City of Syracuse Announces Search for Commissioner of Neighborhood and Business Development

Commissioner Stephanie Pasquale will transition to Allyn Family Foundation position focused on neighborhood redevelopment strategies

Syracuse, N.Y. – The City of Syracuse launched a search for a new commissioner of the City’s Department of Neighborhood and Business Development (NBD), a key 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 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,” said Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh.

“Stephanie’s move to the Allyn Family Foundation plays to her greatest strengths in neighborhood revitalization and represents true capacity building for Syracuse. The City will gain from the abilities of a new leader in NBD while our community continues to benefit from Stephanie’s intelligence, creativity, and passion in her new position with the Foundation.”

In announcing the NBD commissioner opportunity, 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: 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, including:

• The City of Syracuse’s designation as New York State’s Flagship Smart City by The New York Power Authority;
• Syracuse Surge, an expansive strategy to create inclusive growth in the New Economy;
• Blueprint 15, 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;
• JPMorgan Chase Advancing Cities, a $500 million, five-year initiative that selected Syracuse as one of five cities to receive a $3 million grant to drive inclusive growth through Syracuse Surge; and  
• Microsoft Smart City Technology Hub, a partnership between the City of Syracuse, Onondaga County and the iSchool at Syracuse University to support investment and build local capacity in tech infrastructure, workforce, and entrepreneurial and business development. 

The NBD commissioner oversees a team 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 resume and cover letter to personnel@syrgov.net until Jan. 3, 2020. The job description and posting can be found here.

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 and mixed income and affordable housing project, including Blueprint 15. She will be charged with ensuring all plans and projects fit with established community priorities and comprehensive plans to support thriving neighborhoods.

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Mayor Walsh and the entire city team to further Syracuse neighborhoods,” said Pasquale. “I look forward to continuing to work on behalf of Syracuse and its residents, along with the City and all of our community’s champions.”