South El Monte city leaders unanimously approved a new economic development director as the city moves forward with several visible development efforts tied to planning review, corridor reinvestment, and staffing support.
The City Council voted 5-0 on Nov. 4 to appoint David De Vries as economic development director, approving his employment agreement and authorizing the mayor to execute the contract. The South El Monte economic director appointment places new leadership over projects already moving through the city’s development pipeline.
De Vries addressed the council before the vote, outlining his professional background, regional experience, and connections. City officials framed the hire as timely as South El Monte manages active development proposals and begins shaping longer-term reinvestment strategies.
South El Monte Economic Director And Peck Road Review
The appointment coincides with ongoing review of proposed development at 1510 and 1536 Peck Road, one of the city’s most visible projects. Earlier in the meeting, the council approved a professional services agreement with EPD Solutions Inc. to peer-review a mitigated negative declaration and related technical studies for the Peck Road sites.
The agreement authorizes up to $48,296 for third-party environmental and technical review. City staff said the independent analysis will strengthen the city’s ability to evaluate development impacts and respond to public concerns. Oversight of that process will now fall, in part, under the South El Monte economic director’s portfolio.
Peck Road has emerged as a focal corridor for potential reinvestment, with councilmembers emphasizing the need to balance economic activity, traffic circulation, and neighborhood compatibility.
Planning Support And Corridor Reinvestment Signals
In parallel with the Peck Road review, the council has relied on outside planning management support to maintain momentum on multiple initiatives. On Nov. 4, councilmembers approved an agreement with Wildan Engineering for interim planning manager services, authorizing up to $65,000 with an option to extend services to a not-to-exceed total of $130,000.
City officials said the temporary support helps address workload demands while advancing planning and development priorities. The South El Monte economic director is expected to coordinate closely with contract planners as projects move forward.
Council discussion during the meeting also pointed to future corridor reinvestment efforts. Councilmembers directed staff to begin identifying locations suitable for arts development districts and to outline the zoning changes required to support them. While no rezoning action was taken, the direction reflects broader messaging about revitalizing commercial corridors and attracting new economic activity.
Taken together, the Peck Road review, interim planning support, and early corridor reinvestment discussions form a clear development pipeline awaiting coordinated leadership.
The unanimous vote approving the South El Monte economic director appointment signals council alignment as the city navigates redevelopment pressure and growth opportunities. More information on city planning and development efforts is available on the City of South El Monte website at https://www.cityofsouthelmonte.org.
