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Economic Development Planning Jobs in California

City of Bell (CA)

Associate Planner

Bell Gardens, CA

$78K - $95K/yr

... Planning Commission, City Council, various committees and advisory boards. Assist in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing ...

City of Bell, CA

Associate Planner

Bell, CA · On-site

$78K - $95K/yr

... Planning Commission, City Council, various committees and advisory boards. * Assist in the development and implementation of growth management, land use, economic development, utility, housing ...

City of Napa, CA

Assistant Planner (PROMOTIONAL)

Napa, CA · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

The Community Resources and Development Department provides a full range of development-related services, including planning, building, economic development, parking and code enforcement. The ...

City of Napa

Assistant Planner (PROMOTIONAL)

Napa, CA · On-site

$97K - $117K/yr

The Community Resources and Development Department provides a full range of development-related services, including planning, building, economic development, parking and code enforcement. The ...

BKF

Associate Planner

Sacramento, CA

$34 - $50/hr

Develops and implements long-range and current planning plans, programs, goals, and policies related to citywide initiatives (e.g., transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability)

BKF

Associate Planner

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$34 - $50/hr

Develops and implements long-range and current planning plans, programs, goals, and policies related to citywide initiatives (e.g., transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability)

BKF

Associate Planner

Newport Beach, CA

$34 - $50/hr

Develops and implements long-range and current planning plans, programs, goals, and policies related to citywide initiatives (e.g., transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability)

BKF

Associate Planner

Salinas, CA · On-site

$34 - $50/hr

Develops and implements long-range and current planning plans, programs, goals, and policies related to citywide initiatives (e.g., transportation, housing, economic development, and sustainability)

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Economic Development Planning information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$101.7K

$153K

How much do economic development planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for economic development planning in California is $101,671.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $122,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is economic development planning?

Economic development planning is the process by which government agencies, organizations, and communities strategize to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for a region. This involves analyzing current economic conditions, setting goals, and implementing policies or programs to encourage business growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Economic development planners often collaborate with public and private stakeholders to attract investment, support local businesses, and enhance infrastructure. Their work aims to create vibrant, resilient economies that benefit all members of the community.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in economic development planning, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Economic Development Planning often encounter challenges such as balancing competing stakeholder interests, adapting to shifting economic trends, and securing funding for projects. Navigating these issues requires strong communication skills, flexibility, and a strategic mindset. Building collaborative relationships with local governments, businesses, and community groups is key, as well as staying updated on policy changes and best practices. Leveraging data-driven analysis and pursuing continuous professional development can also help address these challenges effectively.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an economic development planner?

To thrive as an Economic Development Planner, you need a strong background in urban planning, economics, and data analysis, usually backed by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with GIS software, economic modeling tools, and government grant systems is typically required. Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and project management skills help build consensus and drive community initiatives. These competencies are vital for creating effective strategies that foster sustainable economic growth and community development.

What degree do you need to work in economic development planning?

A bachelor's degree in economics, urban planning, public administration, or a related field is typically required for economic development planning roles. Advanced positions may prefer or require a master's degree, along with skills in data analysis, project management, and community engagement.

Is economic development a good career?

Economic development planning is a viable career that involves analyzing economic data, developing strategies to improve local economies, and collaborating with government and community stakeholders. It often requires strong analytical skills, knowledge of public policy, and proficiency with planning tools. The field offers opportunities for impact and growth, with roles in government agencies, non-profits, and consulting firms.

What is the difference between Economic Development Planning vs Urban Planning?

AspectEconomic Development PlanningUrban Planning
Primary FocusPromoting economic growth, business development, and job creationDesigning and managing land use, infrastructure, and community development
Required CredentialsBachelor's or master's in economics, urban planning, or related fields; certifications in economic developmentBachelor's or master's in urban planning, geography, or related fields; planning certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, economic development organizations, consulting firmsMunicipal governments, urban planning agencies, private firms

While both roles involve planning and development, Economic Development Planning primarily focuses on fostering economic growth and attracting businesses, whereas Urban Planning concentrates on land use, infrastructure, and community design. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the development sector.

What cities in California are hiring for Economic Development Planning jobs?

Cities in California with the most Economic Development Planning job openings:

Economic Development Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Economic Development Planning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,671 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Chief Operations Officer

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT TECHNOLO

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$110K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 13 days ago

Job description

Chief Operations Officer (COO)

About CDTech: Founded in 1995, CDTech (Community Development Technologies Center) is a South-Central Los Angeles-based nonprofit organization committed to building the power of residents, small businesses, and nonprofit organizations to dismantle the forces of disinvestment, displacement, and systemic poverty. As the leading community and economic development organization in the region, CDTech works at the intersection of grassroots leadership development, social impact nonprofit infrastructure support, and economic justice to transform Los Angeles’ largest area of concentrated poverty into a model of equitable investment, resident self-determination, and collective power.
 
Our mission is guided by a three-pronged theory of change. Build Power by transforming the relationship between residents and decision-makers to ensure equitable investment and policy; Build Community Wealth through strategies that build the capacity of residents to stabilize their families and transform their communities through careers in social impact nonprofits and small business economic development; and Build Empowering and Service Community Infrastructure by strengthening the capacity of local public, nonprofit, and small business sectors to drive systemic change. Grounded in principles of asset-based community and economic development, all of CDTech’s work centers the lived experience and leadership of South LA’s Black, Latino, and immigrant communities. From education and workforce development to organizing and coalition-building, we are intentional about preparing the next generation of nonprofit and civic leaders to shape just systems and equitable neighborhoods in South Central Los Angeles and the region.
 
