Gale hired for new Yuba City business post

Yuba City has hired an economic development manager to support its continual quest for jobs and growth.

Darin Gale, 33, will start May 4 at his new job in the city manager's office. His role will be to support existing businesses, serve as an ombudsman for city development and encourage new businesses and job development.

Gale, who helped develop the city's economic development work plan, wants to increase high-paying jobs, enhance the gateways to Yuba City and improve infrastructure, he said.

"It's just like any business," he said. "You need to market yourself ... You need to have a mindset on how to continuously improve yourself and build upon your strengths."

More than 40 people applied for the economic development manager position, which has a salary of at least $87,000 a year. Gale's exact salary has yet to be determined, Assistant City Manager Steve Kroeger said.

Gale has not yet identified specific jobs or industries he would like to bring to Yuba City but said he wants to keep agriculture a focus. He has worked with the city and local businesses before on multiple issues, including redevelopment fee increases and the sign ordinance, he said.

While many effects of hiring an economic development manager will not be immediate, Kroeger said residents will see a quick return as Gale works on gateway enhancements to beautify the corridors of highways 99 and 20.

"We know its a great community, and we want those traveling through to leave with the same impression," he said.

Kroeger said he is excited for what Gale will bring to Yuba City.

"Darin has been a person who has been in the community, he's familiar with both the public and private sector and he has showed himself to be a very strong communicator," he said.

Gale holds a bachelor's degree in economics from Sacramento State and is currently a legislative advocate for the North State Building Industry Association. He has lived in Yuba City for four years and was born and raised in the region.

Gale is also actively involved in the Yuba City Chamber of Commerce, Yuba City Rotary Club and the Fremont-Rideout Foundation.

"I try to be as active as I can in my community," he said.

Gale took out papers last year to run for Sutter County supervisor but never filed them. He was also an outspoken supporter of the Hillcrest surface water conversion.

Some Appeal-Democrat readers, either on the newspaper's Web site or Opinion page have been critical of Yuba City for hiring an economic development manager. They said now is an inappropriate time to create new positions, given the current economy and Yuba City's debt.

"It's during the difficult times where you need to make an investment," Kroeger said. "This position is an investment in the future of Yuba City."

Expanding economic development will enhance the overall quality of life, he said.

"By creating job opportunities for the citizens who are here and bringing wealth into our community, ultimately the quality of life for all of us here will be improved," Kroeger said.

The city remains a member of the Yuba-Sutter Economic Development Corporation.