Planning and Development Manager

The City of Altoona is actively seeking a Planning and Development Manager to oversee the City’s planning, zoning, land

development, GIS, and redevelopment initiatives, ensuring alignment with the City of

Altoona’s strategic goals, Comprehensive Plan, and economic and community

development objectives.

This position is responsible for managing the work of the GIS Manager/Planning

Technician, Planning and Zoning Coordinator, and Redevelopment Authority/Land Bank

Coordinator, providing leadership, strategic direction, and technical expertise to achieve

departmental and City priorities. The Manager serves as a key liaison between the

Community Development Department, external stakeholders, elected officials, and the

public to ensure the successful implementation of planning and development programs.

The position reports directly to the Director of Community Development and plays a

critical role in supporting the City’s long-term growth, sustainability, and revitalization

efforts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Planning and Zoning Management:

 Oversees the City’s planning, zoning, and land development functions to ensure

compliance with the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and local

ordinances.

 Directs the review and processing of subdivision and land development plans,

zoning applications, variances, and special exceptions.

 Develops, updates, and implements land use policies, zoning ordinances, and

subdivision and land development ordinances (SALDO).

 Supports the Planning Commission and Zoning Hearing Board, ensuring efficient

preparation of agendas, reports, and technical analyses.

 Coordinates public hearings and outreach initiatives related to planning and

zoning changes, including ordinance amendments and rezoning efforts.

 Provides recommendations to the Director of Community Development, City

Manager, and City Council on land use policies, zoning matters, and

development trends.

2. GIS Program Oversight:

 Provides managerial oversight of the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS)

program, ensuring its effective operation and alignment with the needs of all City

departments.

 Collaborates with the GIS Manager to integrate GIS technology into planning,

zoning, redevelopment, infrastructure management, and public safety initiatives.

 Ensures GIS data is current, accurate, and accessible to support decision-

making processes across departments and for public-facing platforms.

 Promotes innovation and emerging GIS applications to improve City operations

and service delivery.

3. Redevelopment Authority (RA) and Land Bank (RALB) Responsibilities:

 Integrates the activities of the Redevelopment Authority (RA) and Land Bank

(RALB) to advance property redevelopment, blight removal, and neighborhood

revitalization initiatives with city staff.

 Supervises the RA/RALB Coordinator and ensures effective management of

properties, programs, and partnerships.

 Works with the Redevelopment Authority Executive Director to establish

strategies to transition the RA and RALB into self-sustaining entities independent

of City funding and staff support.

 Coordinates with developers, property owners, community organizations, and

funding partners to identify opportunities for redevelopment and reuse of blighted

and underutilized properties.

 Tracks RA and RALB performance metrics and prepares progress reports for

City leadership and governing bodies.

4. Interdepartmental and Stakeholder Collaboration:

 Coordinates closely with other City departments, including Public Works, Codes

and Inspections, Finance, Fire, Police, and IT, to support cross-functional

planning and development initiatives.

 Serves as the primary liaison with external stakeholders, including developers,

community groups, regional planning agencies, and state and federal partners.

 Resolves conflicts and priority issues across departmental initiatives under the

supervision of the Director of Community Development.

5. Budget and Resource Management:

 Prepares and manages the annual budgets for planning, zoning, GIS, and

RA/RALB programs, ensuring efficient resource allocation and fiscal

responsibility.

 Identifies and pursues grants and alternative funding sources to support

planning, redevelopment, and GIS initiatives.

 Tracks project expenditures and provides regular updates to the Director of

Community Development and Finance Department.

6. Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

 Develops and implements key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the

effectiveness of planning, zoning, GIS, and redevelopment programs.

 Prepares detailed reports and presentations for the Director of Community

Development, City Manager, City Council, and the public.

 Ensures compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws, including

reporting requirements for grants and programs.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience:

 Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Public Administration, Geography, or a

related field (Master’s degree preferred).

 Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in municipal planning,

zoning, GIS, or redevelopment, with at least two (2) years in a supervisory or

management capacity.

 Certification as a Certified Zoning Officer (CZO) or the ability to obtain

certification within one year of hire.

 AICP certification (preferred).

Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

 Principles and practices of urban planning, zoning, land development, and

redevelopment.

 Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) and applicable local, state,

and federal laws.

 Principles of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and its integration into

municipal operations.

 Budget development, resource management, and grant administration.

Skill in:

 Managing and supervising staff, including setting goals, evaluating performance,

and fostering professional growth.

 Reviewing and interpreting zoning applications, land development plans, and

redevelopment proposals.

 Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government officials,

developers, and the public.

 Preparing technical reports, presentations, and recommendations.

Ability to:

 Plan, organize, and oversee complex planning, zoning, GIS, and redevelopment

projects.

 Analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and recommend practical solutions.

 Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with staff, officials, and the

public.

 Coordinate multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively.

 Foster a collaborative team environment while resolving conflicts and balancing

priorities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

 Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License or ability to obtain one prior to employment.

 Certification as a Certified Zoning Officer (CZO) or ability to obtain within one

year.

The City of Altoona offers a comprehensive compensation package including a competitive salary; health, dental, vision, and life insurance; paid time off; and retirement options.

The City of Altoona is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.