Economic Development Director in Indio to Retire

City of Indio’s Economic Development Director Announces Retirement

INDIO —The man credited with bringing 30 new projects and more than $350 million in public and private investments to this community is leaving.  Economic Development Director, Carl Morgan announced his retirement from the City of Indio after eight years and six months of dedicated public service. His official retirement date is Dec. 31.

Morgan is a highly experienced economic development and redevelopment professional with more than 38 years of service, according to city leaders. He has served for 30 years as a manager or director in the cities of Glendora, Long Beach, Loma Linda and Indio.  He also served as CEO of an Economic Development Corporation, 501 (c) (3) and (c) (6) Non-profit, collaborating with 9-cities and 17 unincorporated communities in in North San Diego County. His private sector experience includes private consulting with Willdan Associates and Urban Futures, Inc. In addition, as a sole proprietor, and President of CSM consulting

Since July 7, 2016, Morgan has been the driving force and agent of change in Indio. “Great things have happened in Indio and much of that is through Carl’s personal efforts and leading others to achieve,” City Manager Bryan Montgomery said in a statement. His forward thinking and strategic leadership have resulted in a renaissance of growth and development in Downtown Indio.  Under his stewardship, Downtown has 30 new projects and more than $350 million in public and private investments.

Other noteworthy accomplishments include the addition of several auto dealerships to the I-10 Auto Mall including the Chrysler, Dodge Jeep and Ram, Kia and Unicars Pre-owned Super Store which generate millions of dollars in annual sales tax revenues to the city. Three new hotels were also added– Fairfield Inn & Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, and Woodspring’s hotels in North Indio, which generate hundreds of thousands of dollars in transient occupancy tax and retail sales tax revenues from the guests attending city events and festivals.

Morgan and his economic development Team have added 30 new retailers and restaurants to the North Indio Freeway Commercial shopping centers (The Palms, Indio Towne Center and Showcase) and another 10 are under construction.

Morgan leaves behind a legacy of economic development excellence and a succession plan that includes a top-shelf economic development team, who will keep the momentum going for years to come, according to a city-issued news release.

“Serving this city and the citizens of this community has been an honor and a privilege,” Morgan said in a statement.