Stone James to Lead Cathedral City’s Economic Development
Mr. James brings more than 20 years of experience in residential and commercial development
CATHEDRAL CITY, CA. – [September 13, 2017] With the planned retirement of the current Economic Development Director Curt Watts, the City of Cathedral City announced today that it has selected Mr. Stone James, a land acquisition executive officer, to lead the City’s Economic Development Department. Mr. James will join the City’s Business Development Manager Leisa Lukes to strengthen Cathedral City’s ability to entice new businesses and development as the City continues to grow through its annexation of land north of Interstate 10 as well as the redevelopment of the downtown corridor along East Palm Canyon Drive.
Mr. James brings more than 20 years of private management and public sector collaboration experience in land investment and development for residential and commercial projects ranging in values between $200,000 and $50 million. Most recently, he served as the Vice President for Land Advisors Organization for the entire Coachella Valley, Imperial Valley, and Morongo Basin. Other prior experience includes working for major housing developers, such as Toll Brothers, Inc. for the Coachella Valley and Inland Empire as well as Richmond American Homes of Nevada in Las Vegas.
“Mr. James has extensive experience and knowledge in developing residential and commercial properties throughout the Coachella Valley,” stated City Manager Charlie McClendon. “In addition, he has experience working hand-in-hand with the public sector moving small, medium, and large scale projects through various cities’ planning, building, and engineering departments. I look forward to working with him as he brings his vision and experience to promote Cathedral City to developers who are looking for viable locations throughout our city.”
Beyond his professional experience, Mr. James also brings a long list of civic involvement including being a current member of the City of Indio’s General Plan Advisory Committee and previous involvement as a commissioner for the City of Indio’s Planning Commission and Land Use Committee, member of the City of Palm Desert’s Envision Palm Desert 2033 General Plan Update. He has also served as a Sworn Reserve Deputy, EMT, and Search and Rescue Team Member for the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department, as a Water Rescue & Search and Rescue Team Member for the Spokane County Sheriff, and as a Volunteer Fire Prevention Ranger with the United States Forest Service.
Mr. James has a solid record of professional and academic achievement earning an M.R.E.D. (Master of Real Estate Development) from the University of Southern California and a B.B.A. (Bachelor of Business Administration) from Gonzaga University. Mr. James is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Policy, Planning, and Development from the University of Southern California.
