Len Becker, the Economic Development Manager for the Village of Skokie talked about recent developments in downtown, specifically the new hotel.
With over 30 years as an economic development professional, Len is currently the Economic Development Manager for the Village of Skokie. Joining the Village in 2017, he leads Skokie’s economic development efforts to build additional real estate capacity, spearhead redevelopment efforts, expand capital investment, grow employment and regional presence, and works to enhance municipal revenues. These efforts have led to the approval of multiple Tax Increment Financing agreements, Property Tax abatement projects as well as the utilization of local incentive programs. Over the past five years, economic development in Skokie has resulted in over $150 million in capital investment and over 1000 full-time jobs for the Village. Concurrently, numerous transformational achievements have taken place in Skokie such as the establishment of the Old Orchard Business District and Oakton-Niles TIF District, completion of the Highpoint at 8000 North, continued expansion at Skokie Hospital as well as the Illinois Science + Technology Park. In his current capacity, Len serves as the liaison to the Skokie Economic Development Commission, led the economic recovery taskforce during Covid, represents the Village through numerous professional associations and has worked with and has assisted numerous business constituencies and partners throughout the Village.
Prior to joining the Village of Skokie, Len served as Director of Economic Development in Buckeye, Arizona where his efforts led to the creation of 87 new businesses, 1,339 new jobs, and development of over 450,000 square feet of new commercial space. Len has also worked for several private and non-profit sector organizations in a similar capacity as Vice President of Economic Development at both the Greater Phoenix and Tucson Metropolitan Chambers of Commerce, Director of Economic Development for the Downtown Phoenix Partnership, and other positions in the private consulting and real estate sectors.