What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Planner (COM 3) position at State of Washington?
Housing Planner (COM 3)
At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.
The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local government and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provide grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.
Located in the housing policy section of the Growth Management Services unit within the Local Government Division (LGD), this position provides professional level program administration, review and technical assistance to local governments on housing policy, plans and regulations for the new state Housing Accountability Act (HAA) program. This position works with other members of the housing team to support the HAA program by reviewing and providing recommendations to local government staff and officials on improving consistency of their housing plans and regulations with the Growth Management Act (GMA). This position will also provide technical expertise and guidance to local governments on the topic of planning for and regulating emergency shelter, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing (STEP).
Provides statewide technical assistance to local governments in housing and land use planning.
Tasks include:
• Conducts technical review of local housing components of comprehensive plans and development regulations for alignment with the Growth Management Act (GMA) and state regulations, and recommends local government changes for consistency with the GMA.
• Provides technical assistance to local jurisdiction staff and officials on the housing components of local comprehensive plans and development regulations for consistency with the GMA after technical review or as requested by local government staff.
• Reviews local government draft and adopted development regulation amendments to ensure the implementation of required zoning changes identified in comprehensive plans are consistent with RCW 36.70A.115.
• Communicates and advises local government staff and elected officials on revisions to plans and regulations needed to change previously adopted material for alignment with state requirements through the HAA voluntary or selected review process.
• Maintains tracking systems that document the technical review of housing elements and coordination with regional planners to identify jurisdictions that are selected for review to ensure consistency with RCW 36.70A.
• Recommends questions or topics to supervisors where consultation with the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) is needed to determine recommendations for local governments implementing the GMA.
• Works with and supports Growth Management Services (GMS) regional planners on housing planning and implementation to ensure consistent knowledge and application of GMA housing statutes and other state housing laws.
• Develops workshops and trainings as needed to help train local governments on GMA housing laws.
• Develops and presents housing and land use recommendations to local government planning staff, elected officials and internal agency staff.
Provide technical specialty assistance to local governments on plans and land use regulations for emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (STEP).
Tasks include:
• Serves as the GMS expert on planning for and regulating STEP.
• Reviews submitted STEP plans and regulations for consistency with the GMA requirements, municipal codes, and local housing allocations and develops appropriate recommendations as needed for consistency with state requirements.
• Provides technical assistance on planning for and regulating STEP to local planners and elected officials.
• Designs and maintains a tracking system for local government’s consistency between housing element planning for STEP and STEP development regulation implementation.
• Coordinates with Commerce’s Housing Division policy and section leads on technical questions and how the implementation of STEP land use regulatory guidance impacts Housing Division programs and policies.
• Coordinates with experts at DSHS, DOH, and other state agencies as needed on housing and facility types that are STEP-adjacent, but which are regulated by local governments to ensure clear information and guidance to local governments.
• Provides consultation to planning commissions and councils on state requirements for STEP, best practices and recommendations for consistency with state statutes.
Develops tools and materials to provide state policy direction, guidance, and outreach for the new Housing Accountability Act (SB 5148)
Tasks include:
• Develops and maintains outreach materials for new Housing Accountability Act program (SB 5148), including frequently asked questions and reminders about deadlines.
• Develops and maintains internal and external program resources such as guidance documents, tools, and best practices to guide Housing Accountability Act program implementation across the state.
• Ensures all housing planning websites are up to date and communicate the most accurate information, including new Housing Accountability Act approval information, reports on local jurisdiction housing compliance, and public notices.
• Provides training and workshops and professional consultation on SB 5148 for local governments.
Writes program administrative rules for the new Housing Accountability Act (SB 5148)
Tasks include:
• Drafts rule amendments related to Housing Accountability Act criteria, process, selection, and enforcement.
• Refines draft rules based on public feedback and provides expert level responses to public and official rulemaking comments.
Other duties as assigned
Tasks may include:
• Travels to local governments to provide personal technical assistance as needed or requested.
