Chamber of Commerce 

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND OBJECTIVES

Under Executive direction, the Manager for Economic Development will develop, recommend, promote and implement the goals, strategies, policies and programmatic framework for economic development activities in order to promote the economic base and financial stability and to develop and promote a strong and sustainable community with quality jobs and a stable, competitive business environment; to plan, organize, direct and evaluate economic development and revitalization strategies, programs and related activities, in cooperation with public agencies, educational institutions, businesses and community groups.

• Develops and recommends overall economic development vision, goals, strategies and policies.

• Coordinates economic development activities with other private and public sector agencies to promote financial health on a citywide basis; identifies and fosters partnering opportunities for various economic development programs and proposals.

• Provides written analysis, evaluation and recommendations regarding economic development proposals.

• Identifies and implements strategic, short- and long-range planning and programmatic framework to achieve the City of Opa-locka economic development goals.

• Oversees implementation of economic development assistance and incentive programs.

• Manages the planning for major development projects, including coordinating and overseeing the preparation of appraisals, economic feasibility plans, financing plans, environmental documents, design plans, and other technical studies required for the planning, design and development of commercial and industrial projects.

• Creates an annual action plan and identifies resources needed to implement the plan.

• Provides leadership and serves as a subject area expert on economic development matters, providing technical advice to other departments and the economic community; serves as a resource on economic development financing methods.

• Acts as liaison to and builds strong relationships with County officials and departments and the economic development community, including government agencies, schools, labor organizations, non-profits, and businesses, as well as entrepreneurial and civic/community groups, regarding issues of economic concern, development proposals, and projects.

• Makes presentations to boards, the business community and other groups regarding findings and recommendations; facilitates and represents the Agency and County at meetings with members of the business community and the general public.

• Reviews and analyzes complex real property acquisition records and reports, leases, agreements, options, deeds and contracts.

• Negotiates with developers, land use attorneys, and financiers to facilitate and expedite economic development projects and real property land use, including coordination of complex real estate and land development agreements for the acquisition, disposition, relocation, demolition, construction, and/or rehabilitation/improvement of property.

• Researches, analyzes, interprets, and prepares studies and reports on a variety of economic and demographic data.

• Performs various public relations activities, which may include development of promotional materials and press releases.

• The principles and practices of economic/business development strategies, program administration, and resources, including methods for business attraction and retention.

• Organizational and management principles and practices used in the analysis, evaluation, design, planning, construction, and project management of large-scope development projects.

• The principles and practices of researching and analyzing the economic feasibility of local community and business development projects.

• The principles and practices involved in the acquisition, disposition, relocation, demolition, construction and rehabilitation of real property.

Other Current Responsibilities:

• Develop a timeline for the formation of Greater Opa-locka Chamber of Commerce

• Draft a Bylaw for vision and mission development for the Chamber of Commerce

• Develop plan for the chamber’s long-term sustainability and growth, which can be adapted, over time, for the changing needs and circumstances in the local business community.