Leslie Parks

Economic Development Director

Leslie Parks has 30+ years’ experience as a practitioner and consultant in the fields of economic development, redevelopment, and workforce development. She has developed and administered a diverse range of programs that include business retention and expansion initiatives, community benefits, sales/use tax revenue assessment, workforce training and job placement, affordable housing, and public/private partnerships.

As a consultant, Leslie assisted with economic development strategies and marketing plans for the cities of Honolulu, Anchorage, Santa Rosa San Francisco, and the counties of Solano County, Merced County, and San Mateo County. Leslie also served as Director of Downtown and Industrial Development for the San Jose Redevelopment Agency, Director of Economic Development for the City of San Jose, and Director of Community Services for the City of San Carlos. She has served as the director of two Workforce Investment Boards.

Leslie's recent experience includes implementation of economic development programs for the cities of Foster City, Redwood City, and Campbell.

She joins Good City Company as Economic Development Director supporting several cities on the Peninsula and in Silicon Valley. Specific programs and projects include development of small business action plans, economic development strategies, marketing plans, retail strategies, and economic development program and staffing audits.

Project Experience Highlights

Economic Development Strategy and Program Implementation, Campbell, CA
Parklet Grant Program, Campbell, CA
Economic Development Program Assessment, Palo Alto, CA
COVID Business Recovery Plan, Vacaville, CA*
Small Business Action Plan, Mountain View, CA*

* Work completed at a previous place of employment.