Community Development Planner

The Community Development Planner will play a key role in advancing the city’s long-term growth, sustainability, and livability by working with local government officials, residents, developers, and community organizations to plan and implement projects that enhance the quality of life in the community. This role involves analyzing land use, zoning, housing, transportation, and environmental issues, as well as assisting in the development of strategic plans for urban development, redevelopment, and public services. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of urban planning principles, transportation planning, local policies, and a commitment to community engagement and equitable development.

Key Responsibilities:

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Community & Urban Planning: Implement the comprehensive and transportation plans for land use, urban growth, infrastructure, and housing in alignment with the City of McDonough’s goals and community needs.
• Zoning & Land Use Transportation Review: Analyze local zoning ordinances, land use policies, transportation plan policies, and regulations to ensure proposed development projects comply with existing laws. Provide recommendations on policy adjustments or new initiatives to support sustainable community development.
• Public Engagement: Facilitate public meetings, workshops, and forums to gather input from residents, stakeholders, and community groups on proposed developments and policies.
• Policy Analysis & Recommendations: Research and analyze demographic trends, economic data, and policy issues to provide recommendations for land use, housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability.
• Collaboration & Coordination: Work closely with other city departments, external agencies, developers, and community organizations to coordinate development projects and initiatives.
• Grant Writing & Funding: Identify and apply for federal, state, and local funding opportunities to support community development projects. Develop grant proposals and secure financial support for projects aimed at enhancing the community’s infrastructure and services. Monitor the disbursement of funds and ensure compliance with funding requirements.
• Project Management: Oversee or participate in the planning and execution of community development projects, ensuring timely completion and adherence to budgets.
• Data Collection & Reporting: Collect and maintain data related to zoning, land use, demographics and economic trends; prepare reports and presentations for city leadership, stakeholders, and the public.
• Sustainability & Resilience Planning: Integrate principles of environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and equitable development into community planning efforts. Work on initiatives that promote energy efficiency, green infrastructure, and sustainable land use.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Track and report progress on community development initiatives to government agencies, community stakeholders, and funders. Evaluate the impact of development projects and make recommendations for adjustments or improvements.

Knowledge Required:

• Knowledge of Planning principles and ordinances;
• Understanding of local, state, and federal government programs and processes;
• Understanding of the social and environmental impact of planning decisions on communities;
• Understanding of the legal foundation for land use regulations;
• Understanding of the interaction among the economy, transportation, health and human services, and land-use regulation;
• Ability to learn methods, techniques, and equipment as applied to city planning, urban design, transportation planning and growth management generally;
• Ability to analyze demographic information to discern trends in population, employment, and health;
• Ability to learn and assess emerging principles and practices in city planning, urban design and zoning administration;
• Ability to envision alternatives to the physical and social environments in which we live;
• Knowledge of modern office practices, methods, equipment, and standard clerical procedures.
• Ability to perform research, including reading, interpreting and analyzing maps and plats, compile and organize planning information;
• Ability to prepare clear and concise reports and maintain accurate records and departmental files;
• Knowledge of computer and software applications, including Microsoft Office suite; photo editing program(s) such as Adobe Photoshop; graphics manipulation programs such as Adobe Illustrator, SketchUp; geographic information systems such as ARCInfo; ability to conduct analyses with them and produce materials of a quality and accuracy that may be presented to the public, petitioners and the Mayor and Council;
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, orally, graphically and in writing to articulate planning and related public policy issues to a wide variety of audiences;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions quickly and accurately;
• Ability to work independently without specific instructions;
• Ability to meet and interact tactfully and courteously with the public, in sometimes difficult and trying situations, either in person and/or telephone and/or email;
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with City employees, officials, business owners, builders, contractors, and the general public;
• Ability to operate City vehicles and equipment safely and efficiently in the performance of duties;
• Ability to maintain all required licenses and certifications;
• Ability to conduct field inspections for compliance with applicable ordinances;

Supervisory Controls:  This position operates under the general supervision of the Community Development Director.

Guidelines:  City codes and ordinances, Georgia State law, Federal laws and general planning practices. 

Complexity:  Most of the work performed by this position requires interpretation. 

Scope and Effect: To assist in providing streamlined cost efficient and effective development review, code enforcement, and overall planning services for the city. 

Communications: Architects, attorneys, City Council, builders, developers, engineers, Municipal Planning Commission, other City departments, outside agencies, and the general public.

Purpose of Contacts: Must use oral and written communication to convey information, resolve problems, negotiate and settle matters.

Physical Demands: Work requires some exertion such as climbing, walking over rough surfaces; crouching, bending, stooping and reaching; and lifting of light to moderately heavy items. Work requires average physical agility and dexterity.

Work Environment:  The work is typically performed in an office.  However, field visits and training will be required.

Supervisory and Management Responsibility:   None.