PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Today, City Manager Tom Modica announced the appointment of Ralph (Bo) Martinez as the new Director of the Department of Economic Development. Mr. Martinez brings to the City of Long Beach more than 20 years of experience in economic development for various public sector entities throughout the nation, currently serving as Deputy Town Manager for the Town of Parker, CO, and overseeing various town departments including Economic Development. As director, Mr. Martinez will oversee activities related to real estate, business and workforce development across four bureaus with 87 full-time staff. The Department manages approximately $23 million in revenue and has an annual budget of approximately $20.4 million. 

"Mr. Martinez has already achieved an impeccable career in guiding municipalities across the nation in strategic, equitable and vital economic development initiatives,” said City Manager Tom Modica. “I look forward to his leadership and all he will bring as Director here in Long Beach.”

Mr. Martinez has an expansive career in economic development, working in cities including Phoenix, Miami Beach, Broomfield, CO, and the Denver area. In his most recent role as Deputy Town Manager, he assisted in carrying out town goals, Town Council directives and other initiatives and programs, supported the Town Manager by engaging with department directors and coordinating interdepartmental and high-profile projects and initiatives, and provided leadership, vision and strategic direction for the town. As president and CEO of the Regional Economic Partnership in Adams County, CO, he led the public/private, non-profit economic development organization in serving Adams County, its 10 municipalities, more than 10,000 companies and just over half a million residents. Mr. Martinez also previously served as Economic Development Director for the City of Miami Beach, where he successfully led the creation of the first urban renewal district in 25 years between Miami Beach and North Beach and served as the Economic Director for the City and County of Broomfield. Beyond his leadership roles, Mr. Martinez holds comprehensive experience in public sector program development and administration and experience in public and private sector real estate development and joint development.

“I’m honored and incredibly excited to accept this position with the City of Long Beach,” said Martinez. “I look forward to working with our dedicated staff and leaders in the private and public sectors to continue to create opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs as we build on the growth and vibrancy of this world class city for all.”

Mr. Martinez holds a bachelor’s degree in History and a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning both from the University of Colorado.

He will begin his role as director on Oct. 24, 2022.

The City thanks Johnny Vallejo, who has been serving as Acting Director of Economic Development while the City recruited for the permanent position. Mr. Vallejo will resume his role as Business Operations Bureau Manager on Oct. 24. Mr. Vallejo was not an applicant for the permanent position.

About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services, Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, 2 historic ranchos, 5 hospitals, 12 libraries, 5 golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Watch us on LBTV. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

About Economic Development
The mission of the City’s Economic Development Department is to create economic opportunities for workers, investors, and entrepreneurs. This includes making it easier to start and grow a business, streamline the process for property development, and provide businesses with a skilled workforce. The Department includes Property Development, Business Development, and the Pacific Gateway Workforce Investment Network. For more information on the Economic & Property Development Department, please visit longbeach.gov/economicdevelopment/ or follow us on Twitter @LBEconDev and Facebook.

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