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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COLLEGE SUMMER INTERNSHIP

Economic Development Department 

15 - 25 hours per week 

$19.56 – $21.74 per hour – Master’s program 

The City of Gilroy is an equal opportunity employer and supports workforce diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Join our team! 

ABOUT THE POSITION

The City of Gilroy is recruiting for a graduate degree level Economic Development College Summer Intern for the summer of 2026. If you’re a mission-driven graduate student or recent Masters graduate and are ready to apply advanced economic analysis to real-world community impact, then this opportunity is for you. This internship offers a rigorous, project-based experience designed specifically for Master’s-level candidates who want to contribute meaningfully to local and regional economic growth. This is not a passive observational role — you will be embedded in active initiatives, supporting strategic projects that influence business development, community vitality, and long-term economic resilience.

Over the course of the summer internship, you will support high impact economic development projects that require analytical depth, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills. This opportunity is ideal for graduate students or recent graduates in Economics, Public Policy, Urban Planning, Public Administration, Business or related fields of study who are eager to translate academic training into measurable community outcomes. By the end of this internship, you will walk away with practical, resume-enhancing experience that bridges graduate-level academics and professional economic development practice positioning you competitively for careers in economic development, public policy, municipal government, consulting, or community development! 

ABOUT THE TEAM 
The Economic Development team is a small, but might group that consists of a Director and Manager dedicated to strengthening and diversifying the local economy in Gilroy. The team focuses on business attraction, retention, expansion, and strategic partnerships that enhance the city’s economic vitality. Working closely with internal departments, community stakeholders, and regional partners, the team plays a central role in shaping initiatives that support sustainable growth. As an intern, you will work directly alongside leadership, gaining insight into how economic development strategy is crafted and executed at the municipal level.

WORK SCHEDULE 
Internships can start as early as May 26, 2026, and end as late as September 30, 2026. This paid internship is offered at 15 - 25 hours per week with flexible scheduling. The office start and end date of the internship will be determined at the time of hire. Work hours are generally Monday – Friday between 8:00am – 5:00pm. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO: 

• Conduct economic, demographic, and market data analysis 
• Research industry trends, business climate conditions, and development opportunities 
• Support business program development and evaluation 
• Lease tracking and economic data management
• Support community engagement and outreach initiatives
• Project coordination and administrative support
• Assist with special strategic initiatives as assigned 

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN & GAIN: 

• Direct experience interpreting and applying economic and demographic data to inform business attraction and retention strategies 
• Insight into how public-facing business programs are developed, implemented, and evaluated
• Exposure to cross-departmental and community collaboration 
• Project coordination and management experience within a city government environment 

Definition

Under general supervision of the Economic and Housing Development Manager, assists in organizing and implementing an Economic Development Workplan that promotes the growth and development of the City’s economic base, including the facilitation of housing production and new building permits, the retention and expansion of existing businesses, and, sourcing new businesses for the City. This position will also support the Economic and Housing Development Manager’s staffing of the City’s Economic and Community Development Committee.

Distinguishing Characteristics

This is the journey level class within the Housing and Economic and Housing Development Specialist series. Employees perform the full range of duties as assigned. Employees at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit. Because of the cooperative, facilitative and marketing nature of this role, individuals must be able to work well with and have knowledge of other City departments, community stakeholders, small business owners and real estate developers.

Supervision Received and Exercised

• Receives general supervision from the Economic and Housing Development Manager. 
• May exercise technical or functional supervision over less experienced staff.

The City of Live Oak is seeking a dynamic, visionary, and experienced leader to serve as the Community and Economic Development Director. This key position will oversee the planning, implementation, and coordination of community development initiatives, economic growth strategies, and planning projects to enhance the City's growth and quality of life. 

Under general administrative direction of the City Manager, plans, directs, manages, and oversees the activities and operations of the Community and Economic Development Department including planning, building inspection and compliance, code enforcement, affordable housing, economic development, and related services; coordinates assigned activities with other departments and outside agencies; and provides highly responsible and complex administrative support to the City Manager.

