Senior Affordable Housing Planner

Senior Affordable Housing Planner

Salary

$106,986.45 - $147,677.42 Annually

Location

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

Job Type

Regular

Remote Employment

Flexible/Hybrid

Job Number

26-00246

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

Bellevue's core values - exceptional public service, stewardship, innovation, and equity - 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 Senior Planner plays a critical role in upholding these values through strategic policy development, collaborative problem-solving, and community-centered planning. This is an exciting time to engage in housing policy in Bellevue. You will help to address critical housing needs in a growing and changing community and support organizational alignment to further housing outcomes.

The Affordable Housing Senior Planner will drive Bellevue's long-range housing policies and implementation programs that expand housing access and equity. This position integrates technical planning expertise with policy development, cross-departmental collaboration, community engagement, and regional coordination.

The Affordable Housing Senior Planner leads and collaborates with other departments on complex housing initiatives, including strategic and comprehensive plans, policy analysis, code updates, development incentives, needs assessments, and program implementation. The role requires deep knowledge of land use and housing policy, strong analytical and communication skills, and the ability to manage politically sensitive, multi-stakeholder projects.

The Senior Planner works under the general supervision of the Affordable Housing Manager and collaborates regularly with multiple departments, ARCH (A Regional Coalition for Housing), housing developers, regional agencies, community members including those with lived experience of housing instability, and elected and appointed officials.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Affordable Housing Policy, Planning & Analysis

• Conduct complex technical and policy analysis to support updates to the Comprehensive Plan Housing Element, and evaluation of special housing initiatives.
• Research and analyze housing policies, regulatory tools, and their economic impacts, including feasibility analysis for incentives such as density bonuses, tax exemptions, and fee waivers.
• Prepare studies, reports, staff presentations, and legislative recommendations for City Council, Planning Commission, boards, commissions, and community groups.
• Maintain familiarity with federal, state, regional, and local housing programs and ensure compliance with relevant requirements.

Land Use Code & Regulatory Work

• Initiate, review and coordinate amendments to the Land Use Code and development regulations that advance affordable housing goals.
• Provide advanced planning support for local code updates, rezones, and housing-related regulatory reform efforts.
• Coordinate and train staff across departments on new code provisions and interpretations.

Program Implementation, Data & Reporting

• Lead cross-departmental implementation of the 2026-32 Affordable Housing Strategy.
• Identify opportunities to allocate local and regional housing funds to priority projects and programs.
• Collect, analyze, and maintain data on city-wide affordable housing metrics; prepare reports to support program evaluation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Access and analyze demographic and housing data to support planning processes and track trends.

Regional Coordination

• Represent Bellevue's Office of Housing in regional forums and workgroups addressing affordable housing, planning mandates, and interjurisdictional coordination as needed.
• Lead or participate in regional housing planning efforts requiring multijurisdictional alignment.
• Support ARCH efforts with local updates, data sharing, and coordinated local code and incentive implementation.

Community Engagement & Communication

• Provide information to residents, service providers, community organizations, and neighborhood groups regarding housing programs and policy initiatives.
• Support and participate in public outreach to better inform and publicize housing programs and policy changes.
• Communicate complex and potentially controversial policy issues clearly and persuasively to a range of stakeholders.
• Build partnerships and foster collaboration to accelerate affordable housing production and preservation.

Project & Team Leadership

• Serve as project manager for complex, politically sensitive projects involving multiple departments or agencies.
• Lead interdepartmental teams to ensure coordinated implementation of work program outcomes.
• Provide subject-matter guidance for staff, community leaders, and elected and appointed officials.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a degree in public policy, urban planning, public administration, law, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of professional experience in public policy, affordable housing, land use planning, or related fields. Experience must include at least two years of project management.
• Master's degree in planning, economics, public administration, or a related discipline preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• AICP certification preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• 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.
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues, develop innovative approaches, and solve problems proactively.
• Skill in researching complex issues, preparing reports, and delivering succinct, persuasive presentations.
• Ability to work independently while collaboratively supporting multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong communication skills; ability to engage effectively with diverse audiences on complex or sensitive topics.
• 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.
• Demonstrate a commitment to creating diverse, equitable communities.

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 public policy, urban planning, public administration, law, 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 public policy, affordable housing, land use planning do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-3 years of experience
• 3-5 years of experience
• 5-7 years of experience
• More than 7 years of experience

04

Please describe your experience as it relates to this position.

05

How many years of project management experience do you have?

• No experience
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1-2 years of experience
• 2-4 years of experience
• More than 4 years of experience

06

Which of the following areas do you have professional experience in? (Select all that apply)

• Affordable housing policy
• Land use planning
• Housing development incentives (e.g., MFTE, density bonuses)
• Community engagement or public outreach
• Regional planning or interjurisdictional coordination
• Data analysis and reporting
• Legislative analysis or policy development
• Program implementation and evaluation
• None of the Above

07

Do you have an AICP certification?

• Yes
• No

08

Please share an example of how you have integrated equity considerations into a housing, planning, or policy project. (Please be mindful that artificial intelligence tools, when used to assist in drafting responses, can produce similar language across the many applications submitted. Responses are more effective if they clearly reflect personal experience, specific examples, and individual voice.)

09

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/