Urban Planning and Zoning Manager

AAME; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

AAME in Decatur, IL is seeking an Urban Planning and Zoning Manager to serve as the city’s principal advisor on planning and development. You will influence policy, guide the Planning Division, and coordinate with the MPO to modernize regulations and advance sustainable growth.

You will lead public engagement, provide staff support to the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council, and manage budgets and reports while ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field.
• Five years of professional planning experience including comprehensive planning, zoning administration, land use regulation, or development review.
• At least one year of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of urban/regional planning, land use law, zoning administration, and MPO operations.
• AICP certification required within 18 months of hire.

Responsibilities

• Direct all Planning Division activities, including MPO functions.
• Lead development and updates of the Comprehensive Development Plan and specialized area plans.
• Develop planning initiatives involving housing, transportation, sustainability, accessibility, and urban design.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, expenditures, records, and reports.
• Oversee preparation and amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.

Job description

Lead citywide planning. Advise on policy. Shape development outcomes.

As Urban Planning and Zoning Manager, you will serve as the City’s principal advisor on planning and development, with direct influence on city policy and development outcomes. Reporting to the Economic & Community Development Director, you will lead the Planning Division, oversee the Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO), modernize development regulations, and guide community-focused planning initiatives supporting sustainable growth and livability.

Why Decatur?

Located in Central Illinois, Decatur offers affordable living and attainable housing and was ranked #1 Best Affordable Place to Live in the U.S. 2025–2026 by U.S. News & World Report. The community offers more than 2,000 acres of parks, Lake Decatur, arts and entertainment, family activities, and access to Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.

What You’ll Lead

Planning & Policy

• Direct all Planning Division activities, including MPO functions, and supervise planning staff.
• Lead development and updates of the Comprehensive Development Plan and specialized area plans.
• Develop planning initiatives involving housing, transportation, sustainability, accessibility, and urban design.
• Prepare and monitor budgets, expenditures, records, and reports.

Zoning, Land Use & Development

• Oversee preparation and amendment of the Zoning Ordinance.
• Review development proposals, site plans, and land use applications for conformance with zoning and design guidelines.
• Guide developers, property owners, and consultants on planning requirements and regulatory compliance.

Transportation & MPO

• Oversee the Decatur Urbanized Area Transportation Study (DUATS), serving as MPO.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local requirements and prepare required federal reports, plans, and documents.
• Coordinate with state DOT, federal agencies, and regional partners on planning and transportation initiatives.

Public Engagement & Representation

• Prepare and present reports, recommendations, and policy information to the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, Technical Advisory Committee, and other boards.
• Serve as the primary staff liaison to the Planning & Zoning Commission and related committees.
• Facilitate public meetings and community engagement.
• Represent the City at regional planning meetings, professional conferences, and intergovernmental forums.

What You Bring

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, or a related field.
• Five years of progressively responsible professional planning experience, including comprehensive planning, zoning administration, land use regulation, or development review.
• At least one year of supervisory or team leadership experience, with demonstrated leadership, team-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Comprehensive knowledge of urban/regional planning, land use law, zoning administration, and MPO operations.
• Understanding of economic development, housing policy, sustainability, and community design.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to collect, interpret, and synthesize complex data.
• Proficiency with GIS software such as ArcGIS or similar.
• Excellent written communication skills, including concise reports, presentations, and policy documents.
• AICP certification required within 18 months of hire.

Preferred

• Master’s degree in urban planning, regional planning, geography, or a related field.
• Local government planning experience.

An equivalent combination of education, experience, and training may be considered.

What We Offer

• 14.5 paid holidays annually, including two employee-selected days
• Comprehensive health coverage
• Excellent pension plan
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Relocation reimbursement for qualified candidates
• Dedicated health center with free checkups, chronic condition management, immunizations, bloodwork, and many free prescriptions for employees and dependents
• Tuition reimbursement for continuing education and professional development

Additional Requirements

• Valid driver’s license required.
• Candidates must be currently authorized to work continuously in the U.S.; the City does not provide employment visa sponsorship.
• Employees must reside within 50 miles of Decatur’s corporate limits within 12 months of appointment.
• All candidates are subject to a post-offer pre-employment drug screen, physical, and background check. The City maintains a drug-free workplace, including marijuana.