New Economic & Community Development Director Appointed In Hamden
Wayner has more that 20 years of experience in affordable housing development, real estate investment, city and urban planning, business development and operations, project management, government relations and economic revitalization in communities across the U.S., according to a news release from the mayor's office.
"I look forward to Ayanna Wayner joining our team and sharing her experiences and expertise in large scale economic development and affordable housing development," Garrett said. "I know Ayanna is looking forward to meeting our small business community."
As the Executive Director for the City of New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency & City of New Rochelle Corporation for Local Development, Wayner evaluated and negotiated multi-million-dollar tax incentive and bond financing packages for development projects and local businesses to spur economic activity, incentivize affordable housing and attract new businesses and jobs to the city.
As Deputy Commissioner of Economic Development for the City of New Rochelle, Wayner ushered in a massive $6 billion 300-acre downtown revitalization Master Development Plan which involved designing and effectuating extensive public outreach and developing an innovative re-zoning of the downtown development area, including incentives for hundreds of new affordable housing units. Wayner authored and executed an RFP and competitive selection process that led to a public-private partnership with a leading US real estate development firm. This revolutionary rezoning and award-winning development plan paved the way for 12 million square feet of new construction with 10,000 residential units and incentives for over 1,000 new affordable housing units.
In her role as Deputy Commissioner, Wayner also established and implemented an outreach program to women and minority-owned businesses to bid for business opportunities tied to downtown redevelopment and created and managed city-wide planning and marketing projects including a dynamic arts, culture and technology district. Further, she developed numerous initiatives to promote small business development, address infrastructure needs, market the city to attract business investment, and promote community engagement.
Wayner is the founder and president of ARRA Enterprises, LLC, an affordable housing and development consulting firm that provides affordable housing consulting and real estate development services for affordable housing developers to build thriving and inclusive urban communities and deepen their relationships with municipalities and government agencies.
From her various roles, Wayner has established a demonstrable ability to work collaboratively and engage with landlords, tenant groups, nonprofit organizations, community members and elected officials to understand their specific obstacles and challenges. She has worked intentionally and strategically to cultivate and oversee partnerships with financial institutions, private sector developers, industry groups, non-profit organizations, community organizations, state, federal and local government agencies and the community to increase opportunities and improve the quality of life for individuals and families in a variety of diverse communities.
Wayner is a highly accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in strategic planning, project and budget management, program implementation, policy reform, and compliance with reporting requirements. She brings an incredible wealth of experience spanning over 20 years in affordable housing development, real estate investment, city and urban planning, business development and operations, project management, government relations and economic revitalization in communities across the U.S.
In her new role as Director of Economic and Community Development for the Town of Hamden, Wayner will play a key leadership role in several current developments such as the State Street and High Meadow housing developments and many improvements to the Newhall neighborhood. She will also lead the effort to develop a tax incentive program as well as an economic development plan. Additionally, Hamden has recently been approved for a $250,000 Community Investment Fund (CIF) Planning Grant to develop our Hamden Town Center Master Plan which will build on the current development momentum and Hamden's strengths and position the center of Town for decades of prosperity and vitality.
