David Cameron has worked in City Planning for nearly 30 years and has been instrumental in spearheading and developing the new mission, vision and values for the City of Republic. Cameron’s innovations have led to numerous additions in Republic including the new Garton Business Park and Amazon Fulfillment Center, and he has devoted his working career to the public sector by addressing infrastructure and environmental challenges. Prior to coming to Republic, Cameron served 10 years as City Administrator in Siloam Springs, Arkansas, where he negotiated the sale of a city-owned hospital to a private health care provider that yielded $10.6 million in proceeds back to the community.

After joining the City of Republic in October 2016, Cameron got to work creating a new set of guiding principles. He established buy-in with the mayor and City Council to make changes to the City Charter, changed the mayor’s terms to four years for more consistency and consolidated Public Works and Community Development under one umbrella. These changes led to reduced wait times for permits and paved the way for developments like the Amazon Fulfillment Center. “I am very proud of the team that delivered this project on time and how it will impact our regional community,” Cameron says.

Cameron also helped negotiate the public-private partnership developed between the City of Republic, Drury University and Tom Rankin that has since resulted in more than $200 million in capital investment in less than four years. Cameron says, “We incentivized development, and these partnerships bring the community in as a partner to the development since we as a community will recognize a return from the jobs they bring, tax generation, community involvement, housing starts and commitment to the community they bring.” David’s leadership has since contributed to the development of Convoy of Hope, Andy’s Frozen Custard, Wildwood Plaza—Flat Creek, Red Monkey, Lew’s, the McLane expansion and two large residential developments.

In the next 10 years, Cameron plans to strategically place infrastructure in undeveloped areas, continue the partnership with investors and members of the development community to capitalize on available land use and access to I-44 and the James River. He wants to partner with investors to develop additional entertainment opportunities, a conference center, hotels, outdoor recreation and an event center. There are also plans to expand the trail system, improve transportation, construct two new fire stations, develop a 130-acre sports complex and construct new Public Works Municipal campuses. “Watching this community recognize its potential is my favorite accomplishment,” Cameron says.