CED Director

Director

Amy Chen is the City's Community & Economic Development Director. Her public service career includes federal and county experiences and working with non-profits. Prior to EPA, Amy worked in the City of San Jose for 12 years, holding key roles in the City Manager’s Office, the Office of Economic Development, and various departments, including Environmental Services, Transportation, and Housing.  In her most recent role as the Inclusionary Housing Manager, Amy was a key member of the team responsible for processing more than 50 large scale residential and mixed-use projects. Further, over the years, Amy and her teams brought in more than $120 million to support planning efforts and transportation improvements in San Jose. 

Amy graduated with honors from Santa Clara University with a dual bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Environmental Studies and received her Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. She is adept at working in multicultural and multilingual settings. 

Greenbelt Alliance Hidden Hero

On August 14, 2023, Amy was recognized as a Greenbelt Alliance Hidden Hero for her promotion of climate-smart housing policies and programs in East Palo Alto. Hidden Heroes of the Greenbelt awards are given to extraordinary leaders from across the Bay Area whose stories are inspiring and contribution to climate and land-use policies will leave a legacy of positive impact in the region. Watch her film online: https://youtu.be/wiPwcVcN6H0