The Community
The City of Menlo Park is a thriving community with tree-lined neighborhoods, active commercial areas, excellent schools, spaces to enjoy the outdoors, and opportunities to engage in local activities. Located conveniently between the major metropolitan areas of San Francisco and San Jose, Menlo Park is home to just under 34,000 residents in its 19 square miles. The stunning natural surroundings of the city afford views of the San Francisco Bay to the east and the Pacific Coastal Range to the west. Menlo Park’s climate is moderate to warm, with an average of 265 sunny days a year. Menlo Park’s residents reflect a range of backgrounds and interests, with a tendency toward being actively engaged in community life. Excellent public and private schools serve its many young families, while residents of all ages enjoy the City’s numerous parks and recreational facilities. The City’s close proximity to Stanford University and Menlo College provide a multitude of academic, cultural and athletic event opportunities. The City regularly hosts musical performances and cultural experiences at both the downtown Burgess campus and the newly opened Belle Haven Community Campus. The Downtown, with its many eateries and unique shops, attracts locals and visitors alike. The Menlo Park Caltrain station also provides a convenient connection to the numerous arts and leisure activities in the San Francisco and San Jose areas. Known worldwide as the “Capital of Venture Capital,” Menlo Park hosts many venture capital firms and is well situated to benefit from and help shape new technologies and markets originating from Silicon Valley. Additionally, Menlo Park is host to numerous technology and healthcare related companies, including such major employers as Meta (formerly Facebook), SRI International, Pacific Biosciences, Grail, Exponent, and CSBio.
The Organization
Incorporated in 1927, Menlo Park is a general Law city operating under a Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is the City’s five-member governing body whose members are elected by district for four-year overlapping terms in general municipal elections. The Mayor and Vice Mayor each serve one-year terms and are selected annually by the City Council. The City Council appoints the City Manager and City Attorney as well as members of the Planning Commission and numerous advisory boards. The City Manager appoints all executive and management level positions. City staff report to one of six departments: Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Library and Community Services, Police, and Public Works, which includes Menlo Park Municipal Water. Fire protection and sanitary services are provided by separate special districts. The City is supported by 296 FTE and has over 55 funds with a total expenditure budget over $216 million. As evidence of the City’s sound financial stewardship and solid financial standing, Menlo Park consistently maintains an AAA bond rating, in large part due to its healthy reserves and strong revenue base. In addition to its many attributes, Menlo Park has one of the most beautiful civic center campuses in the Bay Area. Heritage trees, a running fountain and a duck pond surround City Hall. The campus also includes a nine-acre park, recreation facilities and the Menlo Park Library. These civic amenities make the campus a noted destination for residents, local employees and visitors. Conveniently located, the campus is a short walk to the Menlo Park Caltrain Station and the downtown retail district.
The Department
This position falls within the City Manager’s Office, which, under the direction of the City Manager, has responsibility for staff organizational management, personnel appointment, preparation and execution of the City budget, as well as administration of city ordinances and policies adopted by the City Council. The City Manager's Office provides administrative support to the City Council and advisory commissions, in addition to working closely with the City Attorney's Office. The City Manager’s Office also includes the following key functions:
- Administration
- City Clerk
- Communications & Public
- Engagement
- Economic Development
- Emergency Preparedness
- Sustainability
As an integral part of the City Manager’s Office, the Economic Development division ensures that the City addresses the needs of local businesses and provides opportunities for their success. This includes identifying new businesses that will enhance the community and the City’s overall economic health, and assisting with expeditious, thorough, and effective development approvals. This also includes regular outreach to local businesses to offer assistance through referrals to state and federal programs, strategic planning for expansion approval, and marketing/networking opportunities. This division creates and maintains partnerships with multiple economic development associations, community-based organizations, and state and federal resources to market Menlo Park as an attractive location for businesses.
The Position
The City of Menlo Park is seeking a dynamic and experienced Economic Development Manager to join the City Manager’s Office. This is a fantastic opportunity to shape and lead innovative programs that enhance the local economy, reimagine and activate the built environment, and attract, retain, and support businesses in the world class community of Menlo Park.
Menlo Park is home to a vibrant mix of small businesses, restaurants, hotels and venues, cutting-edge life sciences companies, venture capital firms, and multinational technology companies, among others. The Economic Development Manager plays a vital role in fostering relationships with the business community, developing and implementing economic development strategies, and providing direct support to meet business needs—a truly diverse range of work in partnership building, policy development, long-term visioning, program implementation, data analysis and research, and service delivery.
“Downtown vibrancy” is one of the top five priorities of the City Council. The Economic Development Manager would join the City at an exciting time, with a clear opportunity to guide the vision and community engagement strategy for efforts in the Downtown. The Manager would play a pivotal role in the implementation of the “Streetary” outdoor dining program, activation of public space, efforts around the construction of affordable housing, improvements to parking plazas and streetscapes, and more.
