The City has hired Mr. Mike Gonzalez as the new Economic Development Manager as part of the Community & Economic Development Department.
Gonzalez comes to the City from Franklin PUD, responsible for understanding Franklin PUD’s policy positions, advocating with government officials, customers, and critical stakeholders. Gonzalez also developed and maintained key relationships, identified and promoted priorities important to the electric industry. Gonzalez was responsible for developing and implementing Franklin PUD’s communication strategy - ensuring the needs of their diverse customer base were met.
“I’m really excited to start this next chapter in my career. I absolutely love the City of Pasco. This is the most incredible city in the Pacific Northwest. To be a part of the transformation of Pasco is extremely exciting, and I’m so grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get to work on behalf of the citizens of this great city,” said Gonzalez, who starts on June 14.
Gonzalez will help the City of Pasco improve the City’s economy through business development, retention, and attraction, including the promotion of City-sponsored projects and initiatives.
Gonzalez spent nearly 20 years in the news business. He started his career in Columbia, Missouri as a reporter in 1999 and finished his career as the 4 p.m. anchor at the NBC affiliate in Phoenix, Arizona. Gonzalez was also the News Director and Evening Anchor at KAPP/KVEW ABC in Kennewick from March 2016 to July 2018. From 2014-16 Gonzalez was the morning anchor of the NBC affiliate in Raleigh, NC. Gonzalez also served in managing editor roles at the station. Before heading to Raleigh, Mike served as a morning and evening anchor for six years at ABC affiliate in Spokane. Gonzalez has won several AP awards for investigative reporting.
Gonzalez holds a B.A. in Communications from North Carolina State University and attended the well-respected University of Missouri graduate school. Gonzalez is a licensed real estate agent in the state of Washington.
He is also a former small business owner and the founder of the popular blog site, the Hispanic Food Network.
Gonzalez serves on several boards, including the Tri-Cities Legislative Council, The Pasco Chamber of Commerce, DPDA, Columbia Basin Veterans Center, and the past president of the Hispanic Business Association of Spokane.
The City of Pasco strives to continue improving the quality of community life in Pasco.