The City of Riverside has appointed Miranda Evans as Community and Economic Development Director, formalizing a leadership role she has held on an interim basis since February.
Evans will oversee the department's five divisions -- Building and Safety, Code Enforcement, Economic Development, Planning, and Real Property Services.
City Manager Mike Futrell cited Evans' track record in the role as the basis for the appointment. "In her previous capacity as Deputy Director and since assuming the interim role, she has delivered results that include attracting international investment, creating quality jobs, and elevating Riverside's standing among leading economic development organizations worldwide," Futrell said.
Among her accomplishments in the department, Evans helped recruit six international companies to Riverside, generating more than 700 direct jobs and over $142 million in investment, according to the city.
She also led the Economic Development Division's successful application for Accredited Economic Development Organization status from the International Economic Development Council. Riverside is only the third organization in California to earn the designation.
Evans additionally authored Riverside Realized, the city's first strategic implementation plan, which translated City Council priorities into more than 90 measurable performance indicators.
"I look forward to continuing to work closely with Mayor Lock Dawson, Mayor Pro Tempore Robillard, and the entire City Council as we work together to advance Riverside's strategic priorities and deliver results for our residents and business community," Evans said.
Evans holds master's degrees in Political Psychology from Arizona State University and Public Administration from San Diego State University, and is an Accredited California Economic Developer.
