Senior Planner, Housing Policy

Metropolitan Council•390 Robert St. N St. Paul, MN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Metropolitan Council, the regional government for the seven-county Twin Cities metropolitan area, is seeking a Senior Planner in its Community Development Division. This role will apply expertise in housing policy, land use, planning, engagement, and analysis to implement the Imagine 2050 Housing Policy Plan. The Community Development division focuses on regional long-range planning, technical assistance to local governments, regional parks and open space, rent assistance, and Livable Communities Act grant programs. The Housing and Livable Communities team specifically develops and implements regional housing policies, works with local governments on housing needs, and provides funding to create housing choices, support job creation, and connect jobs, housing, transportation, and amenities. The Senior Planner will be a key member of the Housing Policy team, performing technical reviews and analyses of local plans, managing regional planning projects related to housing policy, and supporting technical assistance and the development of Imagine 2050. This role involves collaboration across divisions and with external partners to advance regional goals, support the Livable Communities program, and contribute to the evaluation and implementation of housing policy. The position is eligible for a hybrid telework arrangement after an initial on-site period, with the telework location required to be in Minnesota or Wisconsin. The hiring salary will be based on qualifications and the Council's compensation package.

Requirements

A high school diploma/GED AND at least eight (8) years of experience.
An Associate degree AND six (6) years of experience.
A Bachelor's degree AND four (4) years of related experience.
Master's degree AND two (2) years of related experience.
Degree field of study in City, Urban, or Environmental Planning, or a related field.
Experience in program administration, implementation, public sector planning, grant coordination, land use planning, housing policy, community development, economic development, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated skills in implementing or developing ordinances, planning documents, zoning applications, or similar work in local government.
Demonstrated knowledge of the development/redevelopment process, development finance, and policies that support affordable housing development.
Demonstrated skills in delivering technical assistance to local governments.
Ability to communicate tactfully and clearly to a diverse audience of partners, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated project management skills.
Demonstrated experience in advocating for or incorporating equity into projects, processes, or decision-making.
Experience working with diverse populations of internal and external customers, and experience in outreach with cross-cultural communities.
Advanced skills in GIS, Microsoft Office suite, and knowledge of project management tools.

Responsibilities

Help local units of government implement the 2050 Housing Policy Plan by providing technical assistance to create a full range of housing options.
Conduct technical reviews and analyses, applying regional housing policy, for local comprehensive plans and amendments, environmental reviews, and other reviews.
Manage defined housing policy projects and specific components of major regional community development planning projects: developing and implementing programs, technical assistance offerings, and community engagement projects.
Projects may include, for example, creating technical assistance resources and interactive tools, facilitating community engagement to inform policy development, analyzing and reporting on housing data trends, and contributing to Council-wide implementation plans for regional development goals.
Articulate and represent the Council's regional housing policy in internal and external discussions, including committees and work groups.
Support implementation of grant programs by providing expert review and scoring on housing-related criteria.
Proficiently use program information, databases, and other technologies to produce reports and respond to internal and external inquiries and requests for information as well as to evaluate housing programs.
Provide a high level of customer service to all relevant parties requiring timely and accurate information, comprehensive plan amendment reviews, and technical assistance.
Collaborate and engage across Met Council divisions and with external partners.
Participate as a key team member in evaluation, continuous learning, and community engagement efforts to prepare for the development of future regional development guides, which are developed on a ten-year cycle.
Advance racial equity through knowledge of how the history of housing policy has contributed to the region's racial disparities, the implementation and updating of the Regional Development Guide, and the delivery of Livable Communities programs and other Met Council programs.
Promote an equitable, positive, and respectful professional environment that values culture and diversity among all partners and colleagues.