Grand Rapids Announces Economic Dev And Engineering Appointments

From the City of Grand Rapids:

September 18 2019

City Announces New Economic Development And Engineering Appointments

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – City Manager Mark Washington today announced two appointments: Jono Klooster as acting director of economic development services and Tim Burkman as city engineer.

Klooster will lead the City’s efforts around improving Grand Rapids’ business environment, which include economic development programs and initiatives that create employment opportunities, encourage sustainable business development and result in business recruitment, retention and expansion. Burkman will lead the City’s engineering operations, which include construction projects involving public roads and City-owned utilities and facilities.

Klooster is a familiar face in the City’s Economic Development Department. He has been an integral part of the team for more than eight years, most recently as a senior economic development coordinator who has helped to deliver such projects as Studio Park, The Rowe apartments, Michigan State University Grand Rapids Research Center and the newly constructed Warner Building and Hyatt Place hotel.

Klooster has served as the department’s second in command under Managing Director Kara Wood, who is leaving later this month for an opportunity in higher education. Klooster begins his new role Sept. 25.

“I am confident Mr. Klooster will continue to lead us forward and advance our strategic priorities around economic prosperity and affordability,” Washington said. “He is a rock star within our organization and he is a trusted policy expert who is well-respected in both the business community and the community at large.”

Most recently, Klooster has managed the City’s Brownfield Redevelopment program, completing more than 50 projects that have resulted in more than $1 billion in investment. He also has managed the City’s real estate acquisition and disposition, resulting in more than 15 acres of riverfront property to support the river restoration project and tax-foreclosed properties for affordable housing. He has assisted new and existing businesses in locating and expanding in Grand Rapids, completing more than 50 business development projects that have resulted in more than $400 million in investment.

“I am committed to ensuring Grand Rapids continues to have a prosperous, vibrant and equitable economy,” Klooster said. “I look forward to leading our talented team of economic development professionals to make sure this happens.”

Klooster began his career as a carpenter framing custom homes in Seattle, overseeing small crews of carpenters and laborers. He then spent a year teaching at a bilingual school in Central America before returning to Grand Rapids to use his carpentry skills in the renovation and historic restoration field. He spent three years with a small locally owned contractor, focusing on interior and exterior restoration and remodeling work in Grand Rapids’ historic districts, before joining the City. He has a bachelor’s degree in business from Calvin College and a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.

Washington said he was grateful for Woods’ 12 years of service to the City, adding she would be missed.

“Ms. Wood has been an instrumental part of a decade of economic development in our city,” he said. “I am thankful to her for creating and overseeing many economic development programs and initiatives that have resulted in business recruitment, retention and expansion. I wish her the very best in her future endeavors.”

Burkman, a 17-year professional engineer, will join the City on Oct. 21. He most recently has served as executive director of Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC), the metropolitan planning organization for the Holland-Zeeland area. While serving at the MACC, Burkman was responsible for developing the region’s four-year transportation improvement program. This consisted of more than $117 million in federal, state and local investment in roadway, pathway and transit-related projects. He also worked to improve water quality in local lakes and streams through the promotion and implementation of best management practices.

Burkman has spent most of his career working in the City of Valparaiso (Ind.) Engineering Department – first as assistant city engineer for four years and then as city engineer for 11 years – where he earned a reputation for innovative solutions that engaged the community. During his tenure, he helped set the framework for the successful U.S. 30 corridor improvement project. This project reimagined the city’s main thoroughfare, making it more walkable and more memorable. Roundabouts were introduced in Valparaiso under his leadership to improve safety at several dangerous intersections. He also led the development of a stormwater management plan and investments based on the plan that reduced neighborhood flooding across the community.

Prior to joining the City of Valparaiso, Burkman served as an engineering consultant for several other cities. The northwest Indiana native received a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Valparaiso University.

“Grand Rapids is a phenomenal city, and I am thrilled to join the team here to continue the great progress already in the works and beyond.”

Burkman said.Burkman and his family moved to West Michigan last year to be part of the community they love. He said he has enjoyed developing partnerships with many local, regional and statewide leaders.

Washington touted Burkman’s experience and ability to build relationships in the community.

“Mr. Burkman is a proven leader who brings experience and a record of innovation to the table,” Washington said. “I look forward to working with him to advance our strategic priorities around mobility, health and environment and safe community.”

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed here are the author’s own.