The Community and Economic Development Director is an “at -will” employee of the City and serves at the pleasure of the City Manager. The position is considered a Department Director with responsibility for directing the activities of a Department with the City. Positions at this class level serve as a member of the City’s senior management team and provide advice and counsel to the City Manager regarding strategic planning and problem solving issues relating to the assigned Department and the City overall.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Community and Economic Development Department services and activities including planning, building inspection and compliance, code enforcement, affordable housing, redevelopment agency and economic development operations and services.
• Develops, plans, coordinates, and manages the City’s economic development program and initiatives regarding business assistance, attraction, retention, and expansion; sets annual program goals and objectives consistent with budget; plans, develops, and implements programs, plans, and policies to foster economic growth.
• Manages the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, and priorities for each assigned service area; recommends and administers policies and procedures.
• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Assesses and monitors workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs and implements changes.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the department budget; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Supervises and coordinates the environmental review and development review process for all private and public development activities in the City; assists in the development of the General Plan; coordinates and reviews plan changes and resolves sensitive, controversial and complex issues; solves problems with developers, property owners, the public, architects, engineers, and planners as well as City Council and Planning Commission.
• Collaborates with City staff, public officials, business community, consultants, media, and citizens in the accomplishment of program objectives; maintains professional relationships with regional, county, and local economic development organizations; makes presentations to private sector executives, local agencies, community groups, and City Council regarding the business advantages and opportunities within the City.
• Works as the single point of contact with existing and prospective businesses, developers, brokers, and partners to facilitate business expansion in or relocation to the City; provides guidance to business throughout the development and permitting process; assists new and expanding businesses in site selection, acquisitions, and facility construction.
• Oversees building plan check, building inspection, and code enforcement, planning activities, and ensures compliance with appropriate laws, ordinances, and regulations.
• Monitors legislation and developments related to economic development matters; evaluates their impact on City operations and programs, and recommends and implements policy and procedural improvements.
• Prepares and reviews complex documents including development agreements, specific and master plans including financing implementation plans and related contracts; testifies in court as an expert witness for the City on development related matters.
• Explains, justifies, and defends department programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues.
• Gathers, tracks, and analyzes local, regional, and state economic and market indicators and other data, draws appropriate conclusions, and makes appropriate recommendations; conducts research regarding economic conditions and trends in the local area and makes recommendations for programs and activities for the City; identifies target industries based on operating, workforce, distribution, and infrastructure criteria, and City objectives.
• Serves as a representative for the Department and City in coordination with governmental agencies, community organizations, and other stakeholder groups as a participant in meetings, committees, and other professional settings.
• Attends and participates in meetings, conferences, workshops, and training sessions; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in field expertise.
• Researches funding opportunities; coordinates and/or completes and submits grant applications; tracts grant-funded projects and requirements; processes and maintains paperwork and reimbursement requests in compliance with funding and reporting requirements.
• Responds to and resolves difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Performs related duties as required.

Open Until Filled- Apply Immediately.

Applications accepted until minimum number meeting our qualifications have been received.

Interviews: TBA

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing a City application.

THE POSITION

The City of Daly City is seeking a dynamic and experienced Economic Development Program Manager to join the Office of the City Manager. This new position is an opportunity to shape and lead innovative programs that enhance the local economy, reimagine and activate the environment and attract, retain and support businesses in the Daly City community.

The Economic Development Program Manager plays a vital role in fostering relationships with the business community, developing and implementing economic development strategies, all while providing direct support to meet business needs. The diverse range of work in partnership building, policy development, long-term visioning, program implementation, data analysis and research provides an exciting and fulfilling opportunity.

As a top priority for the City, the Economic Development Program Manager will ensure the City addresses the needs of local businesses and provides opportunities for their success, as well as identify new businesses to enhance the City’s overall economic health. This also includes regular outreach to local businesses to offer assistance through referrals to state and federal programs, and strategic planning for expansion approval. This position must create and maintain partnerships with multiple associations community organizations and State and Federal re-sources.

