasonic property, Makuch is set to also place a significant emphasis on downtown revitalization.

The McDonald’s location on East Second Street has been empty for more than a year while Big Lots is in the midst of a closing sale after the Jamestown location was not among those saved in a last-minute sale that kept about 400 Big Lots stores nationally open. The former Rite Aid on North Main Street has been closed for two years while Blackstone Ney Ultrasonics announced the closure of its South Main Street facility in November.

At the same time, the city has been looking for a developer to redevelop the former Marine Midland and Key bank buildings at the corner of Second and Main streets after redevelopment efforts stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic. Several storefronts in downtown are still looking for new tenants while the state of the Arcade Building looms over downtown development efforts as well.

“Aili brings a diverse skill set and a passion for revitalization that will make a meaningful difference in our ongoing efforts to foster economic growth. Her background in real estate and marketing will be key in helping us attract investment and improve our city’s infrastructure and business environment,” said Crystal Surdyk, city development director.