After serving as the City of Loveland’s economic development director for seven years, Kelly Jones-Sage has resigned and will be leaving Feb. 21, 2024.
“I want to extend my deep appreciation to Kelly for her seven years of leadership, stewardship and vision for Loveland,” said Acting Loveland City Manager Rod Wensing. “She leaves behind an accomplished body of work and a strong team committed to economic vitality for our community.”
During her tenure in Loveland, Sage oversaw JAX’s expansion into the former K-Mart building, redevelopment, and sale of the former HP Campus to the Forge Campus, led the negotiations of the Draper downtown development project, attracted Colorado’s second largest Amazon facility, Bass Pro Shops, and IMAX. She also promoted interest in a customs facility at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport. During the COVID pandemic, Sage partnered with regional leaders for economic recovery efforts, securing loans and grants to support small businesses, and implemented the downtown restaurant patio program to overcome health restrictions.
As part of the 2022-2027 Economic Development Strategic Plan to support economic vitality, Sage revised the City’s business assistance/incentive policy to outline a clear and transparent process for fiscal responsibility, accountability and flexibility and added a small business assistance process.
“I have enjoyed working with incredibly devoted city of Loveland staff, devoted business leaders and community champions over the span of my career. Loveland has always had a special place in my heart, and I have been fortunate to play a small role in its development since the beginning of my 25-year career here,” said Jones-Sage.
For the City’s “Economic Vitality” strategic focus, the City will conduct a national search for a new economic development director to maintain momentum going forward. In the interim, Marcie Willard, the City’s business relations manager, will serve as acting economic development director.
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