Economic Development Analyst

About Able City

Able City is a multidisciplinary firm integrating urban planning, architecture, economic development, and public engagement to build more complete, equitable communities. We partner with public and private clients to transform the built environment and support the economic engines that power quality of life.

Position Overview

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Economic Development Analyst to join our San Antonio office. This role supports the development of data-driven strategies that drive economic vitality and improve quality of life across the communities we serve. The ideal candidate will bring strong analytical skills across various platforms and the ability to collaborate across planning and community engagement teams. This role is designed for someone ready to help scale up our economic development services.

Key Responsibilities

• Data Collection & Analysis: Source, interpret, and visualize economic and demographic data (Census, BLS, BEA, City and County).
• Market Studies: Analyze real estate trends, labor markets, and industry sectors.
  
• Industry Cluster Analysis: Use shift-share, location quotient, and benchmarking techniques to assess economic studies of co- location opportunities.
  
• Economic Strategy: Place based strategies for inner city redevelopment for the public and private sectors.
  
• Reporting & Documentation: Create reports, memos, and presentations with clear data driven narratives.
  
• Collaboration: Align economic development strategies with planning arrived at through public engagement feedback.
  
• Project Management Support: Contribute to project scopes, maintain project timelines, coordination, and communications on given projects as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Urban Planning, Public Policy, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience in economic development tools. 
• An understanding of gap financing. 
• Proficient in economic stakeholder  engagement methods. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex findings to varied audiences
• Collaborative mindset and ability to work across disciplines.

Technical Skills

• Required: Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), ArcGIS or QGIS
  
• Preferred: Tableau, Power BI or Looker Studio, IMPLAN, EMSI Analyst, or other economic modeling tools, such as, Placer.Ai, Policy Map and StreetLight. DATA

Why Join Able City?

• Impactful Work: Help shape communities through strategies that link quality of life and place to economic performance.
  
• Collaborative Culture: Join a diverse team of planners, architects, engagement specialists, and analysts.
  
• Growth Opportunities: Advance professionally while helping scale our economic development services.
  
• Innovative Environment: Develop new methodologies at the intersection of planning, design, and economics.

How to Apply

Submit the following to Application Portal

• Resume or CV
• Cover Letter describing your interest in the role and alignment with Able City’s mission
• Portfolio and writing samples showcasing relevant analysis or reports

Able City is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply. If you require accommodation during the application process, please let us know.

Salary Range $70,000 to $90,000 

plus 100 % contributions to health insurance plan and access to 401k plan

Preferred Location: San Antonio, TX 

Firm: Able City

Salary (DOE): Depending on experience

Benefits: 100% health insurance coverage, 401k with matching contributions

To Apply: Send CV and qualifications to people@able.city

Design Cities. Lead a Team. Shape the Future.

Able City is a Texas-based firm reimagining how cities evolve—with people at the center. We bring together architecture, planning, economic development, and community engagement to create places that are equitable, walkable, sustainable, and full of purpose.

We help communities define what quality of life means to them—then translate that into thoughtful design, policies, and implementation strategies.

We’re growing toward a bold 10-year goal: to become a nationally recognized leader in community-focused design and development, with top-tier service in every discipline for solving design challenges, especially for underserved communities.

The Role

We are seeking a Project Manager Level 2 (Registered Architect preferred) to join our Architecture Studio. This position is designed for an experienced architect who can independently manage complex projects while fostering collaboration across teams and serving as a trusted client liaison.

As a PM2, you will oversee design and technical execution from concept through construction, balancing design quality, budgets, schedules, and client satisfaction. You will also mentor junior staff while bridging day-to-day project management with firm leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple small-to-midsize or one large-scale architectural project from design through construction.
• Coordinate all project efforts—administrative, technical, and design—to ensure cost-effective and efficient execution.
• Serve as the primary client liaison, building strong relationships and ensuring schedules, budgets, and deliverables align with expectations.
• Actively manage project budgets, schedules, programs, and documentation.
• Prepare proposals, contracts, and fee estimates; determine scope of work for projects.
• Provide quality control and technical oversight on design documentation and detailing.
• Mentor and oversee junior project managers, architects, and support staff.
• Collaborate across disciplines (planning, community engagement, and economic development) to deliver integrated solutions.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in architecture, with a professional degree from an accredited program.
• Architectural license in Texas
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with full responsibility for scope, schedule, and budget.
• Strong technical knowledge of design, documentation, and construction administration.
• Excellent communication and client management skills.
• Proficiency in tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, and project management software.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor and coordinate project teams.

How We Work

Our culture is shaped by five core values:

• Shared Value Thinking – We build beyond silos and work toward long-term collective benefit.
• Commit to Learn. Own. Lead. – We invest in excellence, and lead with preparation and follow-through.
• Always People-Centered – We care deeply about others and lead with intention and presence.
• Lead the Outcome, Together – We focus on shared success and hold each other accountable to it.
• Engage with Respect – We collaborate with openness, flexibility, and humility.

These values guide how we lead projects, build relationships, and grow our impact.

To apply, send your qualifications to people@able.city

Let’s shape cities that work for everyone.