Riverside hires new Economic & Community Development Director

The City of Riverside has appointed Jennifer Lilley as the new director of community and economic development. She brings with her more than 30 years of economic development and planning experience including extensive involvement in public-private partners and complex developments.

Lilley, who owned a consulting business for eight years, comes from the City of Stanton where she led development projects to enhance Beach Boulevard. Her experience includes complex mixed-use developments, affordable housing, and in engaging the community on both individual projects and larger community visions. Previously she worked for the City of Brea for five years. “Riverside is the economic powerhouse of Inland Southern California, and I am confident Jennifer Lilley is the right person to keep us well-positioned to continue leading, given her wealth of experience,” Interim City Manager Michael Moore said. “We look forward to welcoming her to the Riverside family.”

As founder of Lilley Planning Group, she provided community and economic development services to cities throughout California along with leading several significant engagement efforts including “Listening to the City” – visioning the World Trade Center rebuilding project, “California Speaks” – a statewide conversation on healthcare and the national “Internet for Everyone” campaign.

Lilley earned a Bachelor of Science in Urban & Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), is second vice-president of the Planning Director Association of Orange County and has been the Section Director and an active board member in the American Planning Association, California State Chapter.

Her salary will be $236,250.

The City of Riverside is in the selection process for a new City Manager who is expected to begin work in early 2023.