Tornado Alley to Economic Alley: What Wakita Teaches About Rural Growth

ABOUT THE ROLE The County of San Diego is seeking exceptionally qualified individuals for the Deputy Chief Financial Officer position within Executive Management. The organization is committed to a vision of a just, sustainable, and resilient future for all, guided by core values of integrity, equity, access, belonging, excellence, and sustainability. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Specific responsibilities are detailed in the official Deputy Chief Financial Officer job description and detailed job brochure available through the employer's recruitment portal. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Specific minimum qualifications are outlined in the official job description brochure. - Candidates must clearly document their experience meeting these minimum requirements within their application materials. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Blind Applicant Screening: Personally identifiable information (name, phone number, address, gender, age, and race) is removed from all new recruitments to ensure a fair, equitable, and unbiased selection process. - Unclassified Service: Persons serving in this position do not accrue tenure and serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority. - Disaster Service Worker: Under California Government Code Sections 3100 - 3109, public employees are designated as disaster service workers and may be assigned disaster service activities by their employer or by law. - Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions on a case-by-case basis. SELECTION PROCESS - All applications are subject to Blind Applicant Screening. - Candidates will be evaluated based on their submitted application materials. - The most highly qualified candidates, based on evaluation results, will be referred for an interview. HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application as soon as possible prior to the closing date. - Explicitly detail all experience meeting the minimum requirements in both the Work Experience section and the Supplemental Questionnaire section of the application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: County of San Diego - Location: County of San Diego, CA - Job Type: Regular - Full time - Job Number: 26032707U - Department: Finance & General Gov't Group - Opening Date: 07/28/2026 - Closing Date: 8/27/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

About the Role The City of Richmond's Department of Economic Development seeks a results-oriented Senior Vice President of Business Investment to lead the strategy and execution of the City's efforts to attract, retain, and engage businesses, and activate commercial corridors. This highly visible senior position works with leaders across the City to manage mission-critical initiatives that shape the city's future. Key Responsibilities - Work directly with the Director and City leaders to define priorities, positioning, and near- and long-term strategy. - Oversee a team focused on business attraction, retention, business engagement, and commercial corridor activation. - Develop or oversee policies and programs to activate commercial corridors, encourage placemaking, attract commercial investment, and support small businesses. - Lead high-stakes corporate recruitment and retention projects, including proposal development, negotiations, and deal closures. - Represent the City to the press, elected leaders, and public and private partners. - Serve on industry and community task forces, boards, or collaborative initiatives. - Oversee team performance by tracking key metrics related to business investment efforts and using data to improve outcomes. - Develop and manage annual budgets, employee work plans, and consultant projects. Minimum Qualifications - Bachelor's degree in public administration, urban planning, public policy, political science, economic development, business administration, or a similarly related area. - Seven years of progressively responsible related experience in an economic development organization that includes significant program management and supervisory experience. - An equivalent combination of training and experience may be used as approved by the department. Special Requirements - Must possess a valid Commonwealth of Virginia driver's license. - Preferred qualifications include a Master's degree in a related field and ten years of progressively responsible related experience. - Experience leading business attraction, placemaking, and commercial corridor initiatives such as business improvement districts. - Proven ability to conceptualize, draft, and implement new policies and programs. - Experience managing economic development professionals and building relationships with corporate and community stakeholders. - Experience presenting to City Councils, economic development authorities, and planning commissions. - Experience with Customer Relationship Management software, specifically Salesforce. - Physical requirements are considered sedentary work, exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally. Selection Process 1. Application Review: Applications are reviewed to ensure candidates meet the minimum qualifications and experience requirements. 2. Interview and Assessment: Candidates who meet the qualifications will proceed to further evaluation and interviews as determined by the hiring department. How to Apply - Submit an application through the official City of Richmond career portal. - For ADA accommodations during the application or interview process, contact Veronica Kenner at HR-ADA@rva.gov. Employment Details - Employer: City of Richmond, Department of Economic Development - Benefits: Virginia Retirement System (VRS), language incentive, referral bonus, and tuition assistance program. - Equal Opportunity: The City of Richmond provides equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on any protected characteristic. - Veteran Friendly: The City is an official V3 Certified Company and a proud partner with the US Army Partnership for Your Success PaYS Program.

