Senior Planner (ARCH)

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the Hiring Process section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint however we may go slightly higher based on experience internal equity and market.

Come join a talented diverse team of housing professionals that represent a coalition of 15 cities and King County working together to create affordable housing in the fast-growing East King County region. A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH) is dedicated to creating equitable inclusive communities of opportunity through investment policy development program delivery and direct support for people looking for affordable rental and ownership housing.

The Senior Planner position at ARCH performs a variety of highly technical work to develop and implement long-range plans land use codes and related policies and regulations for ARCH member jurisdictions. The position will manage simultaneous projects across multiple jurisdictions including large complex and politically sensitive projects. The position will also lead regional planning efforts that require multijurisdictional coordination.

The successful applicant will bring in-depth expertise in urban/regional planning and affordable housing as well as an ability to strategically advance affordable housing goals policies programs and projects in ARCH member jurisdictions.

The Senior Planner reports to the ARCH Executive Director and works in close partnership with local planning departments and other ARCH team members.

Local Planning and Code Amendments

• Provide advanced planning support for local planning initiatives in ARCHs work program and across multiple ARCH member jurisdictions (e.g. comprehensive and strategy plan updates rezones and other code amendments housing needs analyses etc.)
• Perform background research conduct data analyses and prepare summary reports and other materials as needed.
• Present or assist with presentation at planning commission and City Council meetings.
• Research legal and policy matters regarding various housing issues to formulate and evaluate options.
• Provide ARCH program staff with ongoing information about local planning updates and support ARCH Associate Planner on code interpretation as needed.

Regional Planning Policy and Coordination

• Coordinate complex inter-local housing and land use planning projects such as analysis and implementation of state mandates for affordable housing.
• Provide input and analysis to inform ARCHs state legislative priorities
• Participate in regional committees and work groups as needed.

Economic Analysis

• Research and analyze the economic impacts and feasibility of different development incentives for affordable housing (e.g. property tax exemptions density bonuses fee waivers etc.) or work with economic consultants and other ARCH staff to support similar work.
• Translate complex economic data into clear and comprehensible information for policymakers to understand the benefits and tradeoffs of different policies.

Data Collection Analysis and Reporting

• Generate data and reports for ARCH members the public and other key constituencies.
• Access and analyze standardized demographic and housing data from external sources as needed.
• Contribute to ARCHs project database as needed.

General

• Act as project manager for complex and highly sensitive projects.
• Provide subject matter expertise for other staff elected and appointed officials and the public.
• Informal supervisory responsibilities may be assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

This position requires a diverse set of skills that may be demonstrated from a combination of education and work experience including:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university and a Masters degree in land-use planning urban planning economics architecture political science public administration or a closely related field.
• Minimum: 5 years of experience that provides the applicant with a comprehensive knowledge of planning principles practices and techniques as they relate to functional areas such as land use housing or other related areas. Included in the five years experience must be two years of project management experience.
• Preferred: Seven years of professional related experience in any of the following: land use planning housing the development process economics growth management transportation environmental planning or urban design. American Institute of Certified Planners designation.
• Alternatively an equivalent combination of education experience and training that provides the required mix of knowledge skills and abilities.

KNOWLEDGE SKILLS and ABILITIES

Expert knowledge of:

• Land Use Planning and Policies:
  • Growth Management Act comprehensive plans and zoning laws including their preparation process of adoption monitoring and enforcement.
  • Planning principles practices regulations and techniques related to affordable housing land use and related areas.
• Housing:
  • Regulatory frameworks for development of housing including land use and building codes.
  • Common affordable housing programs and concepts (expertise in housing finance real estate development incentive programs landlord tenant laws and related topics is a plus).
• Governance:
  • Role of federal state and local government in relation to housing and broad understanding of planning issues and problems.
  • Specific understanding of local and regional government and political decision-making processes.
• Research and Evaluation:
  • Research methods including statistics and the ability to compile and analyze new data.

Ability to:

• Strategy and Project Management
  • Think strategically and creatively to advance major initiatives.
  • Apply overall project management techniques for the most complex and politically sensitive projects in a consistent and proficient manner.
• Technical Analysis and Planning
  • Provide in-depth technical planning expertise and the associated methodologies.
  • Prepare plans policies and regulations based on data analysis community participation and jurisdictional consultation.
  • Work on regional and interjurisdictional planning and housing issues.
  • Provide guidance on state-level policy that would advance affordable housing in East King County.
  • Think conceptually observe and evaluate trends analyze data draw logical conclusions and make sound recommendations.
  • Focus on controversial and complex issues and comprehensively evaluate potential impacts.
  • Utilize Microsoft Office and other software to prepare documents spreadsheets and data visualizations.
• Communication and Collaboration
  • Build partnerships between constituencies with a goal of building more affordable housing faster in East King County.
  • Work effectively with teams of consultants city staff neighborhood groups and boards and commissions.
  • Communicate effectively with individuals and groups regarding complex or controversial public policy issues or regulations.
  • Write clear and concise reports plans and regulations based on an analysis of data and ongoing citizen and agency input.
  • Prepare and make presentations to department heads commissions and local decision-making forums and community groups.
  • Work effectively and predominantly with teams of consultants city staff neighborhood groups and boards and commissions.
  • Foster an environment of productive teamwork.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to creating diverse equitable communities.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:The City is implementing a flexible/hybrid work policy that will allow staff to work remotely. Remote work for this position is subject to departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Once hired employees must reside in the State of Washington.

HIRING PROCESS
The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name address and other demographics. To help us please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter resume writing sample and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background checkprior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL) licensures or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions our interactions and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service Stewardship Commitment to Employees Integrity Innovation and Diversity Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative collaborative future focused and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work live and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation marital status national origin genetic information disability age veteran status or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office at or .If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

any technical difficulties with your application please contact the NEOGOV support line at .

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