2026 Planning Manager

Under the direction of the Community and Economic Development (CED) Director, this position is responsible for leading, managing, supervising, and coordinating the activities and operations of the Planning Division of the Community and Economic Development Department in accordance with State and federal laws, and City codes. In addition, this position supervises, evaluates the performance of, and trains assigned staff. Serve as primary staff support to the City Planning Commission. 

All responsibilities listed under this section are considered essential functions of the job.

• Provide administrative functions including budget preparation and implementation.  E 
• Act on behalf of the CED Director when designated during scheduled and/or emergency absences.  E
• Develop solutions to address planning issues.        Coordinate planning activities with other departments, jurisdictions, and regional agencies.  Prioritize planning projects and work assignments, monitor results, review staff reports, and assure that planning issues are addressed and resolved.  E
• Coordinate with and provide staffing for citizens’ groups, advisory boards and commissions, and outside agencies. Provide primary staff support to the City Planning Commission.  E
• Oversee preparation and maintenance of a variety of records and reports in accordance with City and State records retention requirements related to planning and community development operations and activities.  Review and edit a variety of reports prepared by department staff.  E
• Make oral presentations and represent the Planning Division with other jurisdictions and before task forces, boards, committees, and City Council.  E
• Conduct regular division staff meetings as needed; attend management and professional meetings and seminars as required.  Participate as a member of the Department’s Management team to assist in planning, organizing, and implementing policies.  E

Perform related duties as assigned.

E denotes an essential function of the job

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• City organization, operations, policies, and procedures.
• Principles, practices and procedures of urban planning, community development, land use, zoning regulation, building safety, environmental regulations, and permitting.
• Federal and State laws, rules and regulations affecting planning, land use, code enforcement, zoning, and the environment.
• City land use and development regulations, and zoning codes.

SKILL IN:

• Project planning and management principles.
• Analyzing planning uses, evaluating alternatives, and making recommendations based on findings.
• Presenting and defending planning reports and information in public meetings.
• Reading and interpreting plans and technical specifications, and checking details, estimates, plans, and specifications of projects.
• Interpreting and applying building and safety standards, state and Federal regulations, department standards and City codes and policies.
• Communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

ABILITY TO:

• Plan, organize, and coordinate the work of staff.
• Use initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
• Assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects and demands.

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in urban planning, public or business administration or a closely related field.  A master’s degree or other advanced degree is preferred. 
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community development, urban planning, economic development, or a closely related field, including a verifiable track record of success and a stable work history. A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in a supervisory capacity. 
• Preferably ten (10) years of experience.

OR