The Office of Economic Development works to shape a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving economy by increasing access to economic opportunities, reducing racial inequities, and supporting community-centered growth. As part of this work, the Only in Seattle (OIS) program supports neighborhood business districts as they build capacity and pursue their long-term vision for resilient, welcoming commercial corridors.
We are seeking a skilled and community-centered Business Improvement Area (BIA) Advisor to lead, guide, and support Seattle’s neighborhoods through the complex, multi-year processes of forming and expanding Business Improvement Areas. This position blends technical expertise, policy fluency, data analysis, strategic advising, and community relationship-building, serving as the City’s subject-matter expert on BIA formation, assessment structures, and successful governance models.
If you are energized by community-driven development, adept at navigating complex stakeholder dynamics, and skilled in translating data into policy and real-world outcomes, this role offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact on Seattle’s local economies and neighborhoods!
Your top priorities:
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Lead and facilitate BIA formation across multiple neighborhoods simultaneously.
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Provide expert technical assistance on assessment structures, sustainable funding models, and governance.
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Develop tools, resources, and policies that strengthen the City’s support for BIA formation and early-stage operations.
As the BIA Advisor, you will:
Lead and Facilitate BIA Formation
- Guide multiple business districts simultaneously through the full lifecycle of forming or expanding a BIA.
- Assess readiness and feasibility; develop tailored formation strategies for each neighborhood.
- Facilitate outreach, engagement, and consensus building- among diverse property owners, businesses, and community organizations.
- Lead districts through the legal, petition, and legislative processes required for BIA adoption.
- Serve as the City’s expert on state law, city policy, assessment models, and governance structures for BIAs.
Provide Technical and Analytical Expertise
- Analyze complex datasets including parcel characteristics, land use, building square footage, taxable value, assessed value, business license and tax data, and other relevant factors.
- Develop, evaluate, and explain assessment formulas tailored to unique district conditions while maintaining cross-BIA consistency and alignment with City policy.
- Use or oversee Geographic Information System (GIS) data to map district boundaries, run assessment scenarios, and support decision making.
- Direct, review, and validate the work of consultants performing data collection and modeling.
Support Organizational Development and Long-Term BIA Success
- Support newly formed BIAs in establishing governing boards, operational systems, compliance needs, and service delivery plans.
- Develop toolkits, templates, best practices, and policy recommendations to improve City support for BIAs and their operations.
- Provide ongoing technical assistance to emerging and existing BIAs, ensuring continuity, shared learning, and equitable outcomes.
Lead Community Engagement and Relationship -Building
- Facilitate complex, high-stakes conversations involving diverse stakeholders with varied priorities.
- Build trust, navigate political dynamics, and guide communities toward shared vision and consensus.
- Represent OED and the City at public meetings, stakeholder convenings, and community events.
- Prepare clear presentations, briefings, reports, and legislative materials.
Oversee Projects, Contracts, and Program Implementation
- Manage multiple simultaneous BIA explorations at different stages.
- Oversee consultant contracts, neighborhood grants, and organizational partnerships.
- Monitor outcomes, budgets, and project deliverables.
- Coordinate with City Budget, Finance, and Law departments to prepare BIA legislation and support Council decision-making.
Please note: This job ad is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
This full-time, salaried position is classified as Strategic Advisor 1, General Government -L17 and reports to the Business Districts Manager. The full salary range for this classification is $51.88 - $77.82 per hour. Following a pay equity and budget analysis, the identified annual salary range for this role is $121,104 - $130,834.08 ($58 - $62.66/hour).
Benefits: The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave, as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information is available at https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits
Why work at the City of Seattle? At the City of Seattle, public service is more than a job - it’s a chance to shape the future and make a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who works, lives, or plays in our city. With 12,000 employees across 40+ departments and 1,100 job titles, we are united by a common purpose: to create a Seattle that is vibrant and welcoming for all. Whatever your role, you’ll help power a forward-looking city that leads by example - inclusive, innovative, equitable, and community-focused—while joining a diverse team committed to solving challenges and making a lasting impact together. Join us in building a Seattle where everyone thrives!
Application Process: Here are some informational-only tips (Download PDF reader) on applying and interviewing with us.
In addition to completing the application fully by the posted deadline at www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattle, please attach:
- A cover letter describing why you want to do this work and your qualifications for the position
- A PDF of your current résumé summarizing the talent, experience, knowledge, and skills you would bring to this role
Please note: The Office of Economic Development does not use artificial intelligence (AI) or automated tools to screen or evaluate applications. Every application is reviewed by a member of our hiring team to ensure an equitable and human-centered process.
Who may apply: This position is open to all individuals whose experience, skills, and abilities align with the qualifications above. The City of Seattle values diverse perspectives and life experiences. Applicants will be considered regardless of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, disability, religious or political affiliation, age, sexual orientation, or gender identity. The City encourages people of all backgrounds, including people of color, immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQ individuals, people with disabilities, veterans, and those with diverse life experiences, to apply.
Hiring Timeline: We anticipate conducting first- and second-round interviews in August 2026. Our target hire date is September 9, 2026.
Language Premium Pay: Individuals selected to fill this position may be eligible to receive Language Premium Pay (SMC 4.20.360), which provides a $200 monthly stipend to qualified bilingual employees who are evaluated and assigned to provide direct in-language communication, interpretation, or translation services to the public on behalf of the City of Seattle.
Accommodations and Questions: We strive to make our hiring process accessible to all. Individuals with disabilities will be provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, perform essential job functions, and receive all benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact [email protected] with any questions or accommodation requests.
