Relevant Experiences

Steve Grillo is a seasoned urban planner with nearly two decades of experience in economic development, community advocacy, and intergovernmental affairs. As the founder and principal of Urban Solutions Group, an independent consulting firm established in 2020, Mr. Grillo leads efforts to deliver community-based, practical solutions to complex development challenges. The firm offers a wide range of services including planning and economic analysis, grant writing, public engagement, and project evaluation.

Prior to starting Urban Solutions Group, Mr. Grillo served as First Vice President of the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation (SIEDC), where he led public-private partnership initiatives in real estate, transportation, park development, and affordable housing. His accomplishments include establishing three of Staten Island’s four Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) and securing a historic $10 million state grant to drive economic transformation across three commercial corridors.

He currently serves as Executive Director of the Millburn Special Improvement District (SID) in New Jersey and consults with numerous SIDs and BIDs across New York and New Jersey. Notably, he created the West Shore BID on Staten Island—one of only four industrial BIDs in New York City—and continues to support its development.

Deeply engaged in civic and economic development circles, Mr. Grillo is Vice-Chairman of the Sayreville Economic Redevelopment Agency (SERA), a former Sayreville councilman, and an active board member of Downtown New Jersey and the Millburn-Short Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Grillo holds a bachelor’s degree in geography from the University of Mary Washington and a master’s degree in urban planning from Hunter College. He has been published in various urban planning journals and has guest lectured at Rutgers University, Wagner College, and Pratt Institute.