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the City Manager or their designee, the Economic Development Program Manager develops, coordinates, and implements the City’s economic development programs and related activities; works with commercial and retail businesses, developers and property owners and managers on potential opportunity sites, assists applicants and business in their dealings with the City, initiates key economic activities based on the City’s General Plan, provides economic data to inform key city policy decisions; manages Grant funding opportunities for economic development, develops and implements marketing, branding and outreach activities for attraction and retention of businesses in Daly City and performs related work as required.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Develop and update the City’s Economic Development and Business Strategy and develop an action plan to implement the strategy and economic development programs on a citywide basis.
• Manage grant and funding opportunities to support economic initiatives; oversee administration of economic development grants and contracts.
• Develop financing sources for various programs through communication and negotiation with agencies of the State and Federal government, the private sector and nonprofit foundations.
• Facilitate the attraction, retention, growth and success of Daly City businesses through active engagement, business assistance, provision of information, marketing, and outreach.
• Conduct feasibility assessments for establishing Business Improvement District (BID)
• Oversee and coordinate Economic Development events and festivals.
• Serve as Primary Liaison to the Small Business Commission
• Administer Regulatory Business Programs
• Participate in business conferences related to Economic Development
• Be active in the real estate environment to track real estate trends and work with developers and property owners or property managers to identify and evaluate opportunity sites that are vacant or likely to change hands
• Continuously valuate and review economic development program goals, objectives, and strategies and recommend changes to programs, policies or procedures that will facilitate ongoing success to attract and recruit new businesses to activate and fill vacant commercial spaces.
• Identify, develop and analyze data to assess trends, issues and opportunities affecting businesses and the City in order to effectively support local businesses.
• Serve as the primary liaison to the Daly City/Colma Chamber of Commerce and effectively maintain the relationship between the Daly City/Colma Chamber of Commerce, and other private and public organizations related to business and economic development.
• Create and foster effective business relationships with key stakeholders to facilitate business attraction and retention that will support the economic development and growth of the City.
• Identify and recommend revisions to ordinances and policies that may hinder business operations to improve economic conditions, functionality and aesthetics.
• Assist applicants, business representatives and developers in dealings with the City on the entitlement and building permit approval process and other needs.
• May assist in the recommendation of policies and programs pertaining to the fiscal and economic development of the City.
• Prepare reports and make presentations to business and community groups, City Commissions and Boards, City Council and the public.
• May prepare and administer the budget for Economic Development Program.
• Supervise and train one Economic Development Program Specialist
• Professionally and effectively represent the City of Daly City in developing relationships between the City and representatives of private sector development opportunities, business community and city staff.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Principals, issues and practices of economic and commercial development, redevelopment, land use planning and permitting, business retention, public policy and business development including best practices, marketing/marketing research; statistical analysis and research methods and the sources of information and data pertaining to economic development, business retention; evaluation and analysis of pro formas; the State of California Redevelopment Law; private sector development techniques; Applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning economic development activity in urban areas, real estate, public land acquisition, redevelopment and land use; Federal and State Grants regulations, Grant writing and grant administration oversight and implementation experience; Effective methods of gaining consensus and building support for objectives; Principles and practices of organization, administration, budget and supervision.

Ability to: Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Effectively and professionally represent the City to the business community and the public, Research and communicate economic trends, including vacancy rates, lease rates, and land values, Interpret and explain laws and regulations related to zoning regulations, land acquisition, and economic development, research proposals, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations within established policy guidelines, Exercise good judgment, flexibility, creativity and sensitivity in response to changing situations and needs, adapt, change and be receptive to new direction and shifting City priorities. Understand and apply interpersonal skills to work effectively with the local business community, internal partners and external partners. Plan, prioritize, communicate, delegate and monitor a variety of concurrent projects. Analyze and synthesize data and complex information; write comprehensive reports. Supervise, train, and evaluate one employee. Effectively prepare grants, written reports and recommendations; prepare and present reports at public meetings; deal effectively with the public; establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, City officials, local commissions; provide strong administrative, fiscal management and policy analysis skills; be professional, respond to phone and electronic correspondence in a timely manner to the public and city employees, interact positively and cooperate with co-workers, respond politely to customers, work as a team member, function under demanding time pressure, respond in a positive manner to supervision, and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Education: Graduation from college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, Economics, Marketing, Planning, Public Administration or a related field.

