The City of Renton announced today that Cliff Long has been appointed economic development director. Long will assume his new role effective June 3.

Under the direction of Chip Vincent, administrator for the city’s Community and Economic Development department, Long will work to encourage new business and economic activity in the city, foster on-going development projects, and support existing businesses. Long will also focus on downtown revitalization and develop an action plan to help create a robust economically thriving downtown. He will also oversee new development projects at Southport, Port Quendall, Hawks Landing, and in the Highlands.

“The city received numerous well-qualified candidates from all over the country for this position,” said Vincent in a press release. “Cliff’s vast experience in economic development, his understanding of the public sector, his strategic thinking, and impressive work ethic made him by far the most dynamic candidate. I am thrilled to have someone of Cliff’s caliber join the City of Renton’s team and can’t wait to work with him to achieve tremendous economic expansion in our city.”

“Renton is a very progressive city that is recognized for its business-friendly community,” said Long.  “It is an honor to have this opportunity and I look forward to building on Renton’s tremendous progress and continuing the city’s reputation as the most dynamic urban center on Lake Washington.”

Long most recently served as the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of Nampa, Idaho. He successfully implemented a comprehensive economic development and redevelopment strategy for Nampa that brought projects worth over $20 million. He developed an ambitious urban renewal plan for revitalization and industrial expansion in Nampa and negotiated a major public-private development in its downtown bringing a new city library, public plaza and parking structure together with private offices, restaurants and retail space.

Prior to joining the City of Nampa, Long worked for the State of Idaho as the Economic Development Administrator. He held various positions with the state and managed their economic development program, administered the state’s Community Development Block Grant program, and worked with Idaho’s Rural and Community Development department.

Long has a Masters of Business Administration from Boise State University, a Bachelor of Arts from Oregon State University and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute. Long and his wife Annette have two children.