City Announces Selection of Deputy Director of Economic Development
Published on December 10, 2025
Nathan Kieu has been selected as the new Deputy Director of Economic Development for the City of Salinas. Nathan is a economic and workforce development leader with nearly a decade of experience in local government. His experience spans business retention, economic strategy, CEDS planning, and cross sector partnerships in Santa Cruz, Long Beach, and Los Angeles, and as a U.S. Air Force veteran, Nathan brings a mission driven and collaborative approach to public service.
He most recently supported a $4 million workforce development portfolio for Santa Cruz County and led the 2025 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy and has managed regional economic reports, coordinated multi agency initiatives, and supported business and employer focused projects that strengthen local economies.
Before his role with the County of Santa Cruz, Nathan served in economic development positions with the Cities of Santa Cruz and Long Beach, advancing small business recovery programs, access to capital, outdoor dining and permitting reforms, vacancy reduction strategies, and Opportunity Zone outreach.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of California, Riverside, and dual master’s degrees in Public Administration and Urban Planning from the University of Southern California.
We are pleased to announce that he will commence employment with the City of Salinas in January 2026. Join us in welcoming Nathan to the City of Salinas!