Meet Mark Moeremans, a Millennial on a Mission
Board Member, Phoenix IDA
At just 33 years old, Mark Moeremans is one of the youngest members ever appointed to the Phoenix IDA board of directors. Named to the board by Mayor Kate Gallego in late 2023, Moeremans brings a fresh, energetic perspective shaped by his passion for economic development, entrepreneurship and innovation, especially when those passions align to empower the overlooked and underserved.
His journey to civic leadership is rooted in his love of Phoenix, and a desire to make it the best city possible as it continues to grow and evolve. After a spirited run for City Council in 2022 — where he championed the urgent need for housing at all levels — Moeremans saw the Phoenix IDA appointment as the “best consolation prize ever.”
His platform’s focus on housing, growth and inclusive development aligned perfectly with the Phoenix IDA’s mission, where he’s since helped advance projects that are measurably moving the needle on affordable housing citywide.
Moeremans’ professional path reflects his dedication to innovation and social impact. After leading tech and startup initiatives for the state at the Arizona Commerce Authority, he helped launch The Journey, a mission-driven venture studio that supports underrepresented entrepreneurs. He now serves in a strategic advisory role for Spectrum Medical Care, an LGBTQ+ healthcare center specializing in sexual health and HIV treatment and prevention. He looks for opportunities that lie at the intersection of business and impact — taking a values-driven approach to work that he hopes will leverage his skills and expertise to help improve the lives of Phoenicians.
On the Phoenix IDA board, he has played a key role in shaping strategic priorities, helping guide discretionary investments that support affordable housing, healthcare and education — areas critical to Phoenix’s growth. He’s also providing guidance on potential future investments in venture capital. He’s proud of helping advance creative projects, from adaptive reuse of historic buildings like the Monroe Street Abbey project to feasibility studies that examine the benefits of one day hosting a Formula E race in Phoenix.
Moeremans is passionate about ensuring the city stays ahead of the curve as it grows, noting, “Phoenix 10 years from now will look very different, and organizations like the Phoenix IDA are crucial to keeping pace with that change. As America’s fifth largest and fastest-growing big city, it’s important and exciting that we continue to demonstrate that we are a world-class city.”
Beyond his role as a board member of the Phoenix IDA, he serves on the boards of Venture Madness (supporting Arizona’s startup ecosystem) and Saha Global (focused on public health initiatives in sub-Saharan Africa). A graduate of Stanford’s MBA program, he draws inspiration from his high-achieving classmates and the beauty of nature, especially when hiking Arizona’s trails or traveling to far-off places like Iceland.
Born in Manchester, Conn., Moeremans now proudly calls Phoenix home. He’s energized by the city’s openness, diversity and opportunity, and he continues to help shape Phoenix into a city that will thrive for generations to come.
New Bond Project to Add 62 Affordable Housing Units in Phoenix
The Phoenix IDA recently closed on $14.6 million in multifamily revenue bonds for Emory Heights, a family-focused affordable housing development planned for construction near 17th and Missouri avenues in Phoenix. This development, located in the heart of the Solano Transit-Oriented Development Revitalization District, will include 62 units for low- to moderate-income residents, and the majority will include two or three bedrooms with a limited number of one-bedroom units.
Construction is set to begin this summer. Project partners include The Danco Group / Danco Communities, Community Revitalization and Development Corporation and National Bank of Arizona.
Phoenix IDA Receives PRC Community Hero Award
Last month, we were honored to receive the PRC Community Hero Award from the Phoenix Revitalization Corporation (PRC).
This recognition was given in celebration of our support in funding the assessment and revitalization of the Nuestro Barrio neighborhood in Phoenix — an initiative rooted in equity, collaboration and community-led transformation.
The award honors those who improve quality of life and preserve the hearts and history of neighborhoods. We are grateful for this recognition and remain committed to creating opportunities and strengthening the communities we serve. Thank you, PRC, for your partnership and leadership in neighborhood revitalization.
Left: Phoenix IDA CEO Juan Salgado accepts the PRC Community Hero Award with Phoenix IDA’s Operations Director Vic Reid.
Right: Phoenix IDA’s Juan Salgado, Vic Reid and Christa Severns with Carlos Avila of the Nuestro Barrio neighborhood association.
Lee and Reid Receive Promotions
Please join us in congratulating two Phoenix IDA team members on recent promotions:
Lydia Lee was recently promoted to Chief Operating Officer at the Phoenix IDA. For more than 13 years, she has been a driving force behind our organization’s mission to create positive community impact through strategic investments, community development and partnerships. Her leadership, dedication and vision continue to move Phoenix forward.
Vic Reid was recently promoted to Operations Director at the Phoenix IDA. He continues to make an incredible impact through his commitment to economic and cultural development. Recently named to the Phoenix Business Journal ’s 2025 40 Under 40 list (selected from more than 370 nominees), he is being recognized as one of the Valley’s most promising young leaders.
