CITY OF SAN MARCOS
The City of San Marcos has named Helen Ramirez as its first Economic and Local Business Development Department Director, marking the establishment of a new City department dedicated to supporting economic growth, business retention and local business development.
The creation of the Economic and Local Business Development Department reflects the City Council’s commitment to strengthening San Marcos’ economic foundation while supporting investment in both long-standing local businesses and future opportunities. The new City department includes the Main Street and Business Retention and Expansion programs. As the City’s first director in this role, Ramirez will lead efforts focused on business recruitment, retention and expansion, public-private partnerships, workforce collaboration, and incentive strategies aligned with community values including environmental protections.
Ramirez brings nearly three decades of municipal leadership experience spanning economic development, strategic planning, infrastructure investment, historic downtown revitalization and organizational leadership. Most recently, she has served as City Manager for the City of Brownsville, Texas, where she led major economic development initiatives, large-scale public- private partnerships, and long-term growth strategies supporting job creation and community investment.
HELEN RAMIREZ
Throughout her career, Ramirez has worked closely with elected officials, regional partners, and the private sector to implement development policies, manage incentive programs, and advance projects that balance economic opportunity with fiscal sustainability and quality of life. Her experience includes leadership roles overseeing economic development corporations, managing capital improvement programs, and guiding communities through periods of significant growth and transformation.
“We’re pleased to welcome Helen to the City of San Marcos,” said City Manager Stephanie Reyes. “She brings a thoughtful approach to economic development that recognizes the importance of supporting local businesses while protecting the natural and community assets that make San Marcos unique. Her leadership will help guide responsible, community-centered economic strategies for our city.”
“This new department represents an important step forward for our organization and our community,” said Assistant City Manager Rodney Gonzales. “Helen’s experience in economic development, public-private partnerships, and organizational leadership makes her well-suited to help shape this function from the ground up and ensure our efforts support both local businesses and long-term economic vitality.”
“I’m both excited and grateful for the opportunity to join the City of San Marcos and help guide the establishment of this new department,” said Ramirez, “I look forward to working closely with local businesses, regional partners, City Council and staff to support sustainable economic growth that reflects San Marcos’ values.”
Ramirez holds a bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and is a Certified Municipal Manager and member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive experience working with diverse communities and regional partners.
Ramirez is expected to begin her role with the City on February 16.
