Sacramento Welcomes New Director of Economic Development

Credit: City of Sacramento

August 17 marked the first day on the job for Sacramento’s new Director of Economic Development, Larry Burkhardt. Recognized by Consultant Connect as one of the to 50 economic developers in North America for excellent practices, innovation, and success in building the communities he serves, Burkhardt has been charged with leading the city’s Department of Economic Development at a time when Sacramento is experiencing tremendous new economic growth opportunities.

Burkhardt’s experience spans more than 20 years and includes leadership of the Upstate Colorado Economic Development, and the first President/CEO of the Nevada County (California) Economic Resource Council. He was most recently the executive vice president of the Fox Cities Regional Partnership, a business recruitment organization in eastern Wisconsin.

Burkhardt describes himself as an Economic developer and recovering politician who is focused on community-building. He’s a baseball fan and guitar player who loves food and wine and has a personal goal of traveling to two new countries each year. 

He holds a bachelor of arts in philosophy from Duns Scotus College, a theology degree from St. Leonard College, and an economic development degree from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.