Crystal Bethke known for being a “doer, problem solver, and collaborator.”
Sacramento County has a new Economic Development Director. Crystal Bethke, who has worked for Sacramento County’s Office of Economic Development since 2007, was officially appointed in her new role this week.
“Crystal is known as a doer, problem solver, and collaborator,” said Dave Defanti, Deputy County Executive for Community Services. “I have great confidence in her ability to lead the Office of Economic Development and look forward to working with her in her new role.”
In her former role as a Senior Economic Development Specialist, Bethke developed and led a wide range of initiatives in business attraction, retention and expansion, small business and nonprofit support programs, and neighborhood revitalization.
Most recently, Bethke managed COVID-19 business support efforts, including over $17M in direct grants and business recovery programs through the County’s American Rescue Plan Act funding, as well as oversaw Business Environmental Resource Center (BERC) staff activities providing assistance to businesses to promote sustainability, including providing assistance with permitting and regulations. She also coordinated commercial corridor revitalization efforts through cooperative programs, incentives, Property and Business Improvement District support, and direct business assistance.
Along with the aforementioned initiates, Bethke also managed the Small Business Liaison Program providing assistance to small businesses, large retailers, and entrepreneurs with licenses, permits, funding, business planning, and industry regulations; and participated in the development and administration of the $104M budget and expenditures, including managing pass-through programs, contracts and grants.
Bethke has a Bachelor of Political Science and Government degree as well as a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of San Francisco.
