Regional Planner

Are you passionate about housing and zoning? Do you understand the intersectionality of housing and transit? The Division of Community Services within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) seeks a Regional Planner/RP II to work with a dedicated team to assist the implementation of the MBTA Communities law and help communities meet their housing needs.

About the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities:

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is charged with creating more homes in Massachusetts and lowering housing costs for residents. Formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), EOHLC works with municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and development partners to provide affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.

Learn more about our important work at www.mass.gov/eohlc

OVERVIEW OF ROLE:

As the Regional Planner, you play an integral role in the implementation and compliance efforts of M.G.L. c. 40A Section 3A, the MBTA Communities law, as part of the 3A Team. You will bring fundamental knowledge of the principles of zoning and housing to add to a team of dedicated and caring housing professionals working to help 177 communities meet their MBTA Communities zoning goals. In this role, you will directly assist the MBTA Communities Compliance Coordinator and collaborate with other regional planning staff at EOHLC to coordinate and track MBTA Communities compliance activities including technical assistance and training to municipal officials, housing advocates, the development community, and other constituents on housing, land use planning, and zoning issues.

If you understand the importance of as of right multifamily zoning to meet regional housing needs, want to join a nationally recognized team in the forefront of tackling housing choices near public transit, and help 177 communities achieve success, then this might just be the job for you!

Essential job duties include (these are not all-inclusive):

1) Training and Technical Assistance:

• Prepare materials and participate in technical assistance and training to municipal officials, the development community and other constituents of the MBTA Communities program, and matters pertaining to MGL c. 40A, housing, livable communities, and land use planning.

• Provide technical assistance to municipal officials and other governmental agencies on technical content of proposed zoning bylaws and ordinances, related general bylaws and other, statutes/regulations that affect zoning and housing.

• Assist, support and back up MBTA Communities staff including tracking requests for technical assistance, tracking compliance applications, compliance application review, preparation of memoranda and correspondence, coordination with legal staff and provide technical assistance to communities about the MBTA Communities Compliance program.

• Respond to inquiries from municipal officials, the development community, housing advocates, and members of the public on all aspects of MA land use related to zoning and planning.

2) Grants Administration:

• Assist MBTA Communities staff and coordinate/track grants that provide Technical Assistance for planning and developing zoning districts that are compliant with MBTA Communities requirements.

• Support EOHLC grant programs with review and evaluation of grant applications to ensure the selection of projects meet stated criteria and objectives. Participate in development and management of any MBTA grant program(s) that provide technical assistance to MBTA Communities to support compliance applications.

3) Collaboration:

• Work with other EOHLC staff and other state agencies to develop coordinated responses to state, regional and municipal goals; assist in developing/revising programs to address these goals; and provide technical assistance and training to communities.

• Represent EOHLC at meetings and make presentations at seminars and conferences.

4) Special Projects:

• Coordinate and/or undertake special projects, including the design and preparation of web content, handbooks, case studies, reports, directories, newsletters, and other publications that provide information and reference materials for municipal officials, the development community and other constituents on planning, land use, housing, and zoning-related issues.

• Assist the MBTA Communities Compliance Coordinator, and Community Assistance Unit team with special projects and additional duties including, but not limited to: programmatic planning, policy documentation and recommendations, and review of programmatic decisions and policies.

Preferred Qualifications:

Comments:

Please upload resume and cover letter.

This position would be expected to follow a hybrid model of reporting to work that combines in-office workdays and work from home days, as needed.

Salary placement is determined by years of experience and education directly related to the position and the Human Resources Division’s Recruiting Guidelines. In the case of a promotional opportunity, the salary provisions of the applicable collective bargaining agreement will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.

Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division’s Hiring Guidelines. Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth’s website.

• Education toward such a degree will be prorated on the basis of the proportion of the requirements actually competed.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!