Summary

James Snyder, Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Services (CPEDS), announces plans to retire in January 2025. In addition to CPEDS, he also served as Executive Director for the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA).
The City now has five managerial positions to fill – in addition to hiring for Snyder’s roles, Falls Church is recruiting directors for the Departments of Planning, Public Works, and Human Resources.
The death of local businessman and developer Robert A. “Bob” Young also means turnover in the leadership of the City’s Economic Development Authority (EDA), which he chaired.

Shields cites “challenges and opportunities” in the wake of Snyder and Stoddard departures

Within days of Planning Director Paul Stoddard’s announcement that he was leaving Falls Church for a planning position with the City of Alexandria, James Snyder, Director of Community Planning and Economic Development Services (CPEDS), said he will retire in January.

City Manager Wyatt Shields acknowledged the impact of Snyder’s retirement and lauded his contribution to planning and economic development in Falls Church over the last 14 years in an email sent to the staff and City Council and provided to the Pulse by Director of Communications and Public Information Officer Mary Catherine Chase. “This is a big decision as Jim has made such positive impact on all of us here in the City,” Mr. Shields wrote. “We know that with Paul’s leaving and Jim’s latest announcement, that our great staff of CPEDS will be called upon to meet new challenges and opportunities.” [Read Pulse post Stoddard Exits Staff, Creating 3 Key Vacancies, November 16, 2024.]

On the Falls Church staff since 2011

“Jim joined the City in 2011 as we were recovering from the great recession,” the City Manager said. “He came with 33 years of experience with Arlington County where he played a central role in planning the Roslyn Ballston Corridor, and immediately understood and connected with the planning and economic development needs of the City. … He worked with the team to develop the “Plan for Planning” and we are all proud that the 8^th of 8 Small Area Plans was adopted last year (the East End Area Plan).”

Mr. Shields recounted how in 2019, Economic Development was combined with Planning, Building Safety and Zoning into CPEDS. “CPEDS has worked with City Council, [the Economic Development Authority (EDA), the Department of Public Works (DPW)] and all City departments to help recruit and oversee the re-development of key sites in the City. Jim helped facilitate the smaller infill redevelopments – like the outdoor dining at Dogwood, and Northside Social, and medical offices across the City.” In addition to his role with CPEDS, Mr. Snyder has served as the full-time Executive Director of the EDA.

Mr. Shields also cited Mr. Snyder’s representation of the City as Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Planning Directors Group, his service as a founding member of the Northern Virginia Economic Development Association, and his work with the University of Virginia and Virginia Tech’s schools of urban planning and architecture.

Robert A. “Bob” Young, businessman, developer, and EDA Chair, dies at 82

Robert Young, Oak Place Developer — Robert Young, speaking at a City Council meeting

Robert A. “Bob” Young, local businessman and developer and Chair of the City’s EDA, died on November 18 at his home in Falls Church following a battle with cancer. He was 82.

Mr. Young came to the City in 1999. He was principal of The Young Group, a Falls Church-based firm of real estate developers, managers, and consultants. He developed several properties in the City over the next 25 years, including the Read Building at 402 W Broad Street, the Flower Building at 800 W Broad Street, and the Railroad Cottages, a condominium complex at 1006 Railroad Avenue.

Mr. Young served on the EDA for nearly a decade beginning in 2015 and was reelected Chair of the Authority at the beginning of 2024. [Read Pulse post 2024 Economic Development Authority Appointments and Updates on Mixed-Use Developments, Virginia Village, New Businesses, January 30, 2024.]

Ross Litkenhous, founder and managing partner of Cavalry Real Estate Advisors in Falls Church and founder and CEO of Taxonics, a commercial real estate tax advisor in Washington, DC, currently serves as EDA Vice Chair and will lead the Authority until that body elects a new chair.