CDTech operationalizes this vision through deeply rooted, community-driven initiatives. Our long-standing partnership with Los Angeles Trade-Tech College powers the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED) Program, a flagship AA and certificate track linked to career pathways such as Public Allies AmeriCorps, the California Youth Leadership Corps, and the emerging Social Impact Nonprofit Apprenticeship. We also lead grassroots initiatives like the Latina immigrant-led SODLA (Sociedad Organizada de Latinas Activas), which organizes around health, housing, civic engagement, and economic justice. As the backbone organization of the CD9 Coalition—made up of over 30 nonprofits, public partners, and small business advocates—we cultivate collective capacity to influence regional and statewide equity initiatives. Together, we’re building a South-Central LA were community power drives economic opportunity and justice.
 
Position Overview: 
The Chief Operations Officer (COO) will play a critical leadership role in advancing the mission of our nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting racial equity and economic justice in South Central Los Angeles. The COO will oversee day-to-day operations, enhance organizational effectiveness, supervise Directors, ensure that we produce outcomes connected to our theory of change and work closely with the CEO and senior leadership to set strategic priorities and operationalize programs that meet the needs of the communities we serve.  
Key Responsibilities:
1.    Strategic and Operational Leadership
●     Collaborate with the CEO and Senior leadership team to develop and implement a strategic plan that aligns with the organization’s mission, vision, and long-term goals.
●     Design, implement, and oversee systems and processes to ensure organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability.
●     Provide operational oversight to support all program areas, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and community impact goals.
●     Consistently work with Program Directors to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and impact metrics, developing reporting systems to measure expected outcomes.
●     Work with Program Directors and Senior leadership to lead corrective action plans or make adjustments to program implementation efforts to ensure deliverables and expected/adjusted outcomes are met.
●     Identify key areas of success (internal/external) to develop best practice within the organization (individual, collaborative and outcomes performance).
 
2.    Program and Service Delivery Alignment
●     Oversee and optimize program, project, capacity building, empowerment and service delivery to maximize community impact, ensuring programs are responsive, culturally relevant, and sustainable.
●     Lead cross-functional teams to develop community-focused initiatives in areas such as housing equity, workforce development, financial literacy, and small business support.
●     Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory, and funder requirements, particularly around financial accountability and data security for community programs.
  
3.    Financial Oversight and Resource Management
●     Work with the Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Accountant and Grants Manager to develop and manage the annual budget, ensuring responsible financial stewardship and sustainability of the organization.
●     Identify and implement responsible cost measures, efficient workflows, and financial controls to optimize resource use.
●     Support all Director’s overseeing program budgets to make sure there is alignment and uninformed decision making, reporting and analysis practice.
●     Support revenue generation efforts, including grant writing, partnership development, and fundraising events, in collaboration with the development team.
●     Provide financial projections to the CEO to help engage the Board of Director in fund development strategies.
1.    Staff Management, Capacity Building and Team Development
●     Lead human resources functions, including talent acquisition, performance management/evaluation tools, and professional development, fostering a culture that values unity, diversity, equity, inclusion and accountability.
●     Assess CDTech’s staff’s individual skills, knowledge and community relationships capacity to implement the work inline with organizational values, systems change outcomes, resource integration, capacity building/empowerment and centering the most marginalized in a position of strength.
●     Mentor, supervise and support Directors and Program Managers, encouraging professional growth and a collaborative team environment.
●     Conduct yearly evaluation of all staff under the COO’s supervision for consideration of promotion, salary adjustments and performance review.
●     Lead the Strategic Planning committee to design and oversee training initiatives that build the capacity of staff to understand the systemic conditions impacting the history and current status of South Los Angeles. CDTech’s mission, vision and strategies, promote organizational values, build systems to monitor and address anti-Black racism (and other biases), and social justice principles.
 
2.    Community and Partnership Engagement
●     Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, government agencies, funders, and local organizations to advance CDTech’s collective goals.
●     Represent the organization in public forums, advocacy initiatives, and partnership development, ensuring alignment with community needs and racial equity and economic justice goals.
●     Promote the organization’s role as a thought leader in racial equity and economic development in planning initiatives, coalition, policy tables.
●     When needed represent the organization in funder relations,  media appearances, public speaking engagements, and at conferences, sharing the impact of our work and expanding our visibility.
●     Other duties as assigned.
 
 
Preferred Qualifications:
●     Proven experience (8+ years) in a senior operational or leadership role within a nonprofit mission-driven organization, preferably focused on social justice, racial equity, or economic justice.
●     Deep commitment to and understanding of racial equity, economic justice, and the challenges faced by communities in South Central Los Angeles.
●     Demonstrated success in overseeing organizational operations, including strategic planning, program delivery, and resource management.
●     Strong financial acumen, with experience in budget management, financial analysis, and resource allocation.
●     Demonstrated Human Resource experience, staff capacity, team building knowledge and strategies to improve performance.
●     Skilled in team leadership, with a proven ability to foster a collaborative, inclusive, and supportive work culture.
●     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders and represent the organization publicly.
●     Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
 
Benefits and Compensation:
●     Competitive salary based on experience ($110K - $130K annual salary)
●     Comprehensive health, dental, vision and life insurance
●     Short-term and Long-term disability insurance 
●     Employer paid vacation, holidays, personal days and sick leave
●     Retirement plan with employer match
●     Professional development opportunities
 
Equal Opportunity Employer:
We are committed to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those with lived experience in the communities we empower.  
 
Application Process:
Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and three professional references. The cover letter should outline the candidate’s commitment to social and economic justice and experience in community planning or economic development.