Dppd Stone James

Stone James, DPPD has extensive experience in the field of economic development and land acquisitions. Stone served as the Director of Economic Development for the City of Cathedral City from 2017 to present, where they accomplished tasks such as facilitating a team responsible for entitling over $100M+ worth of developments, attracting private investment exceeding $83M, and improving access to education for underserved residents.

Prior to this, James held positions at various organizations, including the City of Indio, where they served as a General Plan Advisory Committee member from 2016 to 2019 and as a Planning Commissioner and Past Chairman from 2010 to 2017. Stone also worked at Land Advisors Organization as a Vice President from 2008 to 2017, where they closed more than $250M worth of residential, commercial, and agricultural land transactions.

Furthermore, James was a member of the Envision Palm Desert – Land Use, Housing, & Open Space Committee for the City of Palm Desert in 2015 and served as a Land Broker at O'Donnell / Atkins from 2007 to 2008. At O'Donnell / Atkins, they identified and managed land investment and development opportunities, negotiated offers, implemented marketing programs, and performed market analyses.

Additionally, James gained experience in land acquisitions at Toll Brothers from 2005 to 2007 and Richmond American Homes from 2003 to 2005, where they evaluated prospective investments and conducted financial analyses.

Overall, James brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in deal making, negotiation, market analysis, and project entitlement to their work in economic development and land acquisitions.

Stone James, DPPD has a diverse education history. Stone holds a Doctor of Policy, Planning and Development degree from the University of Southern California, with a specialization in The Role of Leadership and Collaboration as a Catalyst for Regional Economic Development. Prior to their doctoral studies, Stone James completed a Master's degree in Real Estate Development at the University of Southern California.

Stone James also has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Gonzaga University - School of Business Administration, with a focus on Accounting. Additionally, they attended the College of the Desert and completed the Public Safety Academy: Level I program.

Furthermore, Stone James obtained an Economic Development Graduate Certificate from the University of Oklahoma. This certificate program, known as OU EDI, provided him with specialized knowledge in the field of economic development.

In addition to their formal education, Stone James has obtained several certifications. Stone is an Accredited California Economic Developer, having received this certification from The California Academy for Economic Development in December 2022. Stone James is also certified as a Police Officer/Law Enforcement Officer/Peace Officer by the California POST (Peace Officer Standards and Training) since May 2002. Stone holds a California Real Estate Broker license issued by the California Bureau of Real Estate since January 2008. Lastly, Stone James is an Emergency Medical Technician certified by the State of California-Emergency Medical Services Authority, obtained in January 2002.