About the Role The City of St. Louis is seeking a transformational executive leader for the Commissioner of Building Operations & Code Administration. This pivotal role oversees a team of 200 employees and is responsible for the city's building regulatory, permitting, and inspection functions. The Commissioner will drive city-wide transformation, accelerate tornado recovery efforts, reform the permitting process to fuel economic development, and lead the historic Zoning Upgrade overhaul. Key Responsibilities - Lead and manage all building operations, including permitting, inspections, and code enforcement. - Establish and drive performance metrics such as permit cycle times, inspection turnaround, and backlog reduction. - Modernize permitting and plan review systems, including the implementation of new digital platforms and workflow optimization. - Ensure compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal building codes and regulations. - Oversee the development, interpretation, and implementation of building codes, ordinances, and design standards. - Serve as the primary liaison to developers, contractors, design professionals, community stakeholders, and elected officials. - Represent the City in hearings, including the Board of Adjustment and Appeals, and provide expert testimony. - Collaborate with internal departments to ensure coordinated service delivery and regulatory alignment. - Lead, mentor, and develop a multidisciplinary team of managers, inspectors, and technical staff. Minimum Qualifications - A Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Engineering, Public Administration, or a directly related field with Certified Building Code Official (CBO) status. - OR a Master's degree in the aforementioned fields plus five years of experience managing building code enforcement at a senior management level. - OR Registration as a Professional Architect in the State of Missouri. - OR Registration as a Professional Engineer in the State of Missouri. - OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Special Requirements - Must possess executive leadership, operational excellence, regulatory expertise, and strategic thinking skills. - Must be skilled in stakeholder management, change management, and data-driven decision making. - Must pass a background investigation on a pass or fail basis. - Must pass a medical examination on a pass or fail basis. - Must submit documentation of academic credentials upon request. Selection Process 1. Application Review: Evaluation of the fully completed employment application, scoring 100 percent based on experience and training. 2. Background Investigation: Must pass a comprehensive background check on a pass or fail basis. 3. Medical Examination: Must pass a medical examination on a pass or fail basis. How to Apply - Submit a fully completed Employment Application through the official City of St. Louis careers portal. - Do not submit a resume in place of the application, as incomplete applications will not be considered. - Thoroughly describe your education, training, and experience in the Employment History and Educational sections. - Submit a copy of your DD 214 if claiming Veterans Preference points. - City residents who have lived in the city for at least one year receive preference points on the exam. Employment Details - Department: City of St. Louis, Building Division - Location: Downtown - St. Louis, MO - Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent - Position Grade: 20M - Examination Number: EX1611

ABOUT THE ROLE The Office of Economic Development seeks a community-centered advisor to lead, guide, and support Seattle neighborhoods through the complex processes of forming and expanding Business Improvement Areas. This role blends technical expertise, policy fluency, data analysis, strategic advising, and community relationship-building to serve as the subject-matter expert on formation, assessment structures, and governance models. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead and facilitate formation across multiple neighborhoods simultaneously through the full lifecycle. - Provide expert technical assistance on assessment structures, sustainable funding models, and governance. - Analyze complex datasets including parcel characteristics, land use, and taxation data, utilizing GIS tools to map boundaries and run scenarios. - Develop tools, resources, toolkits, and policies that strengthen city support for early-stage operations. - Support newly formed areas in establishing governing boards, operational systems, and service delivery plans. - Facilitate high-stakes community engagement, building trust and navigating political dynamics among diverse stakeholders. - Oversee projects, consultant contracts, neighborhood grants, and program implementation while coordinating with city departments. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in community engagement, coalition building, and stakeholder facilitation with diverse groups. - Background in place-based economic development, special assessment districts, or similar community-driven initiatives. - Ability to analyze complex property, land use, zoning, or taxation data and interpret assessment models. - Proficiency in using or directing GIS tools to map boundaries and evaluate district conditions. - Experience in policy development, program design, and project management for multistakeholder efforts. - Strong communication skills to synthesize data and legal requirements into actionable recommendations for decision-makers. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Passion for advancing the Race and Social Justice Initiative and committing to equitable, community-centered outcomes. - Dedication to reducing barriers faced by communities of color, immigrant-owned businesses, and historically underserved neighborhoods. - Eligibility for Language Premium Pay ($200 monthly stipend) if evaluated and assigned to provide direct in-language communication services. SELECTION PROCESS Applications are reviewed by a human hiring team without the use of artificial intelligence or automated screening tools to ensure an equitable process. Applications received by 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, receive first consideration. The hiring team evaluates transferable skills, growth mindset, and commitment to racial equity. HOW TO APPLY Submit your application online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle using Job Number 2026-00849. You must include a resume and a cover letter with your application. For accommodation requests or questions, contact Nicolette.Hornbeck@seattle.gov. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of Seattle - Location: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave., Seattle, WA (Flexible/Hybrid) - Department: Office of Economic Development - Job Type: Classified Civil Service, Regular, Full-Time - Classification: Strategic Advisor 1, General Government -L17 - Job Number: 2026-00849 - Opening Date: 06/25/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous - Reports to: Business Districts Manager

