Economic Development Coordinator II - Project Administration

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Nature of Work

If you’re a strategic thinker who enjoys navigating complex development projects, mentoring teammates, and helping shepherd Grand Rapids’ impactful economic development initiatives, this is an opportunity to make a lasting difference. The purpose of this job is to oversee the administration of various tax abatement and tax increment financing programs. The majority of time is dedicated to supporting projects for the Grand Rapids Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. If you love a spreadsheet, have a head for accounting, and can navigate complicated legislative policy, this role is for you.  
 
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES  
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

• Leads administration of Brownfield redevelopment, tax increment financing, grant-funded redevelopment, and related economic development incentive programs.
• Provides senior-level review of Brownfield reimbursement requests to determine compliance with approved Brownfield Plans, Development Reimbursement Agreements, eligible activity requirements, grant agreements, and applicable State law.
• Reviews and provides initial approval final reimbursement packets prepared by the Economic Development Coordinator 1, including tax payment confirmation, eligible cost documentation, payment calculations, accounting codes, supporting backup, and developer correspondence.
• Leads Tax Increment Revenue (TIR) calculation, forecasting, reconciliation, and fiscal monitoring for active Brownfield projects, including review of taxable values, millage rates, captured revenue, project ledgers, Oracle activity, warrants, accruals, withholdings, and reimbursement schedules.
• Prepares and reviews annual TIF forecasting documents, BRA Priority Plan materials, project status guidance, project information sheets, fiscal analyses, and revenue/expenditure projections for the upcoming fiscal year.
• Leads year-end reconciliation and accrual processes for Brownfield projects, including review of positive revenue accruals, delinquent tax activity, project adjustments, LBRF withholdings, SET withholdings, and amounts carried forward into the next fiscal year.
• Oversees administration of Local Brownfield Revolving Fund (LBRF) activities, including committed/unspent balances, grant and loan reimbursements, Emerging Developer payments, LBRF loan repayment tracking, and long-term recapitalization needs.
• Leads complex financial and intergovernmental analyses involving DDA/CIA passthrough, LBRF loan repayment, 50% SET invoices, debt-service-related payments, first-year capture setup, project interest calculations, and projects involving multiple taxing jurisdictions or authorities.
• Prepares and reviews reimbursement recommendations, board memoranda, financial summaries, approval materials, and other documents requiring BRA, City Commission, or administrative action.
• Coordinates with Legal, Finance, Assessor, Treasurer, Planning, developers, consultants, BRA counsel, MEDC, EGLE, Treasury, EPA, and other partner agencies on complex project questions, approvals, reporting, amendments, agreements, and payment issues.
• Facilitates project modifications requiring higher-level review, including assignments, assumptions, collateral assignments, amendments, transfers, revocations, changes in ownership, signature routing, and related agreement or approval processes.
• Provides final review of EGLE, EPA, MEDC, Treasury, Act 381, and other regulatory reports before submission, and coordinates responses to agency questions, audit requests, and compliance issues.
• Leads development, refinement, and implementation of internal program policies, project guidelines, reimbursement procedures, compliance standards, workflow improvements, templates, checklists, and cross-departmental processes.
• Reviews Inclusion Plan compliance trends and survey data to identify program gaps, recommend improvements, support equitable development goals, and prepare updates for leadership, boards, or partner agencies.
• Provides guidance, training, and quality control for the Economic Development Coordinator 1, including review of routine work products, escalation of complex issues, and development of consistent administrative procedures.
• Uses project data, reimbursement history, financial records, and compliance reporting to generate reports, dashboards, analyses, and recommendations for City leadership, the BRA, and external agencies.
• Serves as the primary program lead for complex, or precedent-setting Brownfield, TIF, grant, and incentive administration issues requiring independent judgment, policy interpretation, and/or legal/leadership coordination.
• Performs related work as required

Minimum Training and Experience
Required Education and Experience

• Possession of a bachelor's degree in business or public administration, urban planning, or related field (a master's degree is desirable).

• Five (5) years of professional experience related to economic development.

• Any equivalent combination of training and experience.  

Additional education or skill preferences : 

• Applicants with a Bachelors in Finance or Accounting may be considered.