Ira Kowler joined the City of Takoma Park in 2021 as the Economic Development Manager and is currently the Acting Director for the City's Housing & Community Development (HCD) Department. In this capacity, Ira helps manage the implementation of the City's Housing & Economic Development Strategic Plan, including rental licensing, housing & property development policy, land-use and transit planning, small business support, public art, and code enforcement. Prior to joining the City, Ira spent over five years with the City of Baltimore Development Corporation (BDC), where he supported small business growth in Baltimore’s commercial corridors and managed multiple City real estate dispositions. Ira has also served as a community development professional for several nonprofits in Baltimore City and Montgomery County, including Greater Homewood Community Corporation (GHCC) and IMPACT Silver Spring.