>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

Charlie Mitchell

The city announced Thursday that Charlie Mitchell was tapped for the $70,000-a-year post, which was created by the city council earlier this year.

“We are very excited about having Charlie join our team,” City Manager Robert Strope said. “I really want to thank and commend the search team that helped with the selection. They did an excellent job in screening candidates and we are lucky to have someone of Charlie’s caliber coming to La Grande.”

The council had authorized Strope to hire the director. He appointed a 12-person committee consisting of private citizens and public officials to help with the review process.

Nine people submitted complete applications for the position. Mitchell was selected because he has experience in both community and economic development, Strope said.

“Given the fact that the greatest emphasis will be placed on economic development, we only had one applicant who really seemed to fit,” Strope said.

Though Mitchell will focus primarily on economic development, he also will oversee the city planning and building departments. He is expected to start his employment Oct. 1.

Mitchell’s 12-year career as an economic development specialist includes 10 years working for the City of Grants Pass.

During his time there, he managed the Grants Pass urban renewal district and Main Street programs. He also worked with local businesses on issues related to retention, expansion, technical assistance and workforce development.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in communications and a master’s degree in management, both from Southern Oregon University in Ashland.

He is one of only a handful of Oregonians holding a professional economic developer certification from the International Economic Development Council.

Born and raised in Grants Pass, Mitchell served six years in the U.S. Navy, with tours including Operation Desert Storm and the Exxon Valdez oil spill clean-up.

The La Grande City Council has set revitalization of the city’s downtown as a primary goal. Mitchell said he looks forward to playing an important role.

Contacted in Grants Pass Thursday, he said he sees some interesting possibilities in the downtown area.

“La Grande’s downtown has a great inventory of older buildings. There’s a lot there to work with,” he said.

He said that downtown improvements and marketing of the La Grande Business and Technology Park are priorities for him.

He said that as he gets to work, he plans to spend some time getting to know the community and its economic development concerns.

“I want to get acquainted and connect with the people, and get a good understanding of what the issues are,” he said.

Mitchell and his wife, Julie, have two children, ages 9 and 6.

Mitchell’s hobbies include motorcycle riding, travel, family time and photography.

He is a Rotarian and has been active in many community, education and professional boards and organizations.

He said he and his family have had the chance to look La Grande over, and like what they see.

“What attracts us most to La Grande is the new library, Eastern Oregon University and the great small-town atmosphere,” he said. “I’m looking forward to working for the city of La Grande. This is a wonderful opportunity.”