• Reviews draft legislative bills, including identifying the administrative impact of the bill and concerns that may require leadership’s coordination with legislative staff.
• Additional duties as defined by the Legislature regarding technical assistance and support to jurisdictions planning for and regulating emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing.Required Position Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experience working in community, trade, or economic development with a focus on local or regional planning in two or more of the following areas:
• Writing and/or administering zoning code or development regulations
• Coordination and consultation with public officials and departments
• Conducing data collection and analysis
• Analyzing and reviewing policies, rules and laws
Education involves land use planning, urban planning, public administration, public policy or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
Examples of how to qualify:
• 7 years of experience
• 6 years of experience and one year of education
• 5 years of experience and two years of education
• 4 years of experience and three years of education
• 3 years of experience and four years of education
• 2 years of experience and five years of education
• 1 year of experience and six years of education
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Familiarity with the Growth Management Act.
• Knowledge of local housing policy solutions and regulatory tools to implement housing policies.
• Knowledge and experience with local planning practices, and comprehensive plan and regulation adoption processes.
• Familiarity with local governance structures, including experience working with elected officials and staff at the local government level.
Required Position Competencies:
• Ability to review material against criteria consistently and communicate changes needed in clear, concise language.
• Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong problem-solving skills, highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to understand and appropriately respond to community, partner and stakeholder interests and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discernment, and the ability to understand the “big picture."
• Strong anticipatory skills to see opportunities and need
To be considered for this position the following are needed:
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.
At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places.
Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work. We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.
This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you.
Let’s build what’s next, together.The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local government and community-based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provide grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.
Located in the housing policy section of the Growth Management Services unit within the Local Government Division (LGD), this position provides professional level program administration, review and technical assistance to local governments on housing policy, plans and regulations for the new state Housing Accountability Act (HAA) program. This position works with other members of the housing team to support the HAA program by reviewing and providing recommendations to local government staff and officials on improving consistency of their housing plans and regulations with the Growth Management Act (GMA). This position will also provide technical expertise and guidance to local governments on the topic of planning for and regulating emergency shelter, transitional housing, emergency housing, and permanent supportive housing (STEP).
Provides statewide technical assistance to local governments in housing and land use planning.
Tasks include:
• Conducts technical review of local housing components of comprehensive plans and development regulations for alignment with the Growth Management Act (GMA) and state regulations, and recommends local government changes for consistency with the GMA.
• Provides technical assistance to local jurisdiction staff and officials on the housing components of local comprehensive plans and development regulations for consistency with the GMA after technical review or as requested by local government staff.
• Reviews local government draft and adopted development regulation amendments to ensure the implementation of required zoning changes identified in comprehensive plans are consistent with RCW 36.70A.115.
• Communicates and advises local government staff and elected officials on revisions to plans and regulations needed to change previously adopted material for alignment with state requirements through the HAA voluntary or selected review process.
• Maintains tracking systems that document the technical review of housing elements and coordination with regional planners to identify jurisdictions that are selected for review to ensure consistency with RCW 36.70A.
• Recommends questions or topics to supervisors where consultation with the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) is needed to determine recommendations for local governments implementing the GMA.
• Works with and supports Growth Management Services (GMS) regional planners on housing planning and implementation to ensure consistent knowledge and application of GMA housing statutes and other state housing laws.
• Develops workshops and trainings as needed to help train local governments on GMA housing laws.
• Develops and presents housing and land use recommendations to local government planning staff, elected officials and internal agency staff.
Provide technical specialty assistance to local governments on plans and land use regulations for emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing (STEP).
Tasks include:
• Serves as the GMS expert on planning for and regulating STEP.
• Reviews submitted STEP plans and regulations for consistency with the GMA requirements, municipal codes, and local housing allocations and develops appropriate recommendations as needed for consistency with state requirements.
• Provides technical assistance on planning for and regulating STEP to local planners and elected officials.
