ESCANABA — As he approaches the one-month mark in his new position, Escanaba Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Director Scott Czasak said he has been adjusting to the role.

“I’m enjoying it so far — I’m finding the work engaging,” he said.

Czasak started working as the DDA’s director on July 23. Previously, he had been a quality control enumerator for the U.S. Census Bureau in Clinton Township, Mich., since 2019 and a campaign consultant with Icon Consulting of Macomb Township since 2004. He also worked as a legislative director for the Michigan State House of Representatives from 2015 to 2018, a historical commissioner for Macomb Township from 2013 to 2014 and a legislative assistant and scheduler in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2010 to 2012. Czasak is a fellow of Michigan State University’s Michigan Political Leadership Program and has received a master of public administration, local government management degree and a bachelor of arts, political science degree from Oakland University, along with an associate of general studies degree from Macomb College.

Since he began working for the DDA late last month, Czasak has been researching recent projects and plans the authority has worked on.

“I’ve been having some meetings to catch up on ongoing projects and discussing future projects,” he said.

Projects he has gotten involved with over the past month have included work on establishing a kitchen at the city marketplace, efforts to update the DDA’s website and work related to the ongoing farmers’ market at the marketplace.

While his new position has been roughly along the lines of what he expected in terms of work duties, Czasak said the COVID-19 pandemic has introduced some complications.

“I know our facade program was temporarily suspended due to COVID,” he said.

He is planning to meet next week with other city officials and a representative of the construction company involved with the program to try and get it going once again.

Aside from this, Czasak is gearing up for the DDA’s regular holiday events, including Black Friday on Tuesday and Escanaba’s Christmas tree lighting.

“I know we’re getting into the season where we’re going to have to start planning for our usual Christmas activities,” he said.

However, he noted these events will only be held if it is found they can safely take place in November.

Looking further ahead, Czasak will decide what the DDA should try to accomplish moving forward.

“My big goal after that would be to determine what our next set of priorities are for the downtown,” he said.

He went on to say most of the DDA’s five existing priorities have already been met, including the completion of the city marketplace.

Czasak said he expects to stay at the DDA for a long time.

“I’m excited to be here, and so far I’m quite enjoying being here in Escanaba,” he said.