City Planner – Housing Specialist

City of New York•New York, NY

2d•$68,213 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the Bronx Borough President is seeking a dedicated and forward-thinking City Planner to play a key role in shaping the future of The Bronx. This role focuses primarily on housing issues impacting Bronx residents, while also supporting the larger planning and development team. The "Housing Specialist" designation signifies the depth of expertise expected in housing matters, serving as a go-to resource for colleagues. While specializing in housing, all City Planners in this office contribute across a broad portfolio including land use and environmental review, neighborhood studies, housing, transportation, open space, economic development, and community engagement. The successful candidate will bring housing expertise to a generalist role and grow in all areas of urban planning. This position involves both technical and personal engagement, from reviewing ULURP applications to attending tenant meetings, with recommendations carrying the weight of the Borough President's Office. The ideal candidate will have a baseline understanding of Bronx housing issues, approach them holistically, communicate with empathy, possess strong technical curiosity, and thrive in collaborative and independent settings. They should be comfortable engaging with concerned residents and translating their concerns to agencies, developers, and elected officials.

Requirements

A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and four years of full-time experience in journalism or communications with a mandatory 18 months in an administrative, managerial or executive capacity or in the supervision of professionals involved in journalism or communications; or
Education and/or experience equivalent to "1" above. However, all candidates must have 18 months of supervisory, administrative, managerial or executive capacity as described in "1" above.

Nice To Haves

Baseline knowledge and understanding of housing issues in The Bronx
Passion for community development, equitable growth, and strategic problem-solving
Strong technical curiosity
Ability to thrive in collaborative and independent settings
Comfortable in rooms full of neighbors worried about their homes
Ability to translate between residents and agencies, developers, and elected officials
Expertise in housing matters
Experience with data visualization and mapping tools
Ability to translate technical information into plain-language materials

Responsibilities

Provide support and advise on housing strategies and best practices to support Bronx residents, including both existing residents as well as advise on best practices for new buildings.
Serve as a housing resource for the Office tracking affordability trends, preservation and development pipelines, and the housing programs and financing tools available to Bronx residents and property owners.
Advise on how proposed projects and policies will affect tenants, homeowners, and prospective residents, and identify opportunities to strengthen affordability, habitability, and long-term stability outcomes.
Be available to attend evening meetings to support and provide guidance on housing issues as they arise and as needed.
Review and analyze land use applications, environmental review documents, and planning proposals; prepare recommendations for ULURP projects, with particular attention to the housing implications of each application.
Conduct neighborhood studies and contribute to comprehensive planning frameworks across Bronx communities.
Balance long-term planning efforts with timely responses to short-term operational needs.
Engage meaningfully with community boards, elected officials, nonprofit partners, and residents to understand needs and integrate feedback into planning strategies.
Build durable working relationships with tenant associations, housing organizers, HPD and other City and State agencies, and mission-driven developers active in the borough.
Present insights and recommendations effectively to senior leadership, community boards, and public audiences.
Analyze demographic, economic, and spatial data to inform planning initiatives.
Use data visualization and mapping tools to support analysis and develop accessible community-facing materials.
Translate technical housing and land use information into plain-language materials that residents can act on.
Manage complex projects, coordinate with multiple City agencies, monitor timelines, and ensure timely delivery.
Work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in a dynamic environment.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, sustainability, and inclusive planning practices.