Economic Development, Community Development, Urban/Regional Planning, Government Relations, Strategic Alliances.

Andrew Shapiro is the City of Lowell's Director of Economic Development. In concert with the City Manager's office and other City staff, Andrew devises and implements the City of Lowell's overall economic development strategy. He and the Economic Development Office team work with businesses of all sizes to assess needs, explain City services, underwrite loans and tax increment financing agreements, and provide technical assistance. Other focuses of the Economic Development Office include grant writing, liaising with State and quasi-public regional entities charged with overseeing economic development programs, and working with brokers and property owners to fill vacancies and maximize their properties' full potential. Prior to coming to Lowell Andrew was the City of Salem, MA's Economic Development Planner. In Salem, he managed the City's business loan programs, business recruitment and retention initiatives, and coordination with state and local economic development organizations. He also oversaw other activities, ranging from permitting of downtown development projects, working with private developers to identify redevelopment opportunities, and managing redevelopment of City-controlled parcels. Before working for the City of Salem, Andrew worked for the City of Boston, the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Los Angeles, and as a government relations professional in Washington, DC. He holds a Master's Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Syracuse University.