People Analysts

Zach Mikelson has more than three years of experience in redevelopment planning and municipal finance throughout California. Mr. Mikelson joined RSG as a Research Assistant in 2006 and now provides client services as a Senior Analyst and Project Manager. He has acquired a deep understanding of redevelopment and municipal finance from over 35 client projects and consulting engagements at RSG. He has specific expertise in redevelopment project area adoptions and amendments, fiscal consultant services for redevelopment agency bond issues, and public agency property tax revenue projections. Additionally, he has experience with a diverse set of public sector projects, such as the creation of a business plan for a public safety training facility and fiscal impact analyses for alternative land use options.

In 2009, Mr. Mikelson served as lead Analyst and co-Project Manager for Orange County General Fund Five-Year Property Tax Revenue Projections. In this capacity, he designed a revenue projection model and oversaw data collection and analysis. Property tax revenues account for nearly 80% of the County's General Fund revenue and, therefore, these projections played a vital role in shaping the County's 2011 Strategic Financial Plan.

Mr. Mikelson was the Project Manager for the 2008 City of Corona Redevelopment Plan Amendment, which added approximately 200 acres to the project area, increased the tax increment cap from $475 million to $1 billion, increased the bonded indebtedness limit from $210 million to $600 million, merged project areas, reinstated eminent domain authority, and updated the projects and programs list. The Added Area created relocation opportunities, and the increased financial limits combated diminishing bonding capacity and an approaching tax increment revenue collection limit. Mr. Mikelson was primarily responsible for the preparation of staff reports and resolutions, blight documentation, scheduling, and day-to-day client contact.

Zach is passionate about creating livable, healthy communities that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. He enjoys community and economic development for the opportunity to provide policy solutions to complex real estate and community development issues.