• Designs and maintains a tracking system for local government’s consistency between housing element planning for STEP and STEP development regulation implementation.
• Coordinates with Commerce’s Housing Division policy and section leads on technical questions and how the implementation of STEP land use regulatory guidance impacts Housing Division programs and policies.
• Coordinates with experts at DSHS, DOH, and other state agencies as needed on housing and facility types that are STEP-adjacent, but which are regulated by local governments to ensure clear information and guidance to local governments.
• Provides consultation to planning commissions and councils on state requirements for STEP, best practices and recommendations for consistency with state statutes.
Develops tools and materials to provide state policy direction, guidance, and outreach for the new Housing Accountability Act (SB 5148)
Tasks include:
• Develops and maintains outreach materials for new Housing Accountability Act program (SB 5148), including frequently asked questions and reminders about deadlines.
• Develops and maintains internal and external program resources such as guidance documents, tools, and best practices to guide Housing Accountability Act program implementation across the state.
• Ensures all housing planning websites are up to date and communicate the most accurate information, including new Housing Accountability Act approval information, reports on local jurisdiction housing compliance, and public notices.
• Provides training and workshops and professional consultation on SB 5148 for local governments.
Writes program administrative rules for the new Housing Accountability Act (SB 5148)
Tasks include:
• Drafts rule amendments related to Housing Accountability Act criteria, process, selection, and enforcement.
• Refines draft rules based on public feedback and provides expert level responses to public and official rulemaking comments.
Other duties as assigned
Tasks may include:
• Travels to local governments to provide personal technical assistance as needed or requested.
• Reviews draft legislative bills, including identifying the administrative impact of the bill and concerns that may require leadership’s coordination with legislative staff.
• Additional duties as defined by the Legislature regarding technical assistance and support to jurisdictions planning for and regulating emergency shelters, transitional housing, emergency housing and permanent supportive housing.Required Position Qualifications:
Seven (7) years of combined experience and/or education as described below:
Experience working in community, trade, or economic development with a focus on local or regional planning in two or more of the following areas:
• Writing and/or administering zoning code or development regulations
• Coordination and consultation with public officials and departments
• Conducing data collection and analysis
• Analyzing and reviewing policies, rules and laws
Education involves land use planning, urban planning, public administration, public policy or related field. Qualifying education post High School or equivalent may be substituted year for year for experience.
Examples of how to qualify:
• 7 years of experience
• 6 years of experience and one year of education
• 5 years of experience and two years of education
• 4 years of experience and three years of education
• 3 years of experience and four years of education
• 2 years of experience and five years of education
• 1 year of experience and six years of education
Preferred/Desired Qualifications:
• Familiarity with the Growth Management Act.
• Knowledge of local housing policy solutions and regulatory tools to implement housing policies.
• Knowledge and experience with local planning practices, and comprehensive plan and regulation adoption processes.
• Familiarity with local governance structures, including experience working with elected officials and staff at the local government level.
Required Position Competencies:
• Ability to review material against criteria consistently and communicate changes needed in clear, concise language.
• Intermediate skill level in the Microsoft Office suite products including Teams, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Strong problem-solving skills, highly organized and detail oriented.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to understand and appropriately respond to community, partner and stakeholder interests and needs.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment and discernment, and the ability to understand the “big picture."
• Strong anticipatory skills to see opportunities and need
To be considered for this position the following are needed:
- A complete and detailed online application.
- A cover letter (enter online).
- At least three professional references (enter online).
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remotely or have a hybrid schedule.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days.
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can't log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may email Human Resources at Human.Resources@commerce.wa.gov. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Department of Commerce also offers a competitive benefits package including: medical and dental insurance benefits, retirement and deferred compensation plans, 11 paid holidays each year, 14-25 vacation days per year (depending on length of employment), 8 hours of sick leave per month (if full time employed), bereavement leave, an employee assistance program, as well as other benefits. Please see the Benefits Tab for more details.
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