The Community and Economic Development Agency

Contacts:
Bill Claggett, Director
Community and Economic
Development Agency
510.238.3303

July 11, 2001

Oakland’s Community and Economic Development Agency Gets
Director For The Economic Development and Redevelopment Divisions

Oakland, CA – Rosie Rios has been appointed Director of the Economic Development and Redevelopment Divisions within Oakland’s Community and Economic Development Agency.

In this position, Rios will lead the efforts of the two divisions to attract new business to the City of Oakland, including high-tech, retail and other commercial opportunities. She will also be responsible for the revitalization of Oakland and work to retain existing businesses.

"Combining the Redevelopment and Economic Development divisions under one director supports a coordinated effort to strengthen Oakland’s economic vitality and build critical mass in key areas of the city," said City Administrator Robert C. Bobb. "Given Ms. Rios’ impressive credentials, she is the ideal candidate to lead the City in this direction."

Rios comes to the City of Oakland from Fremont where she was Economic Development Director. She was well known in Fremont for her work with the high-tech and international communities. She developed an aggressive marketing strategy for the City of Fremont and represented the City in pursuit of international economic development projects. She also created an annual Technology Forum there. She is responsible for Fremont’s first Helen Putnam Award sponsored by the California League of Cities for the Fremont Employment Expo.

Prior to her tenure at the City of Fremont, she was Development Manager for the Cities of San Leandro and Union City. She has worked in real estate with BT Commercial and the General Reinsurance Corporation. Other projects include the development of a Business Conference Center at Pacific Commons, an 8.3 square foot R&D development by Catellus Corporation. She has also chaired the Fremont Energy Advisory Committee.

Rios received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University and studied Real Estate Economics at the Walter A. Haas School of Business at the University of California at Berkeley.

"I am excited about Ms. Rios coming on board to lead these two very important divisions. I have known her for a long time and can tell you she has an innovative vision for urban cities that we are lucky to have access to," said Bill Claggett, Director of the Community and Economic Development Agency. "Her ability to ‘think out of the box’ combined with her knowledge and experience in both the development and redevelopment arenas, makes her the right person to help the city realize its economic potential."

Rios will begin her duties with the City of Oakland on August 1, 2001. She will be paid an annual salary of $152,000.