The Mayor's Office of Economic Development (briefly known as the Office of Urban Development; also known, for the last several years of the Barthelemy administration, as the Mayor's Economic Development Department) provided long-range planning for the growth and development of the city and oversaw policy and programs relating to the city's economic development needs and activities. Headed by the Executive Assistant to the Mayor for Economic Development (initially Jerome Dickhaus, succeeded by Wayne Collier) the office was divided into a number of subdivisions, responsible for developing and managing the city's interest in major public/private urban development projects; assisting new businesses or businesses interested in relocating to New Orleans; securing, administering and promoting various state or federal incentive programs; and coordinating the city's international efforts. The office also operated the City Business Center, which functioned as an advocate for the business community within City Hall, focusing primarily on the licensing and permitting procedures associated with starting or expanding a business.