Urban Planner

The City of Jacksonville, the Jacksonville Transportation Authority and Groundwork Jacksonville have been awarded a U.S. Department of Transportation Neighborhood Access and Equity (NAE) Program grant for the Emerald Trail: Reconnecting and Revitalizing Jacksonville’s Urban Neighborhoods Project. There are several segments of the Emerald Trail already constructed. NAE funding will support community engagement, neighborhood planning, environmental assessment, design, and construction of the remaining 15 miles of the trail. The NAE project will include developing revitalization plans and building organizational capacity in seven neighborhoods: Robinson’s Addition, College Gardens, New Town, Durkeeville, Phoenix, Brentwood, and Lackawanna/Mixon Town/North Riverside.

The Urban Planner will provide high-level project management and leadership to develop and implement comprehensive neighborhood plans for the NAE grant project and must have knowledge and demonstrated interest in the intersection of design, planning and equity, and an ability to develop collaborative, productive, and respectful relationships with community members, organizations, and partners.

The Urban Planner will lead the development and implementation of 5-7 neighborhood revitalization plans, with an emphasis on housing and economic development, during the six-year grant period. The planner works with the Community Engagement team and consultants to facilitate and lead engagement meetings with neighborhoods. The position directs data collection and provides analysis, provides content for communications materials for public engagement activities and community workshops and prepares and delivers presentations to neighborhood groups and stakeholders. The goal is to recommend prioritized solutions to address neighborhood needs for community development and renewal.

Responsibilities

Designs, develops, coordinates, and conducts urban design studies, design guidelines, development proposal and policy analyses affecting housing, neighborhood and community development, land use, physical facilities, zoning, transportation, environmental and resiliency issues.

● Oversees and develops guidelines, strategies, and solutions for neighborhood needs and

revitalization efforts. Reviews site plans, zoning ordinances, environmental studies, historical information, and proposals for feasibility. Conducts field investigations when necessary.

● Coordinates mapping and data analysis, including documents identifying neighborhood history, cultural heritage, previous planning studies, funded and proposed infrastructure projects and relevant information; develops analysis related to planning, redevelopment, market conditions, and neighborhood assessment and conditions. Prepares analysis in a variety of formats suited to a range of audiences, including internal staff and directors, policymakers, community members, and external stakeholders. Analyzes data concerning current uses and long-term needs related to the neighborhoods. Analysis will consider all populations of the neighborhoods, identifying needs as they pertain to schools, health care facilities, open-space planning, and unhoused, low-income, and elderly residents.

● Analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of redevelopment plans implemented in similar projects; identifies which parts of those plans could be modified to address a neighborhood’s stated needs and goals. Researches potential effects on current and future development patterns and determines appropriate zoning and development standards for areas subject to the authorized hearing based on land use regulations, urban planning best practices, area plans, market value analysis, and vision documents.

● Applies statistical and planning and design theory, collects data, interprets public policy, and maintains or accesses diverse databases to identify and recommend appropriate urban planning and development actions that aligns with the neighborhood’s vision;

strategizes and assists in the inclusion of neighborhood plans into the City’s Comprehensive Plan.

● Supports efforts to advance critical housing initiatives and programs in the neighborhoods. Collaborates with partner organizations to address housing concerns and to create equitable housing strategies. Conducts market research, neighborhood analyses/mapping, and gathers data on other housing initiatives/studies.

● Manages and coordinates multiple planning projects to ensure deadlines for grant deliverables are met. Is primary contact for consultants assisting with the project.

Qualifications

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

● Proven negotiation skills and the ability to create consensus when involving a wide range of people in making decisions.

● Ability to clearly and persuasively present ideas.

● Strong analytical and creative problem-solving skills.

● Ability to properly analyze data and make appropriate recommendations.

● Ability to predict growth and needs.

Education and Experience

● Bachelor’s degree in Urban Planning, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Political Science, or related field required, Master’s degree highly preferred.

● Knowledge of or experience with Jacksonville’s urban core preferred

● Five years of experience in planning and development, preferably in the public sector.

● Certification by American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).