Yuma County’s first Economic Development and Intergovernmental Affairs Director

Yuma County Administrator Susan Thorpe announced the appointment of Paul Melcher as the County’s first Economic Development & Intergovernmental Affairs Director Monday morning.

The new position is responsible for planning, organizing and directing economic development activities to include attracting new industry, business, and investments in Yuma County.

It also entails proposing and tracking local, state and federal legislative initiatives to benefit the County.

As part of the transition between Deputy County Administrator, Melcher will continue as Interim Elections Director through the remainder of this election cycle and the post-election reporting period.

“Now, more than ever, the economic prosperity of this region is paramount,” explains Thorpe. “Paul will be a key part of the County’s renewed commitment to fostering an environment that stimulates diversified job creation, capital investments, and tax revenues.”

Melcher will administer the County’s economic development incentive policy, 4FrontED initiatives and related programs and will be conducting research, providing strategic analysis, making recommendations and conducting activities related to intergovernmental and legislative affairs at the local, regional, state and federal levels.