CED Director

Amy Chen serves as the City of East Palo Alto’s Community & Economic Development Director. She brings a strong background in public service, with experience at the federal, county, and local levels, as well as within the non-profit sector.

Since joining the City of East Palo Alto, Amy has led major efforts to promote community-driven development strategies including the update to the Ravenswood Business District Specific Plan, affordable housing and anti-displacement policies, building Reach Codes, and the development of the Urban Forest Master Plan. In recognition of this work, she was named a Greenbelt Alliance Hidden Hero in August 2023 for her leadership in advancing sustainable development across the Bay Area.
➡️ Watch the recognition video

In 2025, Amy was selected to participate in the Local Governance Summer Institute at Stanford University, part of the California‑Global Energy, Water & Infrastructure Innovation Initiative. She received a scholarship from the California Statewide Communities Development Authority (CSCDA) in support of her participation. The program brings together senior government leaders to address key issues in public finance, infrastructure, energy, and environmental sustainability.

Before joining East Palo Alto, Amy spent 12 years with the City of San Jose, where she served in the City Manager’s Office, the Office of Economic Development, and departments including Environmental Services, Transportation, and Housing.