Economic Development Administrator

Economic Development Coordinator – Planning & Development Department: Grow your career with us! The City of La Crosse is seeking to hire an Economic Development Coordinator in the Planning & Development Department. The Planning & Development Department strives to improve quality of life in La Crosse through expert analysis of economic, environmental, and social data, and through recommendations to the public, policymakers, and partners. 

The purpose of this position is to assist in planning and administering the long and short range economic development and redevelopment functions of the city, including business attraction, retention and expansion, manages development and small business assistance programs, workforce development, and talent attraction and retention. Prepares, recommends and assists in the development and implementation of the City’s Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan, and the La Crosse 2024 Housing Study, along with other relevant plans and initiatives. Performs ordinance writing and implementation, and neighborhood and downtown revitalization efforts, land sales and management of the business and industrial parks. Starting salary for this exempt position ranges between $83,616.00 to $95,784.00 (80 hours bi-weekly), depending on candidate qualifications.

Minimum Requirements: Master’s degree in Urban Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Economic Geography, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible (related) experience; or any combination of education and experience which provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities. Proficient in Microsoft office. Strong communication skills. A valid driver’s license required.

Benefits: The City of La Crosse offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical benefit plans, Wisconsin Retirement Plan, deferred compensation, Roth IRA, life insurance, accident insurance, income continuation insurance, voluntary dental and vision plans, paid holidays, vacations, and sick leave. Benefit perks: traditional or high deductible (with HSA) medical plan options available; participation in the Wisconsin Retirement System with 7.20% employer contribution; 10 paid holidays, ability to earn up to 12 sick days per year, and vacation time available as of date of hire.

Selected candidate is subject to background check and post-offer/pre-employment drug screen. Applications are accepted through October 11, 2026. To be considered, submit an employment application, resume and cover letter by visiting https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/lacrossewi 

Purpose of Position:

To assist the Director in planning and administering the long and short range economic development and redevelopment functions of the city, including business attraction, retention and expansion, manages development and small business assistance programs, workforce development, and talent attraction and retention. Prepares, recommends and assists in the development and implementation of the City’s Economic Development Element of the Comprehensive Plan, and the Economic Development Strategic Plan.   Performs ordinance writing and implementation, and neighborhood and downtown revitalization efforts, land sales and management of the business and industrial parks.  Work is performed under supervision of the Director of Planning, Development and Assessment. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

The following duties are normal for this classification.   These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive.  Other duties may be required and assigned.

Assists in preparing work plans and assigns and directs the work of the City's Planning and Economic Development programs. 

Develops, updates and implements the City's downtown master plan, neighborhood plans, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Project Plans,.

Directs, implements, updates and promotes the City's ongoing economic development strategy.

Administers consultant contracts to support economic development programs. 

Researches economic development issues and performs market research activities. Analyzes both short term and long term opportunities and constraints facing the local economy. Makes reports and recommendations accordingly. Recommends planning activities for future economic development. 

Designs, implements and participates in an economic development marketing program to attract and retain business within the City, including website maintenance. 

Seeks out, develops, and prepares applications for governmental funding of local projects on behalf of the City and/or local businesses. Assists in obtaining services and assistance for new and existing businesses and industries.

Develops Requests for Proposals and Development Prospectus documents on behalf of the City and property owners on redevelopment sites and buildings.

Serves as primary contact person for the City's economic development programs, committees and organizations. Represents the City in negotiations with prospective commercial/industrial businesses.  Develops, reviews and administers developer agreements and contracts.  

Develops and maintains a commercial and industrial land/building inventory. Conducts a business contact program with local manufacturers.  

Manages the City's industrial parks, including establishing policies, working with prospective buyers, marketing, budgeting, and working with other departments to minimize impacts to businesses from scheduled road and utility improvements. Coordinates the development, operations, and maintenance of industrial parks and adherence to covenants.

Coordinates the review of development proposals and plans through the review processes in city departments and divisions.   

Directs the development of material and media to facilitate the development coordination process and the economic development program. For prospective economic development projects, provides input in the refinement of the City's development-related standards, procedures, and ordinances to help meet the needs of business and industry.

