City Manager Appoints Director of Base Reuse and Economic Development

Published on August 23, 2023

Alameda City Manager Jennifer Ott has selected Abigail Thorne-Lyman to serve as Director of the Base Reuse and Economic Development Department. Formerly the Community Development Department, the Base Reuse and Economic Development Department is responsible for implementing the City’s goals and policies related to the reuse and redevelopment of the former Naval Air Station Alameda (referred to as Alameda Point), managing the City’s other public assets, and creating an economically diverse and financially sustainable community.

“Alameda Point’s redevelopment will play a critical role in the City’s future economic growth, as well as in the expansion of parks and infrastructure to support the quality of life of all of our residents. Following an extensive search, I’m eager to welcome Abby to the City’s executive team,” stated City Manager Ott. “Abby’s expertise in advancing politically and logistically complex real estate, housing, and economic development projects and programs make her ideal to serve Alameda in this role.”

Abigail Thorne-Lyman joins the City of Alameda with more than 20 years of experience in real estate and economic development, working in the public, private, and nonprofit, sectors in the Bay Area and across the country. Most recently, Abigail served as the Director of Real Estate and Property Development at BART, where she oversaw all aspects of BART’s real estate portfolio, including advancing BART’s complex transit-oriented developments. Abigail will start in the role of Alameda’s Base Reuse and Economic Development Director on September 25, 2023.

“I’m very excited to join the executive team at the City of Alameda and look forward to advancing the development of Alameda Point and furthering the economic development strategy for the City,” remarked Ms. Thorne-Lyman.

The BRED Department is comprised of three divisions, Base Reuse, which implements the City’s plans for transforming the 880-acre Alameda Point into a new mixed-use, transit-oriented development; Economic Development, which maintains and grows Alameda’s tax and employment bases; and Asset Management, which manages an extensive portfolio of citywide properties owned and leased by the City.

The City would like to thank Andrew Thomas, who most recently served as Interim Base Reuse and Economic Development Director, and will continue to support the Department.