New Economic Development Manager Named in Redwood City

The following is an announcement from the City of Redwood City:

The City of Redwood City announced today the appointment of Catherine Ralston as economic development manager. Ralston comes to the City of Redwood City with over nineteen years of economic development and planning experience, most recently serving as economic development manager for the City of Livermore. Ralston will start on February 8, 2016.

“I am very pleased to welcome Catherine Ralston to the City of Redwood City team,” said Melissa Stevenson Diaz, city manager of the City of Redwood City. “I am confident Catherine will prove an important asset as she applies her economic development and planning experience to a number of key City activities based on our General Plan, Economic Development Action Plan, Downtown Precise Plan, and additional regional initiatives. Redwood City is fortunate to be home to a number of diverse industries, providing a range of employment opportunities and a sound financial base for the community. This position is an essential liaison between the City and our business community.”

Over her two-decade career, Ralston has held various roles supporting Livermore’s economic priorities. Ralston also worked for the City of Davis in a planning capacity. Ralston holds a Master of Arts in Leadership from Saint Mary’s College of Moraga and a Bachelor of Science in Community and Regional Development from the University of California, Davis. Ralston is a member of the International Economic Development Coalition and Municipal Management Association of Northern California.

Redwood City’s economic development manager assists with policies and programs pertaining to the fiscal and economic development of the City. The position also identifies, and uses data to assess, trends, issues, and opportunities affecting Redwood City businesses. The economic development manager further acts as the City’s representative to the Downtown Business Group, Seaport Business Association, Downtown Redwood City Community Benefit Improvement District (“CBID”), the Redwood City Chamber of Commerce, the Silicon Valley Economic Development Alliance, the San Mateo County Economic Development Association and other private and public organizations.

For additional information about the Redwood City’s economic landscape and industries visit the City’s official website at www.redwoodcity.org.