Pruitt tapped for new business development position

Justin Pruitt has been named as the city of Lubbock's new Business Development Director, a position created by the city council this fiscal year.

His role in the position will be to improve communications between the city and the business and development communities, according to the city.

Pruitt will work closely with the Central Business District TIF and Lubbock Economic Development/Market Lubbock teams, according to a statement released by the city Monday. His initial focus will be on enhancing downtown redevelopment. 

“I believe Justin is the right person to really help us move forward at an even quicker pace with downtown and to also work in closer coordination and cooperation with our partners across the city,” City Manager Jarrett Atkinson said Monday. “Our community is growing and moving forward rapidly, and a dedicated and trained city staff member like Justin will greatly assist.”

Pruitt has been an assistant city attorney with the city since 2015. He has a Masters of Public Administration with an Economic Development specialty from the University of Texas at Arlington, and a law degree from Texas A&M.

His previous experience includes work with a private economic development consulting firm where he handled research and data analysis, strategic planning, workforce analysis, and assisted in the creation of tax increment and public improvement districts, the city wrote in a news release.

“I hope to help City Hall become more responsive to the unique needs of the business and development communities that are working in a city that is experiencing significant growth,” Pruitt said.