ABOUT THE ROLE The Policy Director for Housing will lead the New York City Comptroller's housing policy and oversight agenda to address the city's housing affordability crisis. Working within the Policy Bureau, this role involves independently leading complex policy initiatives, advising the Comptroller and senior leadership, developing innovative policy recommendations, and representing the Office before government agencies, stakeholders, and the public. The position coordinates closely with Budget, Audit, Legal, Contracts, and the Bureau of Asset Management to advance housing priorities and strengthen accountability across City government. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Lead policy research and oversight on housing affordability, production, preservation, tenant protections, homelessness, land use, and related issues - Independently manage complex research and policy projects from conception through publication and implementation - Develop strategic policy recommendations and advise the Comptroller and senior leadership on emerging housing issues - Produce major policy reports, testimony, public statements, briefing materials, and legislative analyses - Coordinate housing initiatives across Budget, Audit, Legal, Contracts, Bureau of Asset Management, and other bureaus - Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, government agencies, housing providers, advocates, researchers, and philanthropic organizations - Represent the Office in public meetings, conferences, legislative hearings, working groups, media briefings, and stakeholder convenings MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college with a major in accounting, business administration, public relations, city planning, urban renewal, law, or a related field AND three (3) years of satisfactory, full-time, responsible experience in housing, education, health services, planning, state-federal-city relations, or community relations involving administration or program development and evaluation; OR - A satisfactory equivalent (such as a bachelor's degree and five (5) or more years of professional experience in housing policy, urban planning, public policy research and analysis in government, nonprofit organization, academia, or a related area) SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment (exceptions may apply for City employees with 2 continuous years of service, allowing residence in specific surrounding counties such as Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange) - No civil service exam is required for this Non-Competitive-5 title classification SELECTION PROCESS - No Exam Required - Candidates will be evaluated based on preferred skills, including demonstrated expertise in housing policy, experience managing complex projects, supervisory experience, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, and deep knowledge of NYC's housing agencies, land use process, and affordability policy landscape - Application review will continue until the posting closes on September 15, 2026 HOW TO APPLY - Submit an application through the official City of New York jobs portal referencing Job ID 786333 - Ensure your application clearly demonstrates how your education and experience meet the minimum qualifications, highlighting relevant work in housing policy, urban planning, or public policy research EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Job ID: 786333 - Title Code: 13198 - Civil Service Title: RESEARCH AND LIAISON COORDINAT - Title Classification: Non-Competitive-5 - Business Title: Policy Director, Housing - Experience Level: Manager (Job Level M3) - Number of Positions: 1 - Work Location: 1 Centre St., N.Y. (Manhattan) - Department: POL-Policy, Office of the Comptroller - Category: Policy, Research & Analysis

NOTE: Annual salary is at the start of the pay range. The current salary range is subject to change. Please confirm the starting salary with the hiring department before accepting a job offer. A Building Mechanical Inspector inspects residential construction of two dwelling units or less, accessory buildings, signs and swimming pools to secure conformance to zoning ordinances, building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes and approved plans, specifications and standards; investigates all complaints and alleged code violations on all buildings; conducts surveys to identify blight, deterioration, and substandard conditions; issues appropriate orders to comply and citations; and assists in training other inspection employees as required. REQUIREMENT(S)/MINIMUM QUALIFICATION(S) Four years of full-time paid experience as a building, construction, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, housing, or combined inspector for or on behalf of a governmental agency engaged in general residential construction; or Four years of full-time paid experience as a licensed general, masonry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical contractor engaged in general residential construction; or Two years of full-time paid experience in carpentry, masonry, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, in general residential construction following the completion of a recognized apprenticeship program; or Eight years of full-time paid experience in carpentry, masonry, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, or other construction related craft work in general residential construction; or One year full-time paid experience, as an Assistant Inspector III or an Inspector Trainee III with the City of Los Angeles. PROCESS NOTES Applicants filing under Requirement #3 must submit proof of completion of a recognized apprenticeship program at the time of filing. The requested document(s) must be attached to the on-line application BEFORE the application is submitted. If the document(s) is attached AFTER the on-line application has been submitted, it will not be available to the City and applicants WILL NOT be credited with having submitted the document(s). Applicants who fail to submit the document(s) at the time of filing by not attaching it to the on-line application will not be considered further in this examination. A valid certification from the International Code Council (ICC) per Article 5.13 of MOU #5 and Assembly Bill AB717 is required within two years from the date of appointment to the class. A valid Class C driver’s license issued by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is required at the time of filing. Applicants will be disqualified and not eligible for hire if their DMV record within the last 36 months reflects three or more moving violations and/or at-fault accidents, or a conviction of a major moving violation such as DUI. Upon appointment, a Building Mechanical Inspector will be required to furnish an automobile, properly insured, for use in City service. Mileage will be paid according to established rates.

