Auburn Econ. Development Director to retire
The City of Auburn has announced the retirement of Economic Development Director Roland Miller. Employed with the city for 35 years, Miller started work on January 7, 1980 as Director of the Community Development Department and was promoted to Economic Development Director in December of 2000. He will retire at the end of November.
A native of Wisconsin, Miller received his Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin at Oshkosh and later served on the school’s faculty. He served as the Deputy Director of the Community Development Department of Oshkosh, where he oversaw Planning, Grant Administration, Redevelopment, Housing, Codes and Ordinances and Transportation, and later as the Planning Analyst for the Portage County Area-wide Planning Committee in Stevens Point, Wisconsin.
Miller’s accomplishments for the City of Auburn over the course of his 35-year tenure have included preservation of the historic buildings that line Auburn’s Main Street, production of various municipal Comprehensive and District Plans, development of the Mall District, attraction and subsequent expansion of some of the city’s largest industries, building and tenanting of Auburn’s first Industrial Parks, development of the Intermodal Railroad Facility, establishment of the Port of Auburn, creation of healthy and high-quality affordable housing, production and improvement of municipal zoning regulations, provision of loans and grants to small business owners, development of neighborhood parks and green spaces, and revitalization of the Downtown Auburn Riverfront.
“One thing that sets him apart from many Economic Development professionals is his motivation,” said Deputy Director of Planning and Development Eric Cousens. “For Roland, it’s not about profit for himself or profit for just the individuals doing the project. He recognizes that people need to make money to keep doing projects, but what really motivates him is job creation and creating opportunity for others to better themselves.”
When he’s not at work, Miller enjoys singing in his church choir, fishing, reading and spending time with his wife and three children. He is also a tournament-level Bridge player.
The city will conduct a nationwide search for his replacement in the immediate future.