Elk Grove Names New Economic Development Developer

Randy Starbuck

Elk Grove City Manager Laura S. Gill announced the city has hired Randy Starbuck as the city's new economic development director. Starbuck will lead economic development initiatives, develop and execute a strategic plan aimed at attracting businesses, and support the growing Elk Grove business community.

“Randy is an extraordinarily accomplished economic development professional and public servant, and is an excellent match for this critical position,” said Gill. “I’m confident he will be an invaluable asset in boosting the economic vitality of Elk Grove.”

Previous experience

Starbuck has nearly three decades of economic development experience, more than 20 of which as a department director. He most recently served City of Pittsburg, California, where he was responsible for directing the city’s redevelopment agency and securing more than $400 million in new private commercial, industrial, mixed use and retail development in the city.

"I am very excited to be joining the City of Elk Grove. I look forward to working with the City Council, the Elk Grove EDC, business community and residents on strengthening the local economy and bringing more jobs and business to Elk Grove," Starbuck said. "This is a terrific opportunity and I cannot wait to get started."

Starbuck currently serves on the Board of Directors for the California Association for Local Economic Development, a statewide professional organization that offers training, education and research in economic development. He is also the vice chairman of the Board of Regents for the California Academy for Economic Development, a non-profit organization that provides information and resources to economic development professionals in California.

Starbuck holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Northern Illinois University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Westmont College. He will officially begin as economic development director on October 10.