Philadelphia, PA – Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter announced today that Andrew Altman, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development and Commerce Director, has accepted a position as founding CEO of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, overseeing the revitalization and redevelopment of Olympic Park in East London — the largest urban development effort in the United Kingdom and Europe. London will host the 2012 Olympic Games.
“This is truly an extraordinary – and once in a lifetime – opportunity for the Altman family and while I’m sad that Andy will be leaving us, I am also tremendously proud that he has received this international recognition,” said Nutter. “While Andy puts his great talents to work in leading the largest redevelopment effort in Europe, we plan to make Andy proud by seeing through the ambitious goals he’s set for us here at home.”
“It has been a tremendous honor to work with Mayor Nutter and this administration to make a difference in the city I grew up in, especially during these difficult economic times,” Altman said. “I believe it is a great testament to the Mayor and Philadelphia’s emerging reputation as a leader in reform and progressive government that I was asked to take on an assignment which is so critical to the future of the City of London.”
During his tenure as Deputy Mayor, Altman laid the foundation for job creation and the revitalization of major parts of downtown, the waterfront and neighborhoods across the City. During the news conference, Nutter highlighted several of Altman’s achievements including:
Coordination of all economic development activities throughout city agencies and creation of a “Development Cabinet” to manage major projects and policies.
Reorganization of the Commerce Department, including creation of a one-stop shop for businesses and potential investors in Philadelphia.
Putting the pieces into place to redevelop the Delaware waterfront including creation of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation.
Led the development of applications for federal recovery dollars and coordinated a major new initiative on weatherization that will create up to 750 green collar jobs.
As Chair of the City Planning Commission, put planning at the heart of the City’s development process.
Managed the casino development efforts on behalf of the City that will ensure opening within 12 months.
Created innovative loan guarantee and gap financing programs to invest more than $10 million to support small businesses and commercial corridors.
London was selected as host for the 2012 Olympic Games in part because of a commitment to creating a “legacy” for London by revitalizing one of the most deprived areas of the City. Through a massive redevelopment effort coordinated by the Olympic Park Legacy Company, the 400 acre Olympic site will become home to more than 10,000 new housing units, world-class sports, cultural and educational facilities and thousands of new jobs.
The company was established and is owned by the Mayor of London and the national government. Altman was selected after an extensive international recruitment effort.
