Only a month after losing his bid for a second term in office, Councilman Robert Barclay will continue in public service after being appointed Wednesday night to the Economic Development Authority.

The eight-member board is tasked with developing new business opportunities throughout the city. It owns a handful of properties throughout the city, mostly industrial parks.

“I’d just like to express my thanks to fellow members of council for having the confidence in me to serve on the Economic Development Authority,” Barclay said after his appointment was approved unanimously. “I look forward to doing that in the coming year and continuing to serve the city in that capacity.”

Barclay’s appointment will become effective at the beginning of the year. He replaces Jack Eure, who resigned after supporting his law partner, Art Bredemeyer, in his bid to become mayor. Eure, who was appointed by Mayor Linda T. Johnson, said Thursday he felt she should have the opportunity to appoint someone who supported her.

Barclay lost by 82 votes to former NAACP Suffolk chapter president Lue Ward.