Economic development manager

Description Under the general direction of the City Manager, this position is responsible for providing professional support for the City’s economic, community, and housing development efforts, and provides an advanced level of professional support for development and redevelopment functions in coordination with other City departments and regional, state, and development partners.

Examples of Duties

1. Develop and implement strategies to promote economic growth and vitality within the City of Holland.
2. Acts as the primary staff person responsible for attracting and retaining businesses, industries, and investment opportunities to the area while working in collaboration with local and state economic development agencies.
3. Leads in the development and implementation of the Housing Support Policy and related programs, including but not limited to Brownfield Tax Increment Financing (TIF), including housing gap subsidy strategies. Manages a broad range of local, state, and federal incentive tools to further housing development.
4. Coordinates economic development initiatives for the City, develops and implements economic development policy, and provides information and guidance to regional partners to assist in the location of new business in the City.
5. Coordinates tax abatement programs in collaboration with Lakeshore Advantage. Duties include helping businesses to understand the program benefits, working with companies to prepare applications and ensure timely and accurate submissions, preparing and monitoring applications for State Tax Commission review process, reporting job creation, and taxes paid and benefits to the community from abatement applications.
6. Coordinate with developers, architects, and contractors to ensure projects align with City goals and regulations. Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors to leverage resources for economic development initiatives.
7. Collaborate with local businesses, chambers of commerce, and economic development organizations to support existing businesses and foster a culture of entrepreneurship.
8. Provides staff support to City Commission and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority by preparing reports, notices, and recommendations, attending meetings, assisting applicants, explaining the hearing process, answering inquiries, conducting public presentations to communicate and inform on the benefits and costs of a project or program, devises solutions, and coordinates efforts with other City departments.
9. Coordinate with City officials, community leaders, and stakeholders to support infrastructure improvements and public amenities that enhance economic development efforts.
10. Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of economic development programs and initiatives, adjusting as needed to achieve desired outcomes.
11. Conduct market research and analysis to identify market trends, opportunities, and challenges, and prepare a variety of written communications, including analytical reports, graphs, and correspondence.
12. Represent the City in meetings with community boards, neighborhood organizations, and commissions as required, and attend economic development conferences, events, and meetings with stakeholders to promote opportunities and attract investment.
13. Identify and pursue grant opportunities, with assistance from the City’s Grant Manager, to fund economic development projects and programs.
14. Manage budgets, expenditures, and financial resources related to economic development efforts.
15. Demonstrates courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with the public and staff and acts in a manner that promotes an effective workplace culture.
16. May lead various initiatives as directed by the City Manager.
17. Performs other duties as assigned.

Typical Qualifications

1. Bachelor’s degree in public administration, urban planning, business management, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.
2. A minimum of two years of experience working for a municipality, 501C3, or private entity in economic development or urban planning.
3. Knowledge of Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Brownfield Redevelopment Authorities, and other economic development tools and financing practices.
4. Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a diverse group of individuals including City leadership, public officials, community stakeholders, developers, the public, and all levels of City staff.
5. Effective communicator, both verbally and in writing.