RALEIGH – Economic development will be the focus of a joint effort between the City of Raleigh and Wake County Economic Development, and a executive has been added to help lead the initiative.

Part of the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce, Wake County Economic Developemt will co-manage business and jobs recruitment along with the city in a “partnership” known as Raleigh Economic Development.

“Before, the City of Raleigh managed economic development in-house. Now WCED will manage in partnership with the City,” a spokesperson for the Chamber tells WRAL TechWire.

“For many years, we’ve worked in partnership with the City of Raleigh on economic development efforts and we are pleased to continue collaborating to bring growth and development to Raleigh,” Haley said in the announcement.

New to the partnership as Kyle Touchstone as director. He joins the team led by Wake County Economic Development Executive Director Michael Haley.

The position is described as a new one with the City and WCED with Haley remaining the executive dircetcor, a spokesperson explained.

Thousands of jobs, new projects fill Wake County’s potential economic pipeline

WCED already has a strong pipeline of projects reflected in numerous recruitment and job announcements over the past year, including 95 projects, more than 5,800 promised jobs and investment of some $3.7 billion, according to the WCED.

Raleigh Economic Development is tasked with “all business recruitment, business retention and expansion, and brand awareness activities, and support talent and equitable economic development efforts,” the City and Chamber said in Friday’s announcement.

An economic development veteran with more than 15 years of experience, Touchstone most recently worked with The Wooten Company and was actively involved in infrastructure developments in the Carolinas.

“Kyle is a great fit for this new position as he brings a unique perspective having previously worked in North Carolina, Florida, and Texas,” Haley noted.

Added Chamber CEO Adrienne Cole: “Kyle joins the team during an exciting time of growth and momentum in Raleigh and the region. Raleigh’s trajectory is fast and with Kyle’s experience and knowledge, he will play a big role in aiding recruitment and expansion throughout the city of Raleigh.”

Other moves

The news follows the City Council’s announcement last week to formally approve a Office of Strategy and Innovation.

“By creating a distinct Office to support Strategy and Innovation, the City is demonstrating its strong commitment to innovation,” said Evan Raleigh, assistant city manager of the City of Raleigh, in a statement shared with WRAL TechWire.  “This Office will be entrusted with the challenge of aligning the City’s strategic approach to its support of innovation and new ideas.”

Now, the City of Raleigh is hiring a leader for that office, one of two hires anticipated to occur during the fiscal year, according to the approved budget.

City of Raleigh creating new office of strategy and innovation, hiring exec