Community Planner

New York City Housing Authority’s Real Estate Development Department (REDD) is responsible for reinvesting in, restoring, and rebuilding publicly controlled affordable housing. REDD delivers on its mission by securing capital sources and operational expertise through innovative public-private partnerships that center resident voices. REDD’s work is critical to achieving NYCHA’s overall mission to provide quality housing for New Yorkers that is sustainable, inclusive, and safe, while fostering opportunities for economic mobility.
REDD oversees the implementation of the Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) program, which leverages the federal Project-Based Section 8 program to generate significant funding to modernize NYCHA communities, while preserving residents’ rights and enhancing their quality of life. In addition to the rehabilitation of existing buildings, REDD is also using PACT to undertake the complete rebuilding of public housing developments and create new mixed-income housing, community and commercial uses, public spaces, and other community assets. REDD’s PACT program has delivered $5.8 billion to over 20,000 homes and will address an additional $8 billion in capital needs for over 17,000 homes by 2025.
In addition to the PACT program, other development opportunities supported by REDD have included the transfer of development rights and the creation of thousands of affordable apartments, public and charter schools, and supportive housing.
REDD is seeking a passionate and dedicated Community Planner to join our team and contribute to the success of the PACT program and other REDD initiatives. Under the supervision of the Director of Community Planning, the Community Planner will play a vital role facilitating community engagement processes, working with residents and developers to advocate for community needs and priorities, and shape plans for NYCHA neighborhoods.
Key responsibilities:
1. Community Planning and Engagement: Develop and implement comprehensive community engagement strategies to involve residents, community organizations, and stakeholders in the planning and decision-making processes related to the PACT program. Build relationships with and provide resources to resident leaders to ensure they are empowered to effectively advocate for their communities.
2. Stakeholder Collaboration: Build and maintain effective partnerships with local government agencies, non-profit organizations, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders to leverage resources, share information, and coordinate efforts to support REDD initiatives.
3. Needs Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments of community needs, demographics, and resources to inform the development of housing and community development plans that address the unique challenges and opportunities within each NYCHA development.
4. Planning and Design: Collaborate with development partners, architects, urban planners, and other professionals to create innovative and sustainable housing designs, neighborhood plans, and public space improvements that enhance the quality of life for NYCHA residents.
5. Policy Analysis: Stay informed about relevant local, state, and federal policies, regulations, and funding opportunities related to affordable housing and community development; provide recommendations for policy advocacy and programmatic enhancements.
6. Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret data on housing trends, market conditions, and socio-economic indicators to support evidence-based decision-making of PACT program initiatives.
7. Communication and Outreach: Prepare and deliver presentations, reports, and other communications materials to convey complex planning concepts and project updates to diverse audiences, including residents, elected officials, and the general public.
8. Program Evaluation: Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of PACT program activities and outcomes, identify areas for improvement, and recommend adjustments to strategies, policies, and procedures as needed.
Additional Information
1. NYCHA employees applying for promotional, title or level change opportunities must have served a period of one year at current location and in current title and level (if applicable).
2. Candidates passionate about creating equitable, sustainable, and resilient communities are encouraged you to apply.
3. NYCHA residents are encouraged to apply.
Please read this posting carefully to make certain you meet the minimum qualification requirements before applying to this position.

1. A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college and two years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties described above; or
2. High school graduation or equivalent and six years of experience in community work or community centered activities in an area related to the duties as described above; or
3. Education and/or experience which is equivalent to "1" or "2" above. However, all candidates must have at least one year of experience as described in "1" above.

The City of New York is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.