Employment History

By Juan Saavedra

Over thirty years of Housing Development, Economic Development, Health and Social Services, and Municipal Government. I enjoy a through knowledge of Grant/Loan Application Process, Accounting Principles, Program Administration, Budgeting, Contract Management, Fiscal Control and Planning.

As executive director of the SLDC, he has developed over one hundred units both single family and multi-family tax credits affordable housing units in the City of Soledad. Currently SLDC, through the efforts of Mr. Saavedra, SLDC is developing 19 single family self-help units in the City of Greenfield, 25 elderly Tax Credit housing units in the City of Salinas. In addition, the SLDC is currently developing five single-family units in Soledad under the Rural Development's 502 conventional loan program.

As Director of the SLDC, Mr. Saavedra administer a CDBG home repair program assisting twenty-five families. In addition, Mr. Saavedra established and administers a small business revolving loan program in the City of Soledad. Over twenty small businesses have used the program. The types of development include the construction of two buildings, development of two parking lots, and numerous capital improvement projects.

From 1987 to 1993, Mr. Saavedra was employed by CHISPA, a California non-profit organization. The most significant accomplishments during his tenure at CHISPA, was the development of four multi-family projects for a total of one hundred ninety (190) units completed. He participated in the design, pre-development, construction monitoring, Loan/Grants application preparation, contract management, and administered the monthly draw requests.

From 1984 to 1986, Mr. Saavedra was employed as comptroller to the Rural Health Project and RHP Services previously located in the city of King City. These two non-profit organizations provided a variety of health and Human services to very-low-farm worker families in the Central Salinas Valley

From 1982 trough 1984 Mr. Saavedra was employed by the National Council of La Raza, under a fellowship program through the University of Massachusetts. This mentorship by NCLA was part of his academic requirements leading to the completion of a Masters Degree in Regional Planning (with emphasis in Rural; Economic Development).

From 1975 through 1982, Mr. Saavedra was the Economic Development Director for the Community Service Program of Monterey County. Areas of responsibility included the development and preparation of the Overall Economic Development Plan for the County of Monterey. In addition, Mr. Saavedra was responsible for attracting and implementing the first CDBG program then available directly by HUD. Projects develop included, housing rehabilitation, water systems, fire department building development, most all were targeted to rural unincorporated towns in the County of Monterey. As was customary, these CDGB funds were link with EDA, FmHA and other federal funds to create an effective program for small communities.