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Jeff Buhrman brings a blend of local roots and private-sector complexity to his role as Director of Economic Development for New Castle County, Delaware. Born and raised in the county and educated at the University of Delaware, Buhrman began his career in New York City, where he spent 15 years working at the intersection of software, hedge funds and technology. The experience exposed him to fast-paced, highly competitive environments shaped by complexity, diverse personalities and constant change. During that period, he also earned his MBA from New York University, further strengthening the analytical and strategic lens he now applies in public service.
In this interview, Buhrman reflects on how those experiences inform his approach to economic development. From prioritizing quality employment opportunities to building workforce ecosystems and engaging community stakeholders, he emphasizes that sustainable growth depends on context, collaboration and long-term impact rather than short-term metrics.
From Financial Technology to County Leadership
I was born and raised locally, including attending the University of Delaware here in New Castle County. After graduating, I took a job in New York City in the software industry and spent 15 years working within the hedge fund sector where it intersects with technology. That environment exposed me to a tremendous amount of complexity and variety, along with a diverse range of personalities in an extremely competitive setting.
While working there, I completed my MBA at New York University. The combination of those professional and academic experiences gave me a well-rounded background that I draw from regularly in this role. When I sit down with a business owner or an industry leader, having a broad understanding of their operating environment and current industry dynamics opens opportunities for meaningful collaboration within the county.
Moving Beyond Job Counts to Long-Term Community Impact
Historically, economic development efforts have often been measured by the number of jobs a project creates. Over time, that evaluation has evolved to include more complex considerations, including wage levels. Quality of employment can matter as much as, if not more than, sheer quantity.
In New Castle County, we also look at the sustained downstream impacts of a project and the context of the local community. A new development does not operate in isolation. It affects local suppliers, schools, restaurants and housing. All of that economic activity influences quality-of-life factors for residents. Those broader impacts play a significant role in how we prioritize projects.
Context as the Core Metric
When evaluating development opportunities, context matters. Each community has distinct needs. A project that brings substantial employment may be transformative in one area while creating different challenges in another.
"Workforce development and workforce availability is the most important single factor in the site selection process."
We assess workforce alignment, transportation infrastructure, housing stock and the broader economic and social impacts of a project. We consider both positive and negative factors. Economic development is about putting together a complex puzzle, ensuring that the project fits the community’s existing strengths and needs.
Public-Private Partnerships as Strategic Tools
Public-private partnerships can unlock opportunities that might otherwise remain outside the reach of traditional private investment. These partnerships allow municipalities and developers to bring complementary strengths to a project, whether in expertise, capital or infrastructure support.
When structured effectively, PPPs can help drive large-scale developments in areas that have faced prolonged underinvestment or infrastructure challenges. By combining contributions from both sectors, these projects can generate significant positive impacts for the broader community.
Workforce as the Deciding Factor in Site Selection
Workforce development and workforce availability have become the most important factors in modern site selection, particularly for higher-skill industries. Communities seeking to attract advanced sectors must demonstrate that they can supply the talent required both now and in the future.
We saw clear evidence of this when Merck chose to locate a research and development manufacturing and logistics hub for its life sciences business in New Castle County. In discussions with decision-makers, workforce availability and the development programs we had established were identified as critical factors in that decision.
Programs such as the Nimble initiative at the University of Delaware’s STAR Campus, along with local efforts supported by BioConnect and other advocacy groups, contribute to building an ecosystem that strengthens our competitiveness regionally. Creating that ecosystem is essential to attracting and retaining high-quality industries.
Balancing Speed, Transparency and Community Interest
Economic development requires balancing community input, regulatory frameworks and growth opportunities. We actively engage local community groups, stakeholders and residents through town halls and other forums. At the same time, we operate within a defined regulatory structure, including the Uniform Development Code.
Our goal is to weigh community perspectives alongside established guidelines and potential economic benefits. We strive to pursue projects that not only expand the economy but also enhance quality of life for those who call New Castle County home. Achieving that balance is central to delivering high-quality outcomes.
Advice for Emerging Economic Development Leaders
Engagement is fundamental. Leaders must engage communities broadly — from industry groups and businesses to lawmakers and nonprofit organizations. Each brings a distinct perspective on how best to move forward on a given project.
Incorporating diverse viewpoints leads to more informed decisions. Economic development does not occur in isolation; it is shaped by collaboration across sectors. Ensuring that input is gathered and considered strengthens both the process and the final outcome.
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