Title 03 Administration and Personnel
Chapter 03.01A Executive and Administrative Organization
Article II. Departments
Section 03.01A.365 Planning and Economic Development Services
The planning and economic development services department is responsible for preparation and maintenance of the comprehensive plan to guide the community’s long-term physical, economic and social growth and for other matters of neighborhood and City planning, including regional coordination and urban design. The department supports plan implementation measures using development regulations, capital improvement plans and annexation programs; administers current planning activities such as rezoning, planned unit developments, subdivisions, environmental review, and variances; reviews development permits for compliance with land use codes; and promotes economic growth, redevelopment and developer incentives to enhance the quality of life in the community.
- The department enforces land use regulations and works with various city, county and state agencies in the regulation of property use requirements. The department addresses the community’s business needs and coordinates revitalization programs with an emphasis on sustainable economic growth. The department reviews transportation and traffic planning, street improvement proposals and transportation-related development issues.
- Through the administration section, the department serves as staff to the plan commission, design review board and bicycle advisory board.
- Any applicant offered the position of director of planning and economic development services for the City of Spokane shall meet or exceed the following qualifications at the time the offer of employment is made:
- bachelors or masters degree in urban planning, public administration or a related field;
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) certification;
- minimum of eight years of progressively responsible planning experience;
- minimum of four years of experience in a supervisory capacity, including significant experience managing complex projects and management experience related to long-range planning or land use planning;
- demonstrated responsibility for budgets exceeding one million dollars;
- demonstrated substantial coursework in land use and urban planning principles;
- demonstrated knowledge of federal, state and local laws and regulations as they apply to urban planning, particularly with regard to of the State of Washington’s Growth Management Act;
- demonstrated record of implementing projects consistent with a comprehensive plan or other adopted plans;
- demonstrated knowledge of real estate terminology, laws, practices, principles, and regulations;
- demonstrated knowledge of basic environmental function and values;
- demonstrated skills in oral and written communication to individuals and groups in a public setting; and
- demonstrated ability to work across departments and disciplines.
Equivalent combination of education and experience may substitute for the requirements 3-10.
- The planning and economic development services director shall be appointed by the mayor, with approval by a majority of the city council, pursuant to section 24 of the city charter.
Date Passed: Monday, December 14, 2020
Effective Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021
ORD C35992 Section 7
