Stephen Horton is a Senior Advisor at Econsult Solutions with more than twenty-five years of professional experience in a wide variety of Economic Development Projects and Programs. His extensive work history includes: Administrator of the Philadelphia Commerce Dept. Enterprise Zones Program, Vice President of the Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Team at Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation (PCDC), Business Support Services Manager at The Enterprise Center (TEC) and Economic Development Specialist for the Manufacturing Alliance of Philadelphia (MAP)/Urban Industry Initiative (UII).
During his tenure at the Philadelphia Commerce Department, Mr. Horton was an integral part of the City interdepartmental Team that successfully obtained the Bi-City Federal Empowerment Zone designation for Philadelphia, Pa. and Camden, N.J. resulting in a $100 Million multi-year comprehensive community revitalization initiative.
His vast experience includes working with various business/neighborhood stakeholders, to assist them in the creation of strong coalitions that plan and develop a wide range of innovative Projects. He has always been the person to “connect the dots” between policy design and program implementation. His unique style of building strong and lasting working relationships, coupled with in-depth and on-site technical assistance, creates an environment for sustainable neighborhood improvements.
Mr. Horton has collaborated with colleagues on various issues that include: organizational capacity building, land use, strategic planning, promotional events, creation of Business Improvement Districts (BID’s), coordinating workshops/seminars, storefront/façade improvements, survey outreach and business planning. In addition, he is the co-owner of a micro-food business venture and shares his experience to guide and inspire other emerging culinary entrepreneurs.
Mr. Horton is a former Board member of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association (PEDA) and is currently active in the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), International Special Events Society (ISES) and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC).
Mr. Horton holds a Master of Government Administration degree (M.G.A.) from the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.