Joshua Birks Email & Phone Number

Twenty-one years senior experience managing and developing progressively larger teams. Created the Economic Health Office (EHO) for a mid-sized city of 170,000 population with a major research University and progressive economic health goals. Leading that team through the COVID-19 pandemic and into the post-pandemic recovery.Engaged in politically sensitive topics: Tax Increment Financing (TIF) impacts on County, School District, and Special District budgets, negotiations of major business assistance packages, and significant policy shifts (Minimum Wage, Metro Districts, TIF).STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT, INTEGRATION, & LEADERSHIP • Redefined EHO from a project-oriented team of two to an integrated department supporting strategic objectives with between 8 and 13 professional staff.• Led the integration of EHO into the Sustainability Service Area a first of its kind attempt to reflect the triple bottom line in organizational structure.• Supported the development of a wide array of policies related to, yet outside of, the direct responsibility of EHO (e.g., Inclusionary Housing Ordinance, Climate Action Plan, and financing of a major freeway interchange).• Co-founded the Regional Economic Development Initiative a collection of public and private sector partners across Larimer and Weld Counties working together towards economic resilience.EXECUTIVE-LEVEL DIRECTION & POLICY DEVELOPMENT• Managed the transition of the Urban Renewal Authority to an expanded board redefining processes and objectives to meet new regulations. Served as Interim Executive Director since September 2021.• Managed a cross-functional team to negotiate an agreement for $53.0 million to support redevelopment of Foothills Mall with $313.0 million in private investment.• Engaged a wide range of stakeholders (citizen board, Chamber, and other partners) to develop the first Economic Health Strategic Plan for Fort Collins adopted unanimously by City Council in 2012.COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION & RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT• Met with community and regional partners representing the City’s interest engaging the partners in problem-solving, policy development, and program development.• Presented to Council, the Urban Renewal Authority Board, and numerous other boards and public entities regularly on projects, strategic plans and policies.• Kept City Manager’s Office and direct reporting leadership apprised of Economic Health activities with regular meetings, email communications, and other methods.

Listed skills include Economic Development, Sustainability, Public/Private Partnerships, Government, and 45 others.