1. Executive Director 101:
Politics and Funding

2. The Way To San Jose Largest city in Bay Area
Francisco
Oakland
Fremont/
Milpitas
Santa Clara/
Cupertino
Palo Alto/
Mtn View
Silicon Valley
Largest city in Bay Area
Nation’s 10th largest city
3rd largest California city, after Los Angeles and San Diego
The urban center of Silicon Valley
178 square miles
SJDA est. 1986; FY12-13 budget: $5.5 million

3. Politics and funding are linked
New organization or mature?
• Good mayor or bad mayor?
Funding: diversify and focus

4. All politics are local • Hostile public leaders vs. supportive
• Establish your value
• Relationships require nurturing
• Staff lasts longer than politicians
• Who needs to know?
• Involvement in elections is risky

5. Funding is your job The Executive Director must feed the bear
Pros and cons of diversification
Assessment districts
Contract services
Earned income
Grants

6. Managing politics of funding
Show me the money
Internal Coordination
• Board/Finance committee
• City/local government liaison
Be careful what you ask for
• Know when to say “no”
Do the paperwork
• Report out/tell your story

7. You have joined a cult Benefits Best practices abound
Your IDA colleagues are available
You are not alone