Community Development

Richard Murphy

Community Development Director

Business Development Generator, Tax Builder, Job Creator, Community Pride Producer

Richard Murphy is the Community Development Director for the City of Buchanan. Rich has dedicated his career to making cities, towns, and neighborhoods stronger and better places. “Use what you have, everything is an asset, leave no one behind,” is Rich’s guiding principle. In his spare time, Rich likes to spend time with his wife and three children enjoying the special natural resources of our region.

“I come to work everyday to make Buchanan, Michigan a better place. Quality of life is everything today. Placemaking is key. A vibrant downtown is essential. Reuse is survival. Arts and culture is economic policy. Our relationship with Lake Michigan and its tributaries plays a starring role. Every community has opportunities and challenges. Use what we have, everything is an asset, leave no one behind – and strive to be the place where people want to be! That is the new economic model in the United States. The places that realize this and put their chips on this strategy are the places that will succeed. I love Buchanan, Michigan! I look forward to the journey to an even better place!"

The Community Development Director is responsible for the overall administration of the City’s economic development policies including business development, redevelopment, PUDs, Brownfield, and infill development projects.

The Director works with City Leadership to implement Downtown development, small-business incubation, investment incentives, corporate site selector recruitment, historic preservation, and tourism enhancement.

The Director cultivates increased collaboration with state and local partners to implement projects that will effect positive impact on the City including, job creation, increasing our tax base, building stronger neighborhoods, and improving the quality of life for the residents of Buchanan.

The Community Development Director also serves as the City’s Planning Director, as well as the City’s Zoning Administrator.