Senior Planner

Job Description:

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) serves as the region's planning and intergovernmental coordination agency, addressing issues critical to long-term success such as growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults, and workforce solutions. ARC works to unify the region's resources through data-driven planning, collaborative partnerships, and community engagement to support a more prosperous metropolitan future.

ARC's Community Development Department partners with local governments across the 11-county region to address key challenges related to economic development, housing, land use, and transportation. The Department is seeking a highly motivated, collaborative Senior Planner with a strong interest in housing and economic development, as well as the ability to contribute to a wide range of general planning activities.

This position will play a central role in advancing ARC's economic development and housing priorities, including supporting the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Housing Strategy for the Atlanta Region. The Senior Planner will also contribute to a variety of local planning efforts through programs such as the Community Development Assistance Program (CDAP), Local Comprehensive Planning Program, and Livable Centers Initiative (LCI).

Projects may include municipal comprehensive plans, housing and economic development studies, corridor and subarea plans, food systems planning, and other community-focused initiatives. In addition to subject matter expertise, this role requires flexibility to support broader departmental and agency-wide planning efforts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support and the development and implementation of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) and the Housing Strategy for the Atlanta Region.
• Manage and contribute to local planning projects led by ARC's Community Development Department.
• Participate in all aspects of plan development, including research, data analysis, mapping, writing, stakeholder engagement, and public outreach.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local governments, project sponsors, and partner organizations.
• Collaborate on multidisciplinary teams to deliver complex planning initiatives.
• Provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building support to local jurisdictions.
• Contribute to additional analytical, GIS, and administrative projects as needed.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in urban or regional planning, economics, housing, public policy, or a related field.
• At least two (2) years of professional experience in planning or public policy (internship experience may be considered).

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in urban or regional planning, economics, housing, public policy, or a related field.
• Experience in housing and/or economic development.
• Five (5) or more years of experience in planning, public policy, or research.
• Expertise in one or more of the following: community engagement, land use planning, comprehensive planning, food systems, community development, or local government policy.

OR

An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies:

• Strong understanding of housing and economic development, with the ability to connect these areas to broader planning goals.
• Knowledge of the relationship between transportation and community development.
• Familiarity with local planning practices, including land use, zoning, and comprehensive planning.
• Ability to design and support policies, strategies, and regulatory approaches that promote livable, equitable communities.
• Strong research, data analysis, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience engaging with local governments, elected officials, and community stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic, team-oriented environment.