Planner/Downtown Specialist
Supervisor: Community Development Director
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Random Substance Testing: Yes
Position Number: CE/4
Employment Opportunity Summary
This position is responsible for coordinating economic development activity utilizing historic preservation as the foundation, developing neighborhood revitalization strategies for the city’s historic neighborhoods, and active retail recruitment and city-wide development with the Community Development Director.
Employment Opportunity Additional Details
Job Scope:
The purpose of this position is:
1. To develop strategies and strategic partnerships administering programs and projects aimed at improving the City’s housing stock, thereby achieving neighborhood revitalization goals;
2. To coordinate activity and implement work plans to develop and administer downtown commercial district revitalization programs;
3. Assist the Community Engagement Director with retail recruitment, city-wide development projects, community planning, and city-wide special event permits.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Planner/Downtown Project Manager Duties
1. Neighborhood Vitality – improve the city’s housing stock and energize neighborhoods
a. Work with neighborhood leaders to develop neighborhood associations focused on stabilizing and improving housing stock.
b. Work with partner organizations and grant opportunities to address neighborhood stability and revitalization goals.
c. Develop Community Improvement Districts in the neighborhoods to identify and improve delinquent properties or infrastructure.
d. Assist with annexation issues and initiatives.
e. Work with the Sedalia Historic Preservation Commission to develop local and National Historic Districts in the historic housing sections of Sedalia.
f. Work with the Sedalia Historic Preservation Commission to achieve CLG and City Council goals to preserve and manage the city’s historic assets.
2. Downtown Revitalization – sustain and grow the downtown economy and create jobs.
a. Work with potential investors to package and propose development projects.
b. Understand public finance and other economic development tools and how they can be used to support private development.
c. Evaluate demographic and market trends to set work priorities and annual work
d. Maintain and foster positive relationship with businesses, public officials, the media and general public in the implementation of work plans.
e. Monitor and update the Downtown Strategic Plan (DREAM Initiative).
f. Work with and assist the Central Business and Cultural District to:
i. Provide design committee administration of the façade and engineering assistance program;
ii. Provide funds spurring downtown activity and interest; and
iii. Manage public spaces in the CBCD district.
g. Work with and assist with city departmental collaboration with Sedalia Downtown Development events and initiatives.
h. Work closely with Public Works on physical improvements to downtown infrastructure and assist with business communication of the improvement process.
i. Coordinate and oversee Missouri Main Street Connection membership and reporting activities.
j. Educate the importance of the National Main Street Approach to commercial district revitalization.
3. Development and Planning – plan for growth and strengthen the regional marketplace
a. Actively work with developers and businesses for retail recruitment.
b. Assist with coordination and implementation of the Sedalia Comprehensive Plan.
c. Read, understand and compare development pro formas.
d. Assist staff with technical or administrative issues.
e. Assist Community Development Director/Chief Building Official with administrative support for the Downtown Building Inspection Program.
f. Distribute special event permits to departments involved in providing services to the permit holder.
General Duties
1. Provides staff support to the Central Business and Cultural District and the Sedalia Historic Preservation Commission.
2. Provides staff support to the City Council and Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of
Adjustments, and Board of Appeals where appropriate.
3. Assists with developing the annual department budgets.
4. Speaks to local civic groups and organizations.
5. Prepares and directs preparation of correspondence, reports, procedures, ordinances, and
other written materials.
6. Performs other related duties as assigned.
The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be
performed. The omission of specific statements does not exclude them from the position if the work
is similar or related to the position.
Minimum Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, architecture, public policy, business or related area of
study in addition to one year of planning experience or a Master’s degree in historic preservation,
finance, planning, real estate or related field from an accredited college.
2. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite of Products
3. Knowledge of municipal government practices preferred
4. Missouri driver’s license
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
1. Knowledge of development principles, zoning ordinances, and city ordinances.
2. Knowledge of historic preservation.
3. Knowledge of commercial historic district development.
4. Skill in developing and implementing long-range plans.
5. Skill in reading maps, blueprints, and drawings.
6. Knowledge of architectural and engineering practices relating to the construction industry.
7. Knowledge of management principles and practices, including budgeting and policy and
procedure development.
8. Skill in establishing priorities and decision making.
9. Skill in the using a computer, various software programs, and other standard office
equipment.
10. Skill in preparing and presenting reports and written communication
11. Skill in public and interpersonal relations.
Guidelines:
1. City codes and ordinances, building codes, state and federal regulations and construction
standards.
2. City and department policies and procedures.
3. Guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application.
Complexity:
The work consists of varied administrative and technical duties relating to development, historic preservation and planning. Changing priorities and the need to balance various disciplines contribute to the complexity of the work.
Principal Working Relationships:
Co-workers, developers, contractors, builders, architects, engineers, business owners, real estate agents, utility providers, elected officials, other city employees, and the general public.
Purpose of Contacts:
Contacts are typically to give or exchange information, provide services, resolve problems, and clarify, justify, defend, negotiate, or settle matters.
Supervisory and Management Responsibility:
None.
Physical Demands:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The work is a combination of in the field contact with developers, contractors, builders, architects, real estate agents, elected officials, etc. and typical office work performed while sitting at a desk or table with intermittent standing or stooping. Some reaching and bending may be required. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects, and may be required to distinguish between shades of color.
Work Environment:
The work is typically performed in an office or outdoors. Work may involve the prolonged use of the telephone and personal computer. Evenings and weekends may be required.