After more than two years as Hollister’s redevelopment project
coordinator, Bryan Briggs resigned his position to take a job with
the City of Seaside.
Hollister – After more than two years as Hollister’s redevelopment project coordinator, Bryan Briggs resigned his position to take a job with the City of Seaside.
Briggs, 40, who holds a law degree from Santa Clara University and a masters degree in planning from San Jose State University, accepted a job with Seaside. He said it will be a similar position to the one he held in Hollister, but the Seaside job will offer him a real possibility of become that city’s redevelopment director.
“They liked me. They kept calling me and asking me to come. They stated they desired a professional with my skills and education.
Though his official title in Hollister was redevelopment project coordinator, Briggs said that because of staffing shortages in Hollister he basically ran the redevelopment agency. When he took the job in May, 2003, he said he would stay for two years.
“I feel like I fulfilled my commitment here,” he said.
In addition to the possibility of advancement, Briggs said working for Seaside will offer him a chance to carry projects through to fruition, rather than just plan them. Because of Hollister’s building moratorium, Briggs said, has not had that opportunity here.
“I can jump right in, not just plan for development, but actually do them,” he said. “I really desire responsibility and accountability.”
Briggs said he has a passion for city government and the positive effect it can have on a city’s citizens.
“It’s probably due to my background. I grew up in the ghetto area of Chicago. Local government’s allocation of resources says a lot about its values,” he said, adding that working in local government allows him the chance, “to provide opportunity for those who don’t necessarily have the political clout to speak for themselves.”
While Briggs will begin working for Seaside on August 22, he will still live in Hollister. He said he enjoyed his time with the RDA.
“I like people a lot in this town. I also felt the wide variety of responsibilities given to me have been very challenging”
Ultimately, Briggs said he would like to become a city manager.
William Avera, director of development services for Hollister, said Briggs will be missed.
“It was a pleasure having him here. We were fortunate enough to have a person with a fairly high degree of education to come in here and do some good work.”
Luke Roney covers politics and the environment for the Free Lance. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 335 or at
lr****@fr***********.com
