Economic Development Coordinator

As the Economic Development Coordinator with the City of Fort Worth, you'll be responsible for implementing community revitalization strategies outlined in the Economic Development Strategic Plan. This includes working closely with developers and stakeholders to advance revitalization efforts, facilitating placemaking activities, conducting financial analyses of real estate projects, negotiating contracts, and engaging with local businesses and ecosystem partners.

To qualify for the Economic Development Coordinator role at the City of Fort Worth, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Business Administration, Public Administration, or Economics, along with four years of relevant experience in economic development or community-related projects. Additionally, proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with data management tools are preferred.

Working as an Economic Development Coordinator in Fort Worth offers a collaborative and fast-paced environment where multiple priorities and deadlines are common. The position involves engaging with various stakeholders, including residents, businesses, and government entities, contributing to a dynamic and impactful work atmosphere aimed at community growth.

As an Economic Development Coordinator with the City of Fort Worth, you can expect a competitive benefits package that includes comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, and vision), 11 paid holidays, generous paid time off, a pension plan, and numerous professional development opportunities. This ensures a well-rounded work-life balance and support for your career growth.

The Economic Development Coordinator plays a vital role in Fort Worth's revitalization efforts by assisting in the implementation of programs designed to enhance community vitality and economic equity. Your work involves analyzing economic data, proposing revitalization projects, and collaborating with community partners to ensure that initiatives align with residents' needs and aspirations.

To approach a financial analysis for a proposed redevelopment project, you should first outline the project's costs and potential revenue streams. Use tools like cost-benefit analysis and financial gap analysis to comprehensively evaluate the project’s feasibility. Be ready to discuss how your analysis will influence decision-making and stakeholder engagement.

When discussing a successful community revitalization project, focus on the project’s objectives, your specific role, and the outcomes achieved. Highlight how you engaged with stakeholders and navigated challenges to bring the project to fruition, emphasizing measurable impacts, like increased community engagement or economic growth.

Engaging stakeholders effectively requires a proactive and inclusive approach. You could outline strategies like hosting community meetings, utilizing surveys for feedback, and establishing partnerships with local organizations to ensure diverse voices are incorporated. Highlight your skills in communicating clearly and building trust as key components.

To prioritize multiple projects, consider using project management techniques like the Eisenhower matrix to assess urgency and importance. Discuss how regular check-ins with team members and stakeholders can help realign priorities, ensuring projects are on track while meeting community needs effectively.

Placemaking is about creating vibrant public spaces that enhance community life. Explain its significance in economic development by connecting better-quality spaces to increased foot traffic, enhanced local businesses, and improved community engagement. Mention any previous experiences you have with placemaking initiatives.

Discuss any experience you've had with financial tools such as tax abatements or grants. Explain how you've applied these tools in previous roles to support real estate development projects and how they were instrumental in fostering economic growth. Be sure to highlight any measurable results from their application.

Staying current is crucial in this role. Discuss your strategies for keeping informed, such as attending workshops, networking with professionals in the field, reading relevant publications, and participating in community forums. This reflects your commitment to continuous improvement and knowledge sharing.

Data is essential in making informed decisions. Speak about how you utilize demographic, market, and economic data to guide project implementations and assess community needs. Discuss specific tools and methods you're familiar with, such as GIS or Salesforce, that aid in your analysis.

Evaluating the success of a revitalization program involves setting clear, measurable goals at the outset. Discuss using quantitative and qualitative metrics, such as economic indicators, community feedback, and participation rates, to assess program outcomes. Be prepared to discuss any past experiences you've had evaluating similar programs.

Handling conflicts is an integral part of working with diverse stakeholders. Discuss strategies such as active listening, being empathetic to different perspectives, and finding common ground. Share any personal experience of conflict resolution and how it led to better collaboration and project outcomes.