By Philip Haldiman
Mail | X: @PhilipHaldiman

Peoria’s economic director has resigned.

Jennifer Stein tendered her resignation, effective Oct. 21.

In a statement to the Peoria Independent, Stein said she is grateful for the opportunities she has been given to serve the people of Peoria.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with such a dedicated and talented team,” she stated. “In following the vision of city council, together we have been very successful in growing the city’s economic development initiatives. While, I will miss my Peoria colleagues, I look forward to the next chapter of my career in public service.”

She did not say what is coming next in her career.

Stein has more than 25 years of experience in public and private sector communications, marketing, strategic planning, management, and community relations.

During her more than two years as economic director for Peoria, she helped usher in the much anticipated The Park at 83 that feature three popular restaurants. North Italia and Blanco Cocina + Tequila are opening this week and Postino WineCafe is planned to open in January.

As directed by council, she has been active in attracting advanced industries to the city’s northern area, particularly to the two areas known as North Peoria Gateway, adjacent to Vistancia’s commercial core, and Peoria Innovation Core, spanning from Pleasant Valley north to State Route 74.

Also during her time as economic development director, the department was named Economic Development Organization of the Year in the Large Organization category by the Arizona Association for Economic Development, and she was given a 2023 Arizona Capitol Times Award for Women Achievers of Arizona.

As communications director for eight years in Peoria, she oversaw the award-winning public affairs, marketing, advertising, and tourism efforts and attracted restaurant and hospitality uses to the city.

In her resignation letter, Stein said her decision has been difficult as her time with Peoria has been fulfilling and enriching, and she will always wish Peoria continued success.

“Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege to work with a talented team, creating an impact on the community, while advancing it to the next level and making it better. I am grateful for all the opportunities and have grown both personally and professionally,” the letter states.

Prior to Peoria, Stein worked for the city of Glendale, spearheading the 2008 Super Bowl media efforts, marketing the annual Fiesta Bowl and BCS Championship games, building business and community partnerships in Westgate, and securing media coverage.

Stein was a news producer for KTVK-TV Arizona’s Family and a senior account executive for one of the top public relations firms in the Southwest, HMA Public Relations.

Philip Haldiman can be reached at phaldiman@iniusa.org, or on Twitter @philiphaldiman. We’d like to invite our readers to submit their civil comments, pro or con, on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org.

Philip Haldiman
News Editor | Peoria

phaldiman@iniusa.org

Philip Haldiman is a third generation Arizona native with brief residencies on the east and west coasts. He has bachelor’s degrees in Theater and Journalism at Arizona State University, and is an award winning journalist with more than 15 years worth of experience in reporting and editing. Most recently, he took first place for investigative reporting and third place for best sustained coverage or series at the 2023 Arizona Newspapers Association awards. In his free time, he produces an autobiographical comic book about his time spent in Hollywood and his life as a cult film star.