Affordable Housing Planning Manager

Affordable Housing Planning Manager

Salary

$136,521.93 - $188,368.40 Annually

Location

Bellevue City Hall, 450 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00260

Department

City Managers Office

Division

CMO_DepCtyMgrGrp2_Housing

Opening Date

07/30/2026

Closing Date

8/16/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

FLSA

Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NONAFF

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Come Join the City of Bellevue!

Please fill out your application as fully as possible. The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. Read the "Hiring Process" section below to learn more.

New hires typically receive between minimum and midpoint, however, we may go slightly higher based on experience, internal equity and market.

Job Summary

The Office of Housing is looking for a creative, experienced, forward-thinking individual to fill the role of Affordable Housing Planning Manager to help us shape and catalyze positive change in the city.

The Affordable Housing Planning Manager leads a small but mighty team to develop and implement planning, funding, development, and related programs that advance affordable housing in Bellevue. Under the direction of the Office of Housing Director, the Manager plays a critical role in overseeing the affordable housing work plan, leading strategic internal and external partnerships, and elevating equitable and community-centered practices.

The successful candidate will lead a focused group of professional staff to advance Council priorities relating to policy development, oversee the ongoing affordable housing program, and collaborate on code development led by the Development Services Department. The Affordable Housing Manager will work collaboratively with other city staff, A Regional Coalition for Housing (ARCH), non-profit and private-sector housing developers, other housing advocates and service providers, neighborhood groups, and residents. Work in 2026 and 2027 will include implementation of the 2026-32 Affordable Housing Strategy, updates to affordable housing development incentives, development of two city-owned properties for affordable housing, a significant affordable housing funding round, strategy for future affordable housing investments, and implementation of specific policy actions per direction from City Council.

Opportunity

Bellevue's core values - exceptional public service, stewardship, innovation, integrity, equity, and commitment to employees - guide the work of the Office of Housing. As a welcoming, multicultural, innovation-focused city, Bellevue strives to create inclusive communities where everyone can thrive. The Office of Housing, located in the City Manager's Office, is committed to supporting the City's vision by advancing the 2026-32 Affordable Housing Strategy, expanding access to diverse housing choices, responding to homelessness, and fostering equitable, inclusive communities. The Office of Housing includes two primary work groups, each led by a Manager: Affordable Housing, and Homelessness Outreach.

The City of Bellevue is rapidly maturing into a tech-centric, diverse, metropolitan city within the Central Puget Sound Region. Bellevue is building the city of the future. Our welcoming, multicultural, innovation-focused community attracts people from around the world to live, work, and play here. A top priority of Bellevue's growth strategy is providing a broad spectrum of affordable living opportunities to meet evolving needs for people throughout their lives. The city seeks to build upon accomplishments in recent years as it has ramped up its affordable housing work and launched an Office of Housing to meet this challenge.

This is an exciting time to engage in affordable housing in Bellevue. The Planning Manager has the opportunity to address critical housing needs in this growing and changing community and support organizational alignment to further housing outcomes.

Bellevue's Office of Housing is also seeking an Affordable Housing Senior Planner. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply to both opportunities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

• In collaboration with the Office of Housing Director, defines the goals, implementation strategies, and performance measures of the Office's affordable housing work program.
• Manages program budget and leads a team of professional staff to effectively carry out work program.
• Provides timely feedback to staff based on performance expectations and supports professional development.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE

• Provides expert knowledge of affordable housing, strategic plan development, public policy formulation, and legislative action, along with associated inclusive engagement processes.
• Provides expertise in affordable housing development and funding programs.
• Applies long-term perspective to housing and development issues. Understands interrelatedness of growth and housing affordability issues and implications for Bellevue's future.
• Applies appropriate analytical methods to affordable housing issues and projects, draws logical conclusions, and makes well-justified recommendations.

LEADERSHIP

• Demonstrates integrity, credibility, trust and respect to city staff, council, boards and commissions, regional partners, and the public.
• Provides comprehensive mindset in developing ideas and work programs that advance affordable housing initiatives and city goals.
• Identifies emerging issues, develops strategies to address, and proactively seeks to resolve problems.
• Works to instill in staff a commitment to the organization and to its affordable housing principles and goals.
• Represents the city at relevant local, regional, and statewide forums.

CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Provides clear information to the community regarding affordable housing needs, strategies to address, and progress on implementation.
• Assures the Affordable Housing workgroup serves the public interest while providing high quality service and progress towards housing goals.
• Brings forward new, innovative ideas to help the community meet identified housing goals.
• Provides technical assistance to developers and property owners on the city's affordable housing programs and incentives.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Oversees the Office of Housing's Affordable Housing Program, including ongoing elements such as the multifamily tax exemption program, capital investment and partnerships, and discrete affordable housing initiatives.
• Personally manages, or oversees the manager, of affordable housing policy and implementation initiatives.
• Develops systems, policies and procedures to produce quality, cost-effective work.
• Builds effective monitoring and evaluation methods into projects or programs and uses results of evaluation to make future improvements.
• Provides effective oversight of project team members as well as consultants as applicable.

COMMUNICATION, COLLABORATION

• Develops and maintains productive relationships with elected officials, advisory boards, regional partners, other city departments, the news media, and diverse groups within the community.
• Demonstrates an ability to navigate the citys political environment and sensitivities, and to function effectively within that environment.
• Uses innovative, creative approaches for disseminating information and engaging everyone in the community.

Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited four-year university with a degree in community development, urban planning, public policy, public administration, or a closely related field.
• Master's degree in planning, economics, public administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• A minimum of seven years' progressively responsible experience in leading work and supervising staff in support of affordable housing, strategic plan development, public policy formulation, city planning, and/or legislative action, including at least three years of supervisory experience.
• A clear equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the required mix of knowledge, skills and abilities is welcome.
• AICP certification preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Expert knowledge of housing affordability issues, funding sources, regulatory frameworks, and housing finance concepts.
• Expert knowledge of planning principles, Growth Management Act requirements, zoning laws, and land use policy.
• Demonstrate a commitment to creating diverse, equitable communities.
• Inclusive approach to collaboration, valuing unique views, building a sense of belonging, and strengthening partnerships.
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues, develop innovative approaches, and solve problems proactively.
• Skill in researching complex issues, preparing reports, and delivering succinct, persuasive presentations.
• Strong communication skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences on complex or sensitive topics, adjusting communication styles to connect with people from different backgrounds.
• Think conceptually, observe and evaluate trends, analyze data, draw logical conclusions, and make sound recommendations.
• Proficiency in project management techniques and Microsoft Office tools. Experience in data visualization tools such as Power BI preferred.
• Ability to navigate political environments with tact and diplomacy.
• Foster an environment of productive teamwork, builds an inclusive team culture, provides for professional growth and advancement.
• Skill in supervising staff with different specialties, navigating organizational change.

Supplemental Information

Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Work involves walking, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls and reach with hands and arms.
• Vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The employee may be required to push, pull, lift, and/or carry objects up to 40 pounds.
• The noise level in the work environment is moderately quiet.

Flexible/Hybrid Working:

A hybrid work schedule is available for this position after an orientation period working in the office after hire. Remote work for this position is subject to departments operational needs and will be discussed with candidates during the selection process. Full-time remote work is not an available option. Once hired, employees must reside in the State of Washington and within reasonable commuting distance to Bellevue City Hall. Community Outreach manager responsible for programming that may include evening and weekends.

HIRING PROCESS

The City evaluates candidates based on the information provided in the online application only. Do not submit resumes and cover letters. To evaluate all candidates fairly and equitably, the City will make all applicants anonymous when we are screening the applications. We will redact information from our application such as your name, address, and other demographics. To help us, please complete the online application form as fully as possible.

• Answer the Supplemental Questions when requested which can be found on the Questions tab of the Job posting.
• We do not accept resumes and cover letters during the anonymous application screening stage, unless otherwise stated in the job description.
• Applicants advancing to the next stage may be required to provide a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and references.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

• All candidates will be required to establish employment authorization and identity at the time of hire. The City is not able to sponsor work visas.
• All positions require the completion of references checks, including at least one prior supervisor.
• Some positions may require completion of a criminal background check prior to start employment
• Some positions may require obtaining a commercial drivers license (CDL), licensures, or additional certifications.

At the City of Bellevue, youll be part of a team committed to providing exceptional customer service, upholding the public interest and advancing the community vision. The six essential and enduring principles that guide our individual actions, our interactions, and our decision making in the City of Bellevue organization is: Exceptional Public Service, Stewardship, Commitment to Employees, Integrity, Innovation, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Youll work in an environment that is innovative, collaborative, future focused, and committed to excellence. Bellevue welcomes the world. Our diversity is our strength. We embrace the future while respecting our past. Its what makes the City of Bellevue an exciting place to work, live, and explore.

Have we piqued your interest yet? Come join our team! The City of Bellevue supports workplace diversity. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, genetic information, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status. Persons needing assistance with the application process may call the Human Resources Office, at 425-452-6838 or recruiting@bellevuewa.gov. If you are invited to participate in the selection process and need ADA accommodations, please notify HR before you are scheduled for an interview or testing.

