LEGISLATIVE ANALYST-LAND USE

Working directly with Councilmembers and the Chief of Staff, the analyst plays a key role in supporting the Council’s policy development and decision-making. The position requires the ability to objectively analyze policy proposals, develop viable options, and identify both short- and long-term impacts of legislative decisions. While the analyst helps advance the Council’s policy objectives by providing high-quality analysis and legislative drafting, the role requires maintaining a professional, policy-agnostic perspective and serving all Councilmembers with impartiality.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience with local planning codes and state and federal planning requirements, including Washington’s Growth Management Act, Critical Areas regulations, and comprehensive planning. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to translate complex regulatory and policy issues into clear, actionable information for elected officials and the public.

This role operates in a fast-paced policy environment and requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and differing policy perspectives with professionalism and discretion. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong political awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively.

The Planning and Community Development Committee Analyst staffs the Council’s Planning and Community Development Committee and works closely with several County departments, including Planning and Development Services, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Hearing Examiner’s Office, and the Airport. In addition to land use and development policy, the analyst regularly evaluates legislation, programs, contracts, and budget proposals affecting these departments.

Primary responsibilities include drafting land use ordinances at the request of Councilmembers, evaluating department-initiated legislation for Council consideration, reviewing and analyzing contracts and budget proposals, and providing objective policy analysis to support Council decision-making.

Application Instructions

Please submit a detailed cover letter completely describing your experience and accomplishments in the following areas:

1. Analyzing land use policy proposals, identifying legally compliant solutions to complex planning issues, and presenting policy options, tradeoffs, and potential impacts.
2. Drafting complex land use ordinances, development regulations, regulatory code, and other policy frameworks.
3. Advising elected officials on planning and policy matters and preparing written materials for decision-makers (e.g., staff reports, policy memos, legislative analyses).
4. Communicating complex planning or policy issues to the public and other stakeholders.
5. Collaborating across departments, agencies, or jurisdictions to resolve planning issues, including matters such as annexations or boundary changes, and reviewing related contracts, programs, or budgets.
6. Reviewing and analyzing contracts, programs, and budgets.

    Provides policy and fiscal analysis to the County Council, primarily on land use, comprehensive planning, and oversight of contracts and legislation. The analyst presents findings to the Council and its committees and serves as a liaison to County departments, external agencies, and the public.