Experience: Four years of increasingly responsible experience and demonstrated proficiency in economic development, real estate financing, commercial real estate, redevelopment, or planning, including two years of supervisory experience. Working knowledge of California planning law and practice is desirable.

License: Possession of a valid California Class C California Drivers License.

Application filing deadline Open Until Filled- Apply Immediately

Interviews- TBD

Resumes are not accepted in lieu of completing a City application

DEFINITION

Under general supervision of the Code Enforcement Officer, the Code Enforcement Inspector facilitates compliance with City Municipal codes, ordinances, California Codes, conditions of approval and resolutions relating to public nuisances, planning, zoning, construction, business licensing, animal control and other associated disciplines. Works collaboratively with other City Divisions and Agencies and actively participates as a member of the Code Enforcement Task Force. Tracks, updates and maintains investigations, complaint information and official records. Attends training to maintain or achieve Code Enforcement Officer Certification. Performs related work as required.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES

Investigate reported or suspected violations of City or California codes, and implement enforcement activities to gain compliance. Issue written notices and warnings, and criminal citations. Educate the public regarding code requirements. Conduct field inspections, gather-supporting evidence, maintain case files (both computer and hard files) and, as necessary, prepare investigation reports regarding violations. May assist in preparing and presenting information to the Planning Commission, City Council, Administrative Hearing Board and courts of law. Participate in and often coordinate joint code enforcement activities with other agencies. Speak before neighborhood and civic groups about the Code Enforcement Program and work closely with such groups to solve neighborhood problems.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of: Basic code enforcement and investigation techniques; common California Codes relating to property maintenance, municipal codes, ordinances and resolutions related to public nuisances, planning and zoning. Effective and efficient techniques of public education, field inspections for code compliance, gathering and analyzing evidence and data, and preparing and presenting reports.

Ability to: Read, understand, interpret and apply laws, regulations, ordinances, resolutions, policies and other documents associated with enforcement duties. Maintain a positive attitude and work as a highly effective team member of the Code Enforcement Program, Economic and Community Development Department and the Code Enforcement Task Force. Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Prepare and make verbal presentations to small and large groups, the Administrative Hearing Board and other official bodies. Prepare factually clear, concise and complete written reports and correspondence. Exercise good customer service skills with the public, outside agencies and staff. Interact tactfully to gain voluntary compliance with City codes. Identify code violations and exercise proper judgment in determining the degree of compliance with various laws and determine appropriate course of action. Assist City staff with interpretation and application of the codes used. Coordinate enforcement and inspection functions with other City departments. Competently use a desktop computer with a main program base such as Office 2010, to record, organize, and monitor all code enforcement activities. Follow established work procedures and practices, including adherence to sound safety practices. Drive a vehicle. Work under stressful and uncomfortable, cold, foggy and rainy climatic conditions. Perform inspections on substandard or unsafe properties, which may require climbing, crawling, kneeling, and bending. Interview witnesses and violators in a highly effective and professional manner. Interact positively and cooperate with co-workers, respond politely to customers, work as a team member, function under demanding time pressure, respond in a positive manner to supervision, and attend work and perform duties on a regular and consistent basis.

Education: Possession of an AA degree in a related field. Additional education and training in writing, public speaking and areas related to code enforcement are desirable.

Experience: A minimum of one year of full-time, relevant public contact experience, with occasional public speaking, requiring problem solving and/or field investigation in code enforcement, law enforcement, investigations, or a comparable field that would provide the requisite knowledge needed to succeed in this position. Experience in the enforcement of municipal, planning and zoning codes and working with building or planning permits at a public or private agency is desirable.

Certifications: Possess, or obtain within 12 months from hire date, current certification as a Code Enforcement Officer from the California Association of Code Enforcement Officers (CACEO); or certification as a Housing Inspector from the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO- through the American Association of Code Enforcement). Certification under Penal Code 832 Module A (California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training) or similar police training is desirable.

License: Possession of a valid Class C California Driver's License.