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Just shy of three decades of service, Amy Miller announced last week that she will no longer be working with the city.
Elgin’s longstanding community services director is departing her position for a new role with Main Street America. Her last day with the city will be Tuesday, Feb. 18.
According to Mayor Theresa McShan, Miller has played a key role in the development of parks and recreation, library and communications services, as well as downtown Elgin — which recently received distinction from Miller’s new employer, named one of just 41 accredited Main Street Cities across the state.
“I am so proud of Amy and blessed that I can call her a friend,” McShan said, reflecting on her contributions. “We have worked together hand in hand for more than two decades. This is an amazing time in her life to make an advancement in her career. I am grateful for the times we shared and for her dedication.”
Starting with the city in 1996, Miller served as economic and community development director, where she managed the Main Street program, helped bring an H-E-B grocery store to Elgin, developed the first business park and secured grant funding for projects, including citywide sidewalks. Her efforts expanded walkable access across the community, creating paths from Aus- tin Community College and Elgin High School to Booker T. Washington Elementary and Thomas Memorial Park, according to the city.
The final phase of sidewalk construction is set for completion in the coming year.
Over her 28-year tenure, Miller also served as human resources director, parks and community development director and community development director. As Main Street manager, she also led efforts to revitalize downtown Elgin, helping establish a zoning overlay and business assistance programs that contributed to a 90% occupancy rate and more than $38 million in public and private reinvestment, McShan added.
Miller most recently created and led the city’s first Community Services Division, overseeing 55 employees, an annual budget of $2.3 million and more than $800,000 in grant funding. She also established the city’s Communications Department and managed the extensive Veterans Memorial Park expansion, including the Synchronicity Wall art project, which sees consistent use today from Elgin’s youth.
“During my time with the city, I have worked with great people and been a part of an amazing downtown redevelopment program supported by city leadership and truly amazing volunteers, property owners and business owners who love our town,” Miller said. “I appreciate all the opportunities, the learning experiences and the confidence placed in me over the years. I am proud of all that we’ve accomplished in Elgin since 1996.”
Main Street America has aimed to strengthen and reenergize downtown developments and neighborhood commercial districts for over 40 years, according to representatives. The organization partners with communities to promote shared prosperity, create resilient economies and improve quality of life.
Since its inception, Main Street America has generated over $107 billion in local reinvestment, rehabilitated 335,000 buildings, created 728,000 new jobs and started 175,000 new businesses in over 2,000 communities nationwide, according to the program.
