About the position

The Economic Development and Housing Manager will oversee the implementation and administration of all Economic Development and Housing programs, projects, initiatives and activities designed to retain and expand existing businesses and to attract new businesses to the City of Bell that generate revenue, job creation and the production, preservation and development of existing and new Housing units for the improvement of the quality-of-life for the City residents. Assumes significant responsibilities in a functional area such as redevelopment project development and implementation, property acquisition and relocation, and special redevelopment projects as assigned and performs related work as required.

Responsibilities

• Monitor the Local Economy: Understand the local economy and real estate market by analyzing the local retail base, sales tax, and vacancies to target a broad array of retail tenants; generating and maintaining economic and demographic data to determine market conditions and trends; and compiling and updating a comprehensive database of vacant parcels as well as unoccupied retail, office, commercial and industrial sites.
• Support Existing Businesses: Assist existing businesses by creating a publicity campaign to highlight key businesses and local success stories; maintain and enhance programs to foster business-to-business purchasing; serving as the City’s liaison to the businesses community; identifying grant opportunities and financing tools to foster business investment; facilitating local businesses’ use of City services; and developing and maintain Business Retention Visitation program to address specific issues raised by local businesses.
• Attract New Businesses: Assist in business attraction efforts by identifying missing and underrepresented businesses and categories of businesses; promote economic development activities to increase City’s visibility as a desirable business location; developing marketing materials for specific sites; helping to identify and recommend incentives for brokers to secure key tenants and zoning incentives to attract businesses; creating an inventory of available properties for sale, lease and development; targeting emerging growth industries for business attraction; researching neighboring cities’ “cost of doing business” to maximize Bell’s competitiveness in attracting businesses; mapping vacant and underutilized properties; participate in economic development education workshops real estate and local economy forecast workshops; and coordinating the production & use of social media, promotional materials, and electronic media.
• Perform compliance reporting and analysis regarding contract requirements as part of Local, State, or Federal Grant or Economic Development Loan programs.
• Assist in purchase and sale of city-owned land and private party acquisition.
• Participate in evaluation of economics, community needs, and land use in developing recommendations for development appropriate for a project area.
• Analyzes the economic feasibility of proposed real property transactions and makes recommendations.
• Tracking and preparing revenue and expenditure reports for City leaseholds.
• Preparation and Soliciting proposals from outside vendors and coordinating contract approvals.
• Develop weekly and monthly reports for department heads, City management, as well as City Council requests for data.
• Attend and present the City’s Economic Development Strategic Plan at conferences, community meetings, City Council, or City Commission meetings.
• Prepare and maintain statistical reports and proactively evaluate and develop improvements in operations, procedures, policies, and methods related to Community Development, Economic Development and Housing activities.
• Develop and make formal presentations to City Manager's or designee, vendors, boards, committees, regarding various economic development opportunities.
• Develop outreach and marketing programs to local businesses to assist in business retention and attraction of new business.
• Conduct research and prepare analysis on special projects assigned and present the results in a professional format.
• Coordinate activities related to outreach efforts with City staff, vendors, various industry Chambers and Trade Organizations to further opportunities for small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
• Manage and Oversee the Bell Homeless Shelter Bed program with Salvation Army
• Performs housing program technical support duties including, but not limited to, rent collection, maintenance and repair assessment and residential property management tasks
• Prepares and manages BCHA Funds and other Housing related funds

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in business administration, planning, public administration, economics, finance, urban planning or studies, or a related field from an accredited college or university is required.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in real estate development, economic development, community development and planning, and/or housing development or program related activities.
• A valid California Class C driver’s license.
• Knowledge of operations, services and activities of municipal government.
• Knowledge of operations, services and activities of department to which the position is assigned.
• Knowledge of codes, policies, regulations and procedures related to department operations.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of conducting research and statistical analysis.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of report development.
• Knowledge of computer applications related to the work, including word processing, database, and spreadsheet applications.
• Knowledge of techniques for effectively representing the City, including making effective public presentations and dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, cultural and ethnic backgrounds, in person and over the telephone.
• Knowledge of business correspondence development.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of budget development and monitoring.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques of providing quality customer service to City staff and members of the public.
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and regulations related to assigned area of responsibility.
• Knowledge and experience in the preparation of Disposition and Development Agreement
• Knowledge and experience in the preparation of Owner’s Participation Agreement
• Knowledge of Real Estate Development Principles
• Demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practices of property management and administration
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and regulations related to housing and economic development
• Knowledge and Administration of Federal and State Grant regulations, policies and procedures
• Knowledge and understanding of Surplus Land Act and Development Impact fees application and Quimby act
• Ability to apply professional principles of community development, economic development and housing development
• Ability to use current computer programs, software and equipment
• Ability to analyze data and utilize problem solving skills
• Ability to prepare and clearly present technical written and oral reports
• Ability to work in group settings
• Ability to work with complex issues in fast changing and fast-moving business, organization, and political environments
• Ability to prepare complex narrative and statistical reports, correspondence, policies and procedures and other written materials.
• Ability to interpret and apply theories, principles, rules and practices in the area of assignment.
• Ability to prepare complex administrative and technical reports.
• Ability to coordinate activities with other City departments and divisions, and external agencies.
• Ability to organize own work, coordinate projects, set priorities, meet critical time deadlines, and follow-up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Ability to use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy and legal guidelines in politically sensitive situations.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to make presentations to community groups, external organizations, other government agencies, City Council and represent the city at various events.
• Ability to prepare and clearly present technical written reports and make oral presentations
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles and practices of property management and administration
• Ability to use computer programs to create marketing and public relations materials
• Understanding of Landlord and Tenant issues and matters
• Ability to develop, interpret, apply, and explain a wide variety of technical policies and procedures, and communicate difficult procedures and regulations related to housing and economic development programs
• Ability to research, and prepare technical reports
• Ability to organize, maintain, and update office database and records systems

Nice-to-haves

• Forward-thinking professional with a strong background in economic development, real estate development, and housing programs who can effectively lead complex projects that support business retention, business attraction, and community revitalization.
• Excels at building strong relationships with developers, businesses, community stakeholders, and internal departments.
• Skilled in conducting economic analysis, negotiating development agreements, and preparing high-quality reports and presentations.
• Confident communicator, a strategic problem-solver, and a collaborative leader who can navigate sensitive issues with sound judgment while managing multiple high-priority projects in a fast-paced environment to advance the City of Bell’s long-term economic and housing goals.