Urban Planning & Zoning Manager: Policy, Growth & Livability

City of Decatur Illinois; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 116,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

14.5 paid holidays annually

Paid vacation and sick leave

Health center with free checkups and 2

Tuition reimbursement for continuing教育

Job summary

City of Decatur Illinois is seeking an Urban Planning and Zoning Manager to act as the city’s principal advisor on planning and development, guiding policy and outcomes. You will lead the Planning Division, oversee MPO functions, and modernize development regulations to support sustainable growth.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in urban planning or related field, at least five years of planning experience and supervisory skills, plus proficiency in GIS and strong written communication.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Direct Planning Division activities 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.
• Oversee preparation and amendment of the Zoning Ordinance and review development proposals for conformance with zoning and design guidelines.
• Coordinate with state DOT and federal/regional partners on planning and transportation initiatives.
• Prepare and present reports to the Planning & Zoning Commission, City Council, and other boards.
• Represent the City at regional planning meetings and professional conferences.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical skills

GIS proficiency

Written communication

Regulatory knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in urban planning or related field

Master’s degree preferred

AICP certification within 18 months of hire

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

City of Decatur Illinois is seeking an Urban Planning and Zoning Manager to act as the city’s principal advisor on planning and development, guiding policy and outcomes. You will lead the Planning Division, oversee MPO functions, and modernize development regulations to support sustainable growth.

Ideal candidates have a bachelor’s in urban planning or related field, at least five years of planning experience and supervisory skills, plus proficiency in GIS and strong written communication.