Consults with property owners, developers, and organizations to attract and retain businesses to the area. Identifies and acts on opportunities for public or public/private initiatives relative to economic development.

Work with businesses seeking various State of Wisconsin programs. Prepares all TIF District Project Plans and provides input to the Mayor, City Departments, and Common Council on Tax Incremental Finance (TIF) issues.

Facilitate and staff meetings of the Economic Development Commission.  

Facilitate and staff meetings of the Joint Review Board and annual TIF District review. 

Works closely with the Redevelopment Authority plans, projects and programs.

Coordinates the City's economic development efforts with other related City functions and with other efforts in the community. Recommends the Capital Improvement Project budgets pertaining to planning, Industrial Park, Business Park, and redevelopment initiatives.

Coordinates City loan programs and other forms of financial assistance geared toward economic development.  Supports City’s CDBG Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Program.

Oversees record maintenance and report preparations.  Conducts financial analyses of projects.  Maintains financial records of programs/project expenses etc.

Monitors current state and regional social, economic and demographic trends.

Prepares graphics and narratives for reports and presentations.

Maintains confidentiality of all proprietary department information including business negotiation matters and all personnel matters including medical information

Maintains regular and predictable on-site attendance.

 Additional Tasks and Responsibilities 

While the following tasks are necessary for the work of the unit, they are not an essential part of the purpose of this classification and may also be performed by other unit members.  

Photocopies materials.

Develops meeting agendas and takes and transcribes meeting minutes.

Answers telephone calls. Provides information or refers to appropriate person or agency.

Assist other staff with duties related to all other City planning activities and projects.

Minimum Training and Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Masters degree in, Urban Planning, Urban and Regional Planning, Public Administration, Economic Geography, or related field, and five (5) years of progressively responsible (related) experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.   Proficient in Microsoft office.  Strong communication skills.  A valid driver’s license required.

Physical and Mental Abilities Required to Perform Essential Job Functions

Language Ability and Interpersonal Communication

Effective public speaking, presentation skills, and writing skills.

Ability to analyze data and information using established criteria, in order to determine consequences and to identify and select alternatives.  Ability to compare, count, differentiate, measure, copy, record and transcribe data and information.  Ability to classify, compute, tabulate, and categorize data.

Ability to persuade, convince, and/or train others, including the ability to act in a lead worker capacity.  Ability to advise and interpret how to apply policies, procedures and standards to specific situations.

Ability to exercise supervision by providing training and instruction, assigning work, and reviewing work performed by administrative and technical staff.

Ability to utilize a variety of advisory data and information such as maps, revenue reports, budgets, real estate appraisals, maps, contracts, strategic plan, annual program/activity reports, site plans, permits, deeds, planning reports, program performance reports, city ordinances, computer software operating manuals, statutes, procedures, guidelines and non-routine correspondence.

Ability to communicate orally and in writing with City staff and departments, law enforcement, consultants, attorneys, business representatives, Common Council, bankers, loan agents, and the general public.

Mathematical Ability

 Ability to apply algebraic and trigonometric formulas. Ability to interpret inferential statistical reports and/or formulation and equation data

Judgment and Situational Reasoning Ability

Ability to use functional reasoning in performing influence functions such as supervising, managing, leading, teaching, directing and controlling.

Ability to exercise the judgment, decisiveness and creativity required in situations involving the direction, control and planning of an entire program or multiple programs.

Physical Requirements

Ability operate, maneuver and/or steer equipment and machinery requiring simple but continuous adjustments such as motor vehicle, computer terminal, typewriter, telephone, calculator/adding machine and photocopier.

Ability to coordinate eyes, hands, feet and limbs in performing movements requiring skill and training, such as drawing and data entry.

Ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling.

Ability to recognize and identify individual characteristics of colors, shapes and sounds associated with job-related objects, materials and tasks.

Environmental Adaptability

Ability to work under safe and comfortable conditions where exposure to adverse environmental factors is minimal and poses a very limited risk of injury.

The City of La Crosse is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.