City manager outlines plan to merge economic development, business enterprise and CRA under one director

The city manager said the city will merge multiple functions under a single new economic development director who will oversee business enterprise operations, the community redevelopment area (CRA) and redevelopment efforts. "The new economic development director will also oversee business enterprise and CRA and redevelopment," the city manager said, adding that staff Rose and Estrella will cover operations until the post is filled.

The manager said a job brochure will go out next week and that the city will vet applications before inviting the top three or four candidates for a meet-and-greet with board members. "Once the applications come in, I will be providing those to you all as a group so you can see and then ... have a meet and greet with the top three or four candidates," he said.

He outlined the scope of the combined role, noting the director will manage business enterprises that include the golf course, tennis facilities, the marina and certain city real estate. The manager said the city will target candidates with economic development and redevelopment experience, and that the position may require a degree or significant experience: "It will also go with their experience ... and their track record." He encouraged commissioners to submit candidate suggestions and said a recruitment brochure will be used to reach economic development networks nationally.

Board members asked how current units are organized. Staff explained that business enterprise and CRA functions currently sit under separate directors and will report to the new economic development director, who will determine the internal structure after hiring. The manager said the process aims to produce finalists in time for the board to interview and offer feedback before a commission decision.

The board did not take formal action on the hire at the meeting; the manager said he would return candidate names and schedule interviews.