The City of Bellevue participates in the E-Verify program. Learn more about the E-Verify program.

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/IER_RightToWorkPoster.pdf

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RighttoWorkPosterES.pdf

For any technical difficulties with your application, please contact the NEOGOV support line at 855-524-5627.

Please be sure to check your junk folder for any messages that may be sent to you about this recruitment.

The City of Bellevue offers employees a comprehensive benefits package providing choice, flexibility, and value!

Please Note: Seasonal, part-time, and variable employees are not eligible for the below benefits except for mandatory participation in the retirement plan assigned to the position, which will be the Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT 2) retirement plan or the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) retirement plan and any other benefits as required by law.

The following summary applies to fully benefited positions:

Medical

Employees are offered a choice of medical coverage through the Citys self-insured Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan or Kaiser Permanente (HMO).

Dental

Employees are offered a choice of two dental carriers with plans that offer regular checkups, x-rays, fillings, and crowns. Orthodontia is available through one of the carriers.

Vision

Employees are offered a choice of vision coverage through an annual exam-only plan or a buy-up plan which includes an annual eye exam and hardware coverage.

Retirement Plans - Employees are offered three retirement plans:

• Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS): Mandatory participation (PERS, LEOFF or PSERS), depending upon eligibility.
• City of Bellevue Municipal Employees Benefit Trust (MEBT): Optional participation in this 401(k) retirement savings plan with employer match contributions that vest on a 3-year schedule.
• Deferred Compensation Program (457 DCP): Optional participation in the supplemental Deferred Compensation Program also administered by DRS that allows tax-deferred savings into a variety of investments options.

Other benefits include:

More detailed information about our employee benefits is available at https://c2mb.ajg.com/cityofbellevue

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Life/Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D) Insurance
• Long Term Disability (LTD)
• Survivor Income
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 11 observed holidays per year plus 2 additional personal holidays, vacation (standard accrual of 12 days a year), and sick leave (accumulated at the rate of one day per month)
• An ORCA Card bus pass
• On-site fitness center, and self service food/coffee options
• Career development and training programs
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)

Paydays - The City of Bellevue pays employees on the 8th and the 23rd of each month (24 pay periods per year).

Please note: The City of Bellevue does not participate in the Social Security Administration (SSA) program and employees do not earn social security credits. The mandatory DRS retirement pension plan provides the required social security replacement plan.

NOTE: This is a brief summary of the benefit programs for the Citys non-represented employees. Every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. Benefits for employees represented by a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) may have different benefits. If any information on this document conflicts with the provisions of a CBA, the CBA prevails. Also, in the event of any incorrect information in this document, applicable laws, policies, rules, CBAs, or official plan documents will prevail.

01

Your responses in this section will be used to review your application and determine your eligibility for this position. The experience listed here MUST match the employment history provided in your application. If your answers do not align, please go back and update your application before submitting, as any discrepancies may result in removal from consideration. Please note, it is not acceptable to use "See Resume" or "See Above". We do not accept resumes as a substitute for a completed application. Do you understand and agree to these requirements?

• I confirm that the information provided here is consistent with my application.
• I do not agree with the statements above.

02

Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed in community development, urban planning, public policy, public administration, or a related field?

• High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED)
• Associate degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree or above

03

How many years of progressively responsible experience in leading work and supervising staff in support of affordable housing, strategic plan development, public policy formulation, city planning, and/or legislative action do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-7 years of experience
• 7-9 years of experience
• More than 9 years of experience

04

Please describe your experience as it relates to this position.

05

How many years of supervisory experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• More than 5 years of experience

06

Which of the following affordable housing functions have you performed? (select all that apply)

• Strategic plan development
• Policy or legislative analysis
• Funding program administration
• Development incentives evaluation (e.g., MFTE, fee waivers, density bonuses)
• Affordable housing capital investment or partnerships
• Portfolio or program management
• Code development or regulatory review
• None of the above

07

Do you have an AICP certification?

• Yes
• No

08

The City of Bellevue is a hybrid workplace. This is a Washington State job, and candidates must reside within a reasonable distance of City Hall and be onsite in Bellevue at least 2 day(s) per week.

• Yes, I am interested in hybrid schedule and available to be onsite 2 or more days per week.
• No, I am interested in fully remote position.

Required Question

Employer City of Bellevue

Address PO Box 90012

Bellevue, Washington, 98009

Website http://www.bellevuewa.gov/