Manager, Economic Development & Urban Policy

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There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.

We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.

AECOM is seeking a Manager or Senior Manager, to lead our economic development and urban policy as well as real estate capabilities in Los Angeles. The selected candidate will join the Buildings + Places (B+P) Consulting practice which brings together planners, architects, engineers, economists, and advisors to create city-shaping plans and strategies that tackle major policy, design, and social challenges around how cities and regional agencies serve their constituents.

The B+P Consulting team helps clients understand market demand, identify industry sectors and clusters positioned for growth, and clarify economic and demographic disparities. We focus on evaluating the impact of pre-existing structural challenges that hold back regional economic performance across sectors such as tourism, green jobs, and advanced manufacturing, while also assessing strategies for industry, workforce, funding and financing, housing and real estate.

The successful candidate can lead quantitative and qualitative economic analysis, conduct real estate development feasibility studies, analyze policies and programs, evaluate industry sectors and clusters, and develop strategies. This technical work would be in support of economic development projects as well as real estate and market assessments, housing and policy studies, corridor plans, district plans, and framework plans.

In addition to technical proficiency, the candidate will be expected to effectively participate in business development activities and to direct project teams to ensure quality and timely work products that satisfy clients’ needs. The position requires the ability to lead a project team while working closely with other disciplines and balancing multiple projects and deadlines, delegating and mentoring staff, and communicating clearly with both clients and other team members. Business development expectations include responding to requests for proposals and managing responses, in addition to representing our team internally and externally for opportunities.

Examples of our work includes collaborating with our urban planners on Specific Plans in Long Beach, Pasadena, and Burbank; developing a Growth Strategy for the City of LA; supporting the County of San Diego in adopting an Inclusionary Housing Policy; and conducting assessment of value capture strategies for multiple transit agencies including LA Metro, MTA, WMATA, and MBTA.

Example Project Types:

• Adaptive Reuse and Neighborhood Revitalization Studies
• Funding and Financing Strategies, including Value Capture and Special Assessment Districts
• Economic and Fiscal Impact Analysis
• Equitable Policy and Strategy Development
• Evaluation of Pro-Housing Policies such as Density Bonuses and Inclusionary Zoning
• Workforce Development and Labor Force Analysis

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy Analysis, Business, Real Estate or a related field plus six (6) years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education

Preferred Qualifications :

• 10+ years of professional experience at a planning and economics consulting firm, or equivalent professional experience in urban economics, real estate, strategy, data science, urban planning, public policy analysis, or related fields
• Master’s degree from an accredited university in a related field
• Experience working closely and collaboratively with many disciplines, including urban planners and urban designers as well as infrastructure experts in transportation, ports, water, environment, and/or energy
• Experience leading quantitative and qualitative economic analysis related to economic & community development, real estate, equity, and public finance
• Experience presenting and developing content for proposals, interacting with clients, having leadership on multiple parallel projects, managing project teams, presenting professional work at meetings, workshops, and industry conferences
• Strong technical skills, including experience with one or more of the following software packages:
  • ArcGIS and other spatial or data analysis tools (e.g., R, Python, Costar)
  • Comfort working in excel to develop financial cashflows from scratch

About AECOM 

AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan. 

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2024. Learn more at aecom.com. 

What makes AECOM a great place to work 

You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity. 

As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.