HOUSING AND COMMUNITY PLANNING

Michael Baker’s Housing and Community Planning Team specializes in implementing housing policies and programs, preparation of housing elements, conducting housing-related research, providing analysis and recommendations and developing a range of planning policy documents. We get to tackle California’s housing crisis head-on. We share a sense of purpose and enjoy the gratification that comes from helping lower- and moderate-income individuals and families to stay in their communities and become homebuyers for the first time. Our team also specializes in preparing community planning policy documents and plans, corridor plans, codes updates, facilitating public outreach and stakeholder involvement, including online surveys, open house forums, focus groups and interviews.

DESCRIPTION

The Housing and Community Planner will join a team of experienced community planners, housing specialists, urban designers, environmental analysts, community engagement specialists, and project managers dedicated to having a positive impact through effective planning.  The ideal candidate will be driven, intellectually curious, committed to excellence, eager to make a difference in the communities we serve, and ready to tackle the complicated and critically important issues that we face throughout California. This Housing and Community Planner may work out of any location in Southern California.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assist in the preparation of housing element updates in accordance with the 6th Cycle requirements, standards, and expectations Assist in the preparation of community planning policy documents, corridor plans, and zoning code updates, and general plan elements  Researching best practices, legal regulations,  and development standards. Collecting and analyzing a variety of demographic, social, economic, and land use data Attending client and public meetings to support project planners, managers, and clients Writing reports or preparing PowerPoint presentations under the direction of the project manager Providing program information to the general public, realtors, lenders, title companies, and other professionals Support the facilitation of planning workshops and design charrettes for clients as a member of a facilitation team Support business development and marketing efforts of the team, including crafting proposals

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Four-year degree in Planning, Public Policy, Architecture, Geography, Landscape Architecture, or a related discipline and 4 - 8 years of experience in related projects. Preferred: Master’s degree in a related discipline, AICP certification, advanced training in a related subject, such as public outreach, construction management or real estate finance, professional experience with consulting as a business model Knowledge of planning principles, best practices, and techniques Strong working knowledge and understanding of California housing law requirements, applications, and implications Experience or ability to preparation or assist management all or most sections of 6th Cycle housing element updates Experience in one or more planning disciplines, such as housing, urban design, community planning, or municipal governance operations Able to conduct research and prepare planning reports on land use, physical, social and economic conditions and constraints Proficient with computer programs we typically use - mainly Microsoft Office programs Excellent oral and written communication skills for preparing and presenting planning reports and design projects. Strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as in multi-disciplinary teams Have excellent professional judgment

COMPENSATION

The salary range for this position is $75,000-$118,000.   This will be dependent on the experience and expertise of the incoming candidate. 

Workplace Flexibility: Whether you want to work in the office, at home, or in a hybrid model, we accommodate a variety of preferences. We recognize our employees face many factors when it comes to selecting the best work location, and we are passionate about providing options and flexibility.