BIDDEFORD — Alan Casavant announced Thursday that he will seek a third term as the mayor of Biddeford.

The 62-year-old, who is a former Biddeford city councilor and state representative, was first elected in 2011 and is in his second two-year term as the city’s mayor.

“The face of Biddeford is changing, and I want to be able to continue to facilitate the economic and political climate that allows that to happen,” Casavant said Thursday, when asked what pushed him to run again.

In looking back on the city’s accomplishments over the last four years, Casavant said the removal of the Maine Energy Recovery Company’s waste incinerator on Lincoln Street is one that stands out.

“All the development we’re seeing in the downtown would’ve never happened with that there,” he said. “The removal was a catalyst for the changes that we’re seeing.”

Casavant, who taught at Biddeford High School for 35 years, said he’s also proud to have seen the Biddeford school system become more “engaged with its neighbors” over the last few years, striking up shared-services deals with communities like Dayton.

Witnessing the City Council just two months ago approve funding for safety improvements at Biddeford Municipal Airport after years of bitter debate on the topic is another highlight of his time as mayor, he said.

But for all the changes that have happened within the city, Casavant said it’s what he hears outside the city that often pleases him most.

“I guess the most rewarding thing for me is … going outside the city and hearing people say good things about the community,” he said, “whether it’s from an economic or political or even a geographical standpoint. People are impressed with what’s happening here, and it’s up to us ”“ the residents ”“ to continue to surf that economic wave, and I think we’re in a position to do that.”

Although the Heart of Biddeford doesn’t endorse candidates for mayor, in an email Thursday, HOB Executive Director Delilah Poupore commended Casavant for his willingness to work with the nonprofit in its mission to revitalize the city’s downtown.

“I can easily say that this mayor has been a great partner for all of our efforts downtown ”“ calling on us to help out with city projects like WinterFest and stepping in to help with HOB projects like our music festivals and concerts,” she said.

In an email Thursday, Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce and Industry Executive Director Craig Pendleton said the chamber is supportive of Casavant’s decision to run again.

“Alan has guided the city of Biddeford on a great path with booming economic development and we are very proud to work with him,” said Pendleton.

Casavant is planning to launch a campaign website in the coming weeks, according to a press release issued Thursday, and he will continue to use the Re-Elect Alan Casavant for Mayor Facebook page to engage with community members as his campaign unfolds.

When asked Thursday what his favorite part of the job is, Casavant said he likes the challenge. “There’s great satisfaction in being able to solve dilemas,” he said.

— Staff Writer Angelo J. Verzoni can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or [email protected].