City Economist

Position Summary

Forecast, monitor, and report on City revenues. Develop, coordinate and participate in programs for the collection, research, analysis and interpretation of economic, financial and statistical data; advise on City financial policies and goals; monitor and report on the local economy; and serve as main point of contact for City departments and individuals requiring economic data and analysis.
Job descriptions are intended to present a general list of tasks/duties performed by employees within this job classification. Job Descriptions are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

Essential and Supplemental Functions

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Essential functions may include, but are not limited to the functions listed below. Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Initiate, design, oversee, coordinate and conduct economic research and analysis activities including collection and interpretation of economic, financial and statistical data.

• Establish schedules and methods for providing economic and financial data and analysis services; implement policies and procedures.

• Develop an in-depth understanding of the State Gross Receipts Tax revenue received by the City and obtain training by the New Mexico Taxation and Revenue Department (NMTRD) so that tax distribution anomalies can be researched, understood and communicated as appropriately. Develop professional contacts within NMTRD to get answers to all GRT distribution questions Consult with the state as new estimates are developed.

• Conduct research on city resolutions, ordinances, state statutes and federal laws that may impact City revenue.

• Project City financial resources as a basis for revenue and expenditure policy, preparation of the City's annual operating budget, 5-year financial estimates, capital planning and budgeting, and debt issuance. Apprise City officials of resource constraints and advise as to options.

• Study historical trends and stay current on local and national economic trends for use in revenue forecasting. Interpret economic and financial data relative to the City's fiscal management; highlight issues and make recommendations to elected officials as needed; respond to City Council staff on related concerns.

• Develop, oversee, coordinate and maintain an effective program to estimate and monitor City resources over a 5-year period, including creating and maintaining econometric revenue forecasting models for major revenues, with special emphasis on General Fund resources.

• Develop financial and economic databases; document revenue sources; develop and estimate methodology; work with departmental fiscal staff to improve their estimating capabilities and focus on revenues to encourage greater accountability.

• Provide assistance and consultation to a variety of professional and technical personnel in various City departments engaged in economic research, financial analysis and statistics activities.

• Analyze resource allocations to determine needs or excess; review and make recommendations on proposed City, State and Federal legislation; evaluate program organization and reporting procedures. Compete forms, questionnaires, etc. for National organizations, State government.

• Maintain liaison with Federal and State agencies, private employers and organizations; develop and maintain a working relationship with professional and technical personnel engaged in collection of financial and economic data, preparation of data series, economic and tax research, economic forecasting and revenue estimations.

• Present and explain economic and financial information and research results to members of City Council, public and private groups.

• Establish, evaluate and interpret technical material, economic publications, research studies and regulations to management staff and subordinates.

• Provide oversight and participate in the City's bond programs; forecast resources and prepare and present materials on the City's economy and finances in disclosure documents and bond rating presentations for the City's bond issues.

• Oversee and participate in conducting fiscal impact analyses, including those involving computer-based models; provide training and technical assistance to staff.

• Update and maintain revenue data on the City's financial systems (currently PeopleSoft and Hyperion).

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain awareness of new developments in the field of economic and financial analysis; incorporate new developments into programs, as appropriate.

• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

Master's degree from an accredited college or university in economics, statistics or related field; and
Five (5) years experience in public finance, economic analysis and/or econometric forecasting; and
To Include four (4) years direct supervisory experience.
PhD. in Economics preferred.

Working Conditions

Environmental:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Physical:
Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time.