May 29, 2019, Burien, WA—Chris Craig has been selected to be the City of Burien’s Economic Development Manager. He replaces Andrea Snyder, who left the position to serve as the Deputy City Administrator for the City of Issaquah.
This position leads economic development for the City of Burien. Under direction of the City Manager, he will be focused on the implementation of Council policy and supporting Burien’s business community, while attracting new businesses, investment and jobs. He also supports the Burien Business & Economic Development Partnership, a Council appointed advisory board that advises Council on economic development in Burien.
“I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue to serve such a dynamic community,” says Craig. “I look forward to working with businesses and residents to promote economic development that supports the community’s vision and goals.”
Craig served as the City’s Economic Development Specialist since 2015. During that time, he managed the City’s business retention and recruitment programs along with many other high profile projects including the wayfinding program and downtown mobility study. He was instrumental to the recruitment of PCC and McBride Construction to Burien. He served as Interim Economic Development Manager in both 2017 and early 2019. He was named Public Servant of the Year by Discover Burien in 2017.
“Chris brings not only a deep knowledge of our local business community, which he gained through the hundreds of business visits he’s conducted over the last several years,” says Brian J. Wilson, Burien City Manager. “He also brings experience and knowledge of economic development and future trends.”
Prior to coming to Burien, Chris worked for a multi-housing housing developer. Craig has a degree in political science from the University of Washington.
The City of Burien is actively recruiting for a new Economic Development Specialist. To learn more about that position, go to burienwa.gov/jobs.