City Council - Zoning & Community Development Representative at Cityof Philadelphia in Philadelphia, PA

Job description

Job summary   The Zoning & Community Development Representative reports to the Director of Equitable Development. This role is the primary point of contact for constituent-related matters on these topics and supports the Director in crafting and implementing an equitable development agenda for the 3rd District.    Equitable development is achieved when quality of life outcomes, such as affordable housing, quality education, living wage employment, healthy environments, and transportation are equitably experienced by the people currently living and working in a neighborhood, as well as for new people moving in. It also promotes public and private investments, programs, and policies in neighborhoods that meet the needs of residents and reduce racial disparities, taking into account past history and current conditions. Under the guidance of the Councilmember and the Director of Equitable Development, the Z&CD Representative will work towards the above-stated goals for the benefit of residents and communities in the 3rd District.    Supervisory Responsibilities:   Equitable Development part-time team members and interns.    Duties and Responsibilities:   Manage, record, & resolve constituent inquiries regarding topics including but not limited to property research, zoning and building construction related code enforcement, public infrastructure, vacant land acquisition, zoning permits and hearings, City land disposition, traffic and transportation, and other questions related to land use, development, and planning. The Z&CD Representative will be responsible for comprehensive and compassionate one-on-one communication with constituents, prompt follow up and responsiveness, and thorough tracking of steps taken to close each inquiry to help the office learn how to better serve.  Enter and track data on all constituent cases assigned to the Equitable Development team, using City Council’s ASAP online database as well as other databases.   Represent the office at community meetings, particularly those related to zoning matters in the District, and organize and conduct outreach for public meetings of our own in partnership with relevant City departments.   Observe and testify at relevant public boards & commission hearings including Zoning Board of Adjustment, Civic Design Review, Land Bank, & Historical Commission. Provide testimony, monitor outcomes, and prepare constituents for effective participation.   Develop & implement the office’s RCO engagement strategy, including technical assistance, ongoing communication with RCO leaders, and early coordination on zoning matters to foster transparency & trust.  Act as community liaison by developing and implementing strategies to solicit community input on zoning and development issues, educate the community on their rights and our office’s services, developing and maintaining relationships with key community leaders, and attending important community forums and events.   Design, coordinate, & lead engagement strategies for zoning re-mappings, major development proposals, commercial corridor support, and public infrastructure improvement. Work with team to organize & facilitate community meetings, workshops, & inter-governmental agency sessions to ensure residents have meaningful opportunities to participate in planning processes.  Assist with research and policy analysis on topics related to housing, zoning and development. These topics include but are not limited to zoning best practices, the preservation and creation of affordable housing, community land sovereignty, equitable tax policy and protecting residents against displacement. Recent legislative examples include mandatory inclusionary zoning, the Public Land for Public Benefit bill, the People’s Preservation Package, and the Defying Displacement campaign. Create maps, databases, memos, and other tools needed to make strategic and informed de