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Commission approves AREA membership and funds job description for Economic Development Specialist
Summary
The Commission approved a $5,643.36 professional services agreement with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance and unanimously authorized a job description and $65,000–$90,000 salary range for a new Economic Development Specialist to be initially funded through an EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance grant.
County Manager Jordan Barela presented two linked economic‑development steps: a membership/contract with the Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (AREA) to provide staff tools and resources, and a proposed job description and salary range for a new Economic Development Specialist that would be funded initially by a three‑year Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) grant application.
Barela told the board the AREA agreement "would give us full access to all of AREA's toolboxes for Economic Development, and the total annual cost for the County to be a member would be just over $5,600." Commissioners then discussed whether the new position should be a classified or at‑will role and asked for competitive salary considerations; classification consultant Danielle Casey said from experience she "was always at‑will when I worked in Economic Development and here's why," noting after‑hours and event responsibilities. The board voted unanimously to approve the AREA agreement and to adopt the job description with a salary range of $65,000–$90,000, and staff said the County will pursue EDA grant funding (25% local match) to support the position and a comprehensive economic‑development plan.
