The City of Pasco is delighted to announce the appointment of Jacob Gonzalez as the new Community & Economic Development (C&ED) Director. City Manager Adam Lincoln confirmed the appointment following an exhaustive national search process conducted by Tripepi Smith Talent Solutions.
Born in the Tri-Cities area, Gonzalez has returned to his roots to serve the Pasco community. Following the recent retirement of long-serving director Rick White, Gonzalez was selected from a distinguished shortlist of four finalists, all with considerable backgrounds in municipal land use from either Oregon or Washington.
Bringing a decade of professional experience in the region, including nearly five years within the City of Pasco, Gonzalez possesses a deep understanding of community development and economic growth. During his tenure as Planning Manager for the City, he led major planning efforts and policy initiatives in alignment with City Council goals and department objectives. He also co-headed Pasco's first Transportation System Master Plan and authored ordinances on affordable housing, transportation access and mobility, and growth management.
In his new role, Gonzalez will be responsible for key city functions, including development review, inspection services, planning services, and development services engineering. He will also spearhead downtown revitalization and lead the creation of the City's comprehensive economic development strategy. With Pasco expecting a population increase of 50,000 residents over the next two decades, his strategic leadership will be instrumental in accommodating this growth.
Lincoln commented on the appointment, "Jacob's robust understanding of community development, combined with his desire to manage Pasco's growth responsibly, made him an excellent choice for this pivotal position. His roots in the Tri-Cities give him a unique perspective and a vested interest in the success of our community."
Anticipating his new role, Gonzalez is eager to emphasize community engagement and collaboration strongly. "As a native of the Tri-Cities, I am particularly excited about guiding the department through the next phase of community planning," Gonzalez said. "This will be done in collaboration with residents and the broader development community to ensure a holistic, participatory approach. Together, we can make a more vibrant, sustainable Pasco."