Members’ Corner: Brian Sheavly

 

1. Name, Title, Organization

Brian Sheavly, Project Manager, Maryland Department of Transportation

2. Explain your background in economic development

I have over a decade of economic development experience in Maryland at the community, county, and state levels. I have assisted with a diverse set of projects, including those involving Main Street businesses, industrial real estate, redevelopment programs, community planning, joint development mixed-use TODs, tax credit legislation, and State Designations.

3. What are your key priorities within your current position?

My position focuses on promoting and creating mixed-use transit-oriented developments along Maryland’s rail lines. This can be achieved through the designation of communities as state TODs or the joint development of state-owned land adjacent to rail stations.

4. Does one particular project spark your excitement? If so, describe it below.

There are a number of different projects across the state that have caught my attention. The planning efforts underway in East Frederick, the redevelopment of the Wilkins-Rogers flour mill in Ellicott City, the creation of a TOD at Reisterstown Plaza in Baltimore, redevelopment efforts at both Pimlico and Laurel Park, and the efforts to remediate the highway to nowhere in West Baltimore, to name a few.

5. What professional pressures keep you up at night?

One of my (and our industry’s) greatest struggles is how to create economic growth and equitable opportunities. In many ways, I think that the success of a project can’t just be measured by SF, investment, and jobs; but also intangibly through the impact the project will have on the community.

6. What are your locality’s top three “selling points” for future growth?

While I serve across Maryland, I think the top three selling points for TODs are increased federal spending to improve the country’s infrastructure, a greater emphasis on globally lower environmental impacts, and the opportunity to utilize TODs to create more equitable communities.

7. If you could wave a magic wand, what would you want to work with MEDA on to move Maryland forward?

I would enjoy working on the redevelopment/development of communities that are split among multiple jurisdictions to create cohesive solutions that move all areas of the community forward together.

8. Please include any personal background information that you’d like to share (Alma mater, Military Service, hobbies, etc.)

I earned my degree from Towson University in Mass Communications with a specialization in Public Relations and Advertising. In 2016 I was recognized for “Acts of Excellence” during the Ellicott City Flood Response by the Governor and Howard County Executive. I proudly earned the rank of Eagle Scout in 2006.