Urban Planner (Housing Policy)

Ascent; California (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive medical benefits

Competitive salary

Wellness perks

Job summary

A planning studio is seeking a mid-level Urban Planner in California to lead projects focusing on housing and community engagement. Candidates should have a strong background in urban planning, especially in California-specific regulations. The role requires excellent writing and analytical skills, familiarity with planning software, and a collaborative approach. This position offers a chance to work in an inclusive environment dedicated to urban development and equity, while supporting overall community improvement.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of urban planning consulting experience in California.
• Familiarity with housing elements and general plans.
• Ability to distill complex policy into clear language.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support planning projects for housing elements and zoning.
• Analyze planning data for actionable insights.
• Prepare high-quality planning documents.

Skills

Research and analysis

Strong writing skills

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in planning

Tools

Microsoft Office

Adobe InDesign

GIS skills

Job description

Our Urban Design + Planning Studio is looking for a mid-level Urban Planner to join our team in either Sacramento or San Diego. Our ideal candidate has experience working on long-range planning projects in California, including general plans, housing elements, specific plans, zoning, and community engagement. We are looking for someone who shares our passion for urban planning and improving communities, and brings housing policy experience, a collaborative attitude, the ability to take ownership of assignments, and a drive to go beyond convention to develop creative solutions in a fast-paced urban planning and design studio.

In a typical week, you might:

• Lead and support planning projects – Contribute to the preparation of housing elements, general plans, specific plans, and zoning codes.
• Research, analyze, and translate data – Gather, synthesize, and interpret planning data – demographic trends, site inventories, zoning analyses, and housing needs assessments – turning complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Write and craft planning documents – Work independently to prepare high-quality planning reports, policy documents, and code provisions with clarity, precision, and accessibility in mind.
• Support project managers – Attend coordination calls with clients and provide project management support to ensure projects stay on budget and on schedule.
• Produce compelling visuals – Prepare graphically rich reports, presentations, and planning documents using InDesign, PowerPoint, and Word that communicate ideas effectively to clients, decision-makers, and the public.
• Engage communities – Participate in and help facilitate community outreach activities, including workshops, charrettes, and online and in-person meetings, using tools and techniques that make engagement interactive, educational, and welcoming to all.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Requirements

• 6+ years of consulting experience in urban planning in California, with hands‑on work in housing elements, general plans, specific plans, or zoning, including familiarity with AFFH requirements and housing legislation.
• Bachelor’s degree or master’s degree (preferred) in urban or regional planning, or closely related field.
• Strong writing, research, and analytical skills — the ability to distill complex policy into clear, readable language.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), Adobe InDesign, and Acrobat. GIS skills are a plus.

Why Ascent

We’re an Urban Design + Planning studio that believes planning is one of the most powerful tools we have to advance housing equity and build more livable, inclusive communities – and we bring that passion to everything we do. We immerse ourselves in every project – working across scales from neighborhoods to regions, navigating complex housing policies, and producing user‑friendly plans that are tailored to the communities we work in. At Ascent, you’ll work on housing, equity, and other policy challenges that genuinely matter, growing alongside a team of dedicated planners and designers, and helping to build something worth being proud of.

• Typical office environment
• In office

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at a time.

Travel

• Limited travel may be required.

Work authorization/security clearance requirements:

Not eligible for sponsorship

Additional eligibility requirements:

N/A

At Ascent, we believe in fostering a nurturing environment that prioritizes our people. We are committed to holistic investments in our team, offering not only competitive salaries and comprehensive medical benefits but also a range of perks designed to enhance emotional, financial, and physical wellness. A comprehensive listing of benefits offered can be found here.

As a people‑first organization, we value and will strive to ascend by welcoming and uplifting all voices, ideas, achievements, and contributions, including those from marginalized communities and identities. We believe that recognizing and embracing our differences makes us a stronger organization. We commit to proactively nurturing environments of mutual support, respect, and caring for all through our words and actions.

Interested in learning more about Ascent’s culture? Reach out to our People Resources team at [e-mail]. We look forward to hearing from you!

EEO Statement

Ascent provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. Ascent is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact [e-mail].

Ascent strives for equity in every area at Ascent, including compensation. To ensure candidates are paid fairly, the offered salary will fall within this range and will be determined based on the candidate’s demonstrated qualifications and alignment with the requirements of the position outlined above.