Taft is pleased to announce that Cameron G. Starnes has joined Taft’s Indianapolis office as of counsel in the firm’s Environmental and Brownfield and Site Development practices.

Starnes previously served as the director of economic development for the city of Lawrence, where he guided and directed strategic investment of public resources to facilitate new development and employment opportunities. Prior to that he focused on redevelopment efforts for the city of Indianapolis Department of Metropolitan Development in the Redevelopment and Community Economic Development Divisions, including directing Indianapolis’ Brownfield Redevelopment Program.

“Cam’s extensive experience in economic development, brownfields and redevelopment will bring great value to Taft clients and complement our existing services,” said Frank J. Deveau, chair of Taft’s Environmental practice. “Revitalizing communities and redeveloping sites are very important initiatives for many of our clients, and Taft is at the forefront of providing a full range of services to help maximize the opportunities.”

Starnes will focus on assisting clients with navigating environmental barriers and risks, locating funding and achieving the necessary regulatory approvals to make revitalization projects possible. Stemming from his municipal experience, Starnes has seen the benefits of investing in redevelopment firsthand, including potential high returns on investment in terms of job growth, improved public health, increased property tax productivity and leverage of new private capital. He will seek to enhance Taft’s existing Brownfield and Site Development practice by expanding it to new municipal and private clients while also offering unique perspectives and services to existing clients.

“I am a true believer in the potential for transforming vacant, environmentally impacted properties into positive and profitable assets,” Starnes said. “In joining Taft, I look forward to marrying that belief and my own experience with the firm’s deep and established environmental and real estate legal practices to assist clients in achieving transformative projects.”