Hicks slotted for L.A. port’s top economic development role

Hicks slotted for L.A. portÆs top economic development role Ralph Hicks, director of land use planning for the San Diego Unified Port District, has been named director of economic development for the Port of Los Angeles.
   Hicks informed San Diego port commissioners of his resignation earlier this week, announcing his last day with SDUPD would be Thursday.
   During his 25-year career in the land-use field, Hicks has overseen the approval process for more than $2.5 billion in major urban and public infrastructure projects, garnering numerous awards for his work.
   While at SDUPD Hicks has been involved in the master planning of the San Diego Bay redevelopment and Lindbergh Field, efforts to redevelop the North and South Embarcadero, and the development of the 580-acre Chula Vista Bayfront master plan. Prior to joining SDUPD he helped plan numerous development projects including a 1,700-mile oil pipeline constructed from California to Texas.