O’Fallon economic development official moving on after 11 years with city

After spending 11 years shaping O’Fallon’s economic growth, Community Development Director Justin Randall is moving on in his field.

Randall’s last day was Friday, Sept. 20. He will be working in the private sector as a senior development manager for Cushman & Wakefield, a global commercial real estate firm. He will be working remotely but based at the St. Louis headquarters in Maryville Centre.

“It’s bittersweet to leave. I’ve been excited about it, but it’s hard to say goodbye. I’ve spent a quarter of my life here. I love this city,” he said.

“But there are things I want to accomplish. I turned 40 this year, and I want to see if I can achieve some of my goals. I’ve always had this dream to develop something on the business side.”

Mayor Herb Roach, who described Randall as a “tremendous leader,” said the city has already started interviewing applicants to fill the vacancy.

“We are working to get the right person for the position as soon as possible,” Roach said.

Randall was promoted four years ago to the head of the department after spending seven years as assistant community development director under Ted Shekell, who retired in November 2020 after serving the city for 23 years.

As the director, Randall coordinated planning and zoning, building and inspections, and code enforcement for O’Fallon. Most notably, he led O’Fallon during a period of uncertainty with the global coronavirus pandemic.

He also helmed the significant 2040 Master Plan and the Forward 50 Great Streets Initiative project, which prioritized plans for Highway 50 over a year of public meetings and design input.

“Our department team and our leadership team has done a ton of great things for O’Fallon,” he said.

Randall said he is most proud of the revitalization of the Downtown District that started with the Destination: O’Fallon economic incentive in 2016.“Working with the business owners to get eyes back on downtown, to start the façade grants program, to see the growth,” he said. “They take such pride in their work and working together. It’s been one of my favorite things to watch it grow.” he said.

The O’Fallon Station has been a big component in growing a sense of community downtown, he said. The city now stretches from Exits 14 to 21 on Interstate 64, and with the goal of “smart growth” comes challenges and growing pains.

During Monday’s City Council meeting, Roach thanked Randall for being an important member of the O’Fallon staff. He was honored for his service, and members of the development office and leadership team were on hand for the presentation.

“Justin’s impact is going to be felt for a long time. He worked tirelessly to do the right thing for our city. He’d look at a development, and before bringing a project to the city, many times he’d say, ‘it’s not right for us,’ ‘I don’t have any confidence in the developers,’ or ‘the location is not right for us,’ or’ the timing is wrong.’ He thought about if it fit the community, if it was good, solid, smart growth,” Roach said.

City Administrator Walter Denton complimented Randall on his steadiness during and the way he determined paths ahead.“You ushered us through the master plan process during a pandemic, the massive Forward 50 project, downtown development. I know at times it was frustrating …. It’s been a pleasure to watch all of this being done for the city. What I appreciate most is that you led with your heart, and you cared. That’s your superpower,” he said.

“Thank you for your service and your compassion. Like other city alums who’ve gone on to do great things, we’re cheering you on,” Denton said.

Randall said it was a privilege to work with his staff and the leadership team, thanking them for their support. He thanked the council and the planning commission for helping to push big projects through that he thought moved the city forward.

Afterwards, he said, “It was pretty humbling to see the folks I’ve worked with say those things about me, and I appreciate it.”He predicted a smooth transition, and will make himself available if he is needed in any capacity.

When assuming the director’s job in 2020, Randall said what he liked best was: “I love the fact that every day provides a new opportunity to help O’Fallon become the best city possible.”

Randall is certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners. A native of north-central Indiana, he moved to Missouri in 2005 to begin an internship. He worked as a planner in Jefferson County before being hired by O’Fallon in 2013.

Randall earned a bachelor’s degree in urban planning and development from Ball State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Indiana State University.

For a kid who played with his Tonka trucks in the sandbox building roads, buildings and neighborhoods, he has fulfilled his passion for city planning. Now it’s on to new projects and company investments, helping to get locations off the ground.

With the new position, he said he will be able to spend more time with his family. Justin and his wife, Sarah, have been married for 10 years. They have a daughter, Amelia, who is 7 years old.

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