MEMORANDUM
TO: Ronald Wm. Drathman, Assembly President
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Members
FROM: Mike Navarre, Borough Mayor
DATE: January 7, 1999
SUBJECT: Resolution 99-009 - A Resolution Establishing an Economic Analyst Position in the
Planning Department
Attached is Resolution 99-009: Establishing an Economic Analyst Position in the Planning
Department. Recently the Kenai Peninsula Borough and Economic Development District (EDD)
concluded contract negotiations for fiscal year 1999. Through the discussions it was
mutually agreed it would be more efficient for the borough to resume reporting and
preparation of statistical information. This will allow EDD to focus more on job creation
and less on recapitulation of borough data. The information compiled by EDD for the
Quarterly Economic Indicators is information gathered from borough departments and state
agencies. It will save the borough time and money and provide for a more efficient
operation having this information compiled internally. Additionally, the borough has the
ability to put this data on the borough's home page and make it readily available to other
interested individuals. Finally, an in-house economic analysis function will better
integrate this important component into the borough's overall planning activities.
A job description is attached for your information.
Position Description: Economic Analyst
Service Type: Classified - Range O
Definition: Under the general direction and supervision of the planning director or designee, the economic analyst analyzes and interprets economic and other forces relating to the borough's economy. Performs data collection, applies and selects tools of analysis, ascertains relationships between economic factors, evaluates findings, and presents study results.
Minimum Qualifications: A bachelor's degree in economics or a related field (which included courses in economics and mathematical statistics or econometrics) and three years of related experience. Must be familiar with computerized data management and manipulation systems.
Essential Functions:
1. Develops new statistical series, econometric models and other measures of economic
activity that will provide guidelines for public policy affecting the borough's economic
development.
2. Makes projections and other forecasts of the borough's economic trends, resource
development and use, public facility requirements, industrial growth and other economic
and social characteristics.
3. Collects, reviews, evaluates and incorporates analysis and reporting by other
organizations.
4. Responds to requests for economic information from staff, other public agencies and the
public.
5. Evaluates economic impact of activity by other organizations; analyzes tax structures,
lending rates, unemployment rates, resource marketability, sales data and other
socioeconomic factors to determine trends and to recommend measures to improve the
borough's economy.
6. Prepares reports and makes presentations of research findings and recommendations.
Other Duties:
1. Other related duties as assigned.
Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the
employee is frequently required to communicate orally and to use hands and fingers
dexterously to operate office equipment; regularly required to sit; and occasionally
required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally
transport up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required include close vision and the
ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions.