City of Columbus: Message from the Director, Boyce Safford III

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Message from the Director, Boyce Safford III

Boyce Safford III
Director of Development

The Department of Development works with a wide range of citizens in the City - from citizens and neighborhood leaders to builders and businesses. In all of our work, our goal is to make Columbus "the Best in the Nation to Live, Work and Raise a Family."
The Department of Development was established to plan for, stimulate and regulate the city's growth. Through five interdependent divisions and two offices, Building Services Division, Economic Development, Housing, Neighborhood Services, Planning, Downtown Development and Land Management, the Department of Development provides programs and services that guide planned growth, facilitate economic opportunity and help build thriving neighborhoods for the citizens of Columbus. The Department of Development is a diverse department within city government that offers a variety of services to residents and businesses of the city of Columbus. From building inspection and home rehabilitation assistance to international business and neighborhood planning, the Department of Development helps encourage and guide the growth and development of this world-class city.
The Department has more than 400 dedicated employees who work tirelessly to enhance the growth and stability of our great City.

Meet Department of Development Director Boyce Safford III

Development Director Boyce Safford III brings several years of development experience to the Columbus Department of Development.

Safford joined the City in 2001 and served as Deputy Chief of Staff to Mayor Michael B. Coleman. As Deputy, he advised the Mayor on strategic planning for neighborhood economic development and urban development issues. He also worked with all City Departments and managed their capital improvement projects.

Safford served as Vice President of the Land Acquisition and Planning Division for the Columbus Urban Growth Corporation, a private non-profit real estate development corporation organized for the purpose of promoting commercial and industrial development, investment and job creation in neighborhoods. As Vice President, he managed and coordinated more than $100 million for Urban Growth through land assemblage, strategic planning, private and public financing, and community relations on commercial, residential and industrial projects.

Safford also served Vice President of Government and Media Relations for Bank One, Cleveland. He was responsible for the bank’s legislative agenda with local, state, and federal offices in five county market areas using key contact programs designed to enhance effective communication with elected officials on bank issues. Additionally, Safford, provided leadership in grant making efforts, assisted in developing and implementing strategies for formulation of grant policies and responded to inquiries about the grant programs for the Columbus Foundation.

Safford graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, with a major in Finance. Safford is married and has a son and daughter.