Business Improvement Area Advisor

Business Improvement Area (BIA) Advisor

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:

• Lead and facilitate BIA formation across multiple neighborhoods simultaneously.
• Provide expert technical assistance on assessment structures, sustainable funding models, and governance.
• 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…