Description
Job Title: Planning and Community Development Director
Department: Planning & Community Development
Reports To: City Manager
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Location: City of Buchanan, Michigan
Position Overview:
The City of Buchanan's Planning and Community Development Director is responsible for leading and managing the City's planning, zoning, and community development efforts. This key leadership position is responsible for overseeing the City's long-range planning initiatives, zoning administration, code enforcement, building services, rental registration, and community quality of life programs.
The Director will work closely with the City Manager, Planning Commission, developers, community organizations, and residents to support balanced, inclusive, and sustainable development that enhances Buchanan's character and livability.
Core Responsibilities:
Planning and Zoning
Serve as the City's Zoning Administrator and primary staff liaison to the Planning Commission.
Oversee and implement the City's Master Plan, zoning ordinance, and other land-use policies.
Coordinate site plan reviews, zoning applications, and development proposals. Advise and assist property owners, developers, and design professionals on zoning and development processes.
Lead community planning initiatives related to land use, sustainability, transportation, and economic development. Code Enforcement and Blight Elimination.
Manage code enforcement operations to ensure compliance with property maintenance, zoning, and nuisance ordinances.
Develop proactive strategies for blight elimination
Collaborate with public safety, legal counsel, and neighborhood groups to address chronic nuisance properties.
Building and Rental Oversight
Oversee the City's Building Official and building inspection services.
Administer the City's Rental Registration Program to ensure safe and compliant rental housing.
Ensure proper management of records and reports related to permits, inspections, and code compliance.
Housing Programs
Develop and manage City-led housing programs that support affordable housing, rehabilitation, infill development, and rental stabilization.
Leverage resources and funding from partner agencies, state and federal programs, and non-profit organizations to assist Buchanan residents.
Collaborate with regional housing organizations to align efforts and maximize available support for housing needs in the community.
Actively recruit and engage housing developers to invest in new residential construction and redevelopment opportunities in Buchanan.
Promote the City as a location for high-quality housing projects by highlighting available land, infrastructure investments, and incentive programs.
Parks and Recreation Development
Lead planning and implementation efforts to improve and expand the City's parks, trails, and recreational facilities.
Develop and update the City's Parks and Recreation Master Plan in coordination with the Parks and Recreation Board and community stakeholders.
Identify and pursue grant opportunities, public-private partnerships, and capital improvement funding to support park upgrades and recreational programming.
Coordinate with the Department of Public Works and contractors to ensure timely and high-quality execution of park improvements and maintenance.
Engage the public in identifying recreational needs and priorities, and ensure park spaces are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of all residents.
Support the activation of public spaces through events, programming, and partnerships that promote outdoor recreation, wellness, and community engagement.
Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Support
Serve as staff to the City of Buchanan's Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (BRA), supporting the planning and execution of redevelopment projects on contaminated, blighted, or underutilized properties.
Coordinate BRA meetings, maintain records, and ensure compliance with state and local program requirements.
Assist in identifying potential brownfield sites and supporting developers in navigating brownfield incentive tools such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Environmental Site Assessments, and cleanup
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in Planning, Public Administration, Business Administration, Environmental Studies or a related field.
Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in planning, zoning, or community development, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role.
Working knowledge of zoning, land use law, and development review processes.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse community stakeholders.
Ability to interpret and enforce local ordinances and state regulations.
Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, including budget oversight.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Grant writing and administration experience is a plus.
