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.