City of Syracuse seeks new commissioner for Department of Neighborhood and Business Development

YRACUSE, N.Y. — The City of Syracuse has started a search for a new commissioner of the City’s Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD).

NBD is a provider of housing, human services, and economic-development programs in Syracuse.

Outgoing Commissioner Stephanie Pasquale will take a newly-created position with the Allyn Family Foundation as director of neighborhood advancement. The role is focused on “delivering place-based housing and neighborhood-redevelopment strategies.”

“Stephanie has played a critical role in supporting the recent growth in Syracuse, with a focus on creating inclusive housing and economic opportunities. Her work has laid a strong foundation for continued success and has helped make this NBD leadership position highly desirable,” Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh contended in a Wednesday news release.

In her new role with the Allyn Family Foundation, Pasquale will serve as a development liaison between the foundation, the city, and Syracuse Housing Authority in the development of larger scale, mixed income, and affordable-housing projects, including Blueprint 15.

Blueprint 15 is a partnership between the Syracuse Housing Authority, the Allyn Family Foundation, the Syracuse City School District, and the City of Syracuse to undertake a “holistic revitalization” approach in the East Adams neighborhood on the city’s near south side.

Commissioner position

In announcing the NBD commissioner opening, the city said it is seeking a leader to “direct, advance, and manage” the work of the various divisions of the Department of Neighborhood and Business Development. They include neighborhood development, business development, code enforcement, fiscal, central permit office, and minority/women business enterprise compliance.

The NBD commissioner will be at the center of “major transformative” initiatives in Syracuse that are being “recognized nationally.”

In addition to Blueprint 15, they include the City of Syracuse’s designation as New York State’s flagship Smart City by the New York Power Authority; and Syracuse Surge, an “expansive strategy to create inclusive growth in the New Economy.”

The NBD commissioner oversees a group of 76 people within five divisions.

The department works to “preserve and enhance” Syracuse neighborhoods and commercial centers by administering federal, state, and local funding programs; encouraging residential development and economic growth; and leveraging resources to “create thriving” neighborhoods, communities, and business districts.

Candidates for the NBD commissioner positions can submit a résumé and cover letter to personnel@syrgov.net until Jan. 3, 2020.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com