ABOUT THE ROLE The Town of Lexington is seeking a qualified Economic Development Director to join the Land Use, Housing and Development Department. This full-time position is responsible for managing economic development operations and fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the community. The Director will develop and implement economic development strategies in close coordination with the Assistant Town Manager for Development, Planning Director and staff, property developers, property owners, and other business leadership. The role aims to enrich the character and quality of life in Lexington by serving all constituents and promoting diversity in the workforce. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Manage Economic Development operations for the Town of Lexington. - Develop and implement comprehensive economic development strategies. - Coordinate with the Assistant Town Manager for Development and Planning Director/staff. - Collaborate with property developers, property owners, and business leadership. - Promote, respect, and accommodate diversity in the workforce to best serve all constituents. - Oversee supervision, budgeting, and marketing initiatives related to economic development. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Master’s degree, MBA, or equivalent. - Five to seven years of increasingly responsible experience in economic development. - Experience in local government is preferred. - Experience in supervision, budgeting, and marketing. - Equivalent combination of education, training, and experience may be considered. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Experience in local government economic development. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Commitment to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. - Ability to collaborate effectively with various stakeholders including town officials, developers, and business leaders. SELECTION PROCESS - Position remains open until filled. - Review of submitted application forms, cover letters, and resumes. HOW TO APPLY - Obtain a complete job description and the town’s required application form online at www.lexingtonma.gov/311/Current-Job-Openings. - Submit the following documents: - Town application form (required) - Cover letter - Resume - Submission methods: - Email: jobs@lexingtonma.gov - Mail: Town of Lexington, Human Resources Department, 1625 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington, MA 02420 - For questions, call 781-698-4590. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Community: Lexington, MA - Region: Greater Boston - Position Type: Full-time - Operational Area: Community Development (Planning, Building, Economic Development) - Department: Land Use, Housing and Development Department - Status: Open until filled

ABOUT THE ROLE The City of McMinnville is hiring an Associate Housing Planner to perform advanced work in city planning, including current and long-range planning, developing land use ordinances and comprehensive plans, review of development proposals, and implementation of land use and related policies. This journey-level position involves investigating, analyzing, and developing reports and recommendations pertaining to zoning and land use planning. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES - Conduct and manage housing planning initiatives, comprehensive planning projects, periodic review, and housing capacity analysis. - Serve as lead staff for the Affordable Housing Committee and administer the Affordable Housing Construction Excise Tax program and Fund. - Conduct research, gather and interpret data, prepare reports, and maintain housing and planning databases. - Evaluate land use applications and site plans for compliance with local, state, and Federal laws. - Act as project manager for assigned land use applications through the approval process. - Provide customer service by checking zoning regulations, conducting on-site inspections, and providing information to the public and professionals. - Provide staff support to the Planning Commission and various other commissions and committees. - Write and administer grants for housing planning projects. - Make presentations to the City Council, citizen groups, and committees. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - Any equivalent combination of education and experience providing the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. - A typical way to qualify is a master's degree in urban planning, landscape architecture, or a related field AND at least 2 years of experience as a professional land use planner for a government or private entity, or closely related experience. - Knowledge of data gathering, research techniques, citizen survey tools, land use policy formulation, and planning applications for land use theory, urban design, economics, and land use law. - Ability to use advanced math tools, conduct on-site inspections, analyze data, speak publicly, and draft ordinances and resolutions. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS - Preferred qualifications include Certification in the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). - Preferred experience in current planning, comprehensive planning, urban design issues, and GIS/graphic skills. - Applicants with GIS experience may be assigned GIS-related responsibilities such as developing and maintaining ArcGIS Online map services and researching GIS data. - Must possess a regular ability to use dexterity and fine motor skills and continuous use of office equipment. - Position requires some responsibility for driving. SELECTION PROCESS - Finalists will be subject to a computerized criminal history check. Adverse background information could result in withdrawal of a conditional job offer. - The City does not offer visa sponsorship. Must complete I-9 form within three days of hire confirming authorization to work in the US. HOW TO APPLY - Submit application through the online application system at governmentjobs.com/careers/Mcminnville. - Required documents must be provided at the time of application. Remove personal protected information from documents. - For best consideration, apply by the first review date on Monday, September 21st. - Veterans may request preference by electronically attaching required documentation (DD Form 214/215 or VA letter) at the time of application. EMPLOYMENT DETAILS - Employer: City of McMinnville - Department: Community Development - Division: Planning - Job Type: Full-Time - Location: Community Development Center | 231 NE 5th St., McMinnville, OR - Opening Date: 08/05/2026 - Closing Date: Continuous