Zoning & Community Development Representative
About the job
- A bachelor's degree is required.
- One to three years of work experience is required.
- Considerable knowledge of community and economic development, with business development knowledge as a strong plus.
- Knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes.
- Demonstrated commitment to social justice through work or volunteer experience.
- Cultural competency and the ability to work in a culturally diverse environment.
- Significant experience working with diverse constituencies, including public officials, executives, grassroots organizations, and community members.
- Ability to communicate effectively with groups and individuals, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees, and the general public.
- Ability to establish working relationships with organizations and community development practitioners.
- Ability to regularly attend night and weekend events.
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent judgment and analytical skills.
- Knowledge of Philadelphia and the communities of the 3rd Council District.
- Manage, record, and resolve constituent inquiries regarding property research, zoning and building construction code enforcement, public infrastructure, vacant land acquisition, zoning permits and hearings, City land disposition, traffic and transportation, land use, development, and planning.
- Communicate with constituents one-on-one, follow up promptly, respond to inquiries, and track steps taken to close each inquiry.
- Enter and track data on constituent cases assigned to the Equitable Development team using City Council’s ASAP online database and other databases.
- Represent the office at community meetings, particularly zoning-related meetings in the District.
- Organize and conduct outreach for public meetings in partnership with relevant City departments.
- Observe and testify at relevant public board and commission hearings, including the Zoning Board of Adjustment, Civic Design Review, Land Bank, and Historical Commission.
- Provide testimony, monitor hearing outcomes, and prepare constituents for effective participation.
- Develop and implement the office’s Registered Community Organization engagement strategy, including technical assistance, communication with Registered Community Organization leaders, and early coordination on zoning matters.
- Act as a community liaison by soliciting community input on zoning and development issues, educating the community about its rights and the office’s services, developing relationships with community leaders, and attending community forums and events.
- Design, coordinate, and lead engagement strategies for zoning re-mappings, major development proposals, commercial corridor support, and public infrastructure improvement.
- Work with the team to organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and intergovernmental agency sessions that provide residents meaningful opportunities to participate in planning processes.
- Assist with research and policy analysis on housing, zoning, development, zoning best practices, affordable housing, community land sovereignty, equitable tax policy, and displacement prevention.
- Create maps, databases, memos, and other tools to support decisions on policy, City land disposition, zoning re-mappings, and budgeting priorities.
- Create and disseminate email newsletters about Equitable Development, Zoning and Planning, and grow the subscriber list.
- Lead meetings and maintain professional working relationships with City agencies, local nonprofits, Registered Community Organizations, civic associations, property owners, and other interested groups concerning development and public infrastructure in the 3rd District.
- Work with the Constituent Services team to draft instructional materials about zoning advocacy, code enforcement, and land acquisition.
- Collaborate on projects related to small business and commercial corridor support and engagement.
- Support Council committees chaired by the Councilmember through legislative planning, hearing logistics, and recruiting panel participants based on subject matter expertise.
- Assist the Director of Equitable Development with general administrative tasks.
- Assist the 3rd Councilmanic team with shared tasks, including answering the phone and participating in and staffing legislative hearings.
- Participate in a weekday and weekend staffing rotation for neighborhood meetings and events, averaging approximately one to two evening meetings per week and one weekend meeting every six to eight weeks.
- Supervise Equitable Development part-time team members and interns.
- A master's degree in urban planning or a closely related field is strongly preferred.
About the company
Philadelphia's Department of Commerce acts as the city's economic catalyst. It helps local businesses by providing one-on-one assistance through the Office of Business Services and by funding or partnering with neighborhood organizations to connect firms with resources. The department aims to make Philadelphia a globally competitive economy that benefits everyone who lives, works, or does business in the city, and to make the city a more vibrant destination where employers flock, entrepreneurs thrive, and innovation grows. It achieves this through neighborhood-focused outreach, personalized support, and collaboration with local partners to offer a broad range of services rather than a single product.
Company Size
11-50
Company Stage
N/A
Total Funding
N/A
Headquarters
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Founded
N/A
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Simplify's Take
What believers are saying
- PICA approved Philadelphia’s five-year plan on July 28, 2026, preserving budget credibility.
- ChargePHL’s vendors fund construction, maintenance, and operations, limiting city capital exposure.
- The city opened anti-violence grants up to $1 million on August 28, 2026.
What critics are saying
- PICA warned on July 28, 2026, Philadelphia faces a structural deficit and shrinking reserves.
- DOJ expanded its ICE lawsuit on August 25, 2026, threatening injunctions and legal costs.
- A severe federal aid shock forces service cuts and revives state oversight pressure.
What makes City of Philadelphia unique
- Philadelphia’s ChargePHL will deploy up to 1,000 curbside Level 2 chargers citywide in 2027.
- Parker’s 2026 budget paired $800 million H.O.M.E. bonds with citywide tax cuts.
- The city still controls a $7.1 billion operating budget across 18 planning districts.
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Benefits
Health Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Flexible Work Hours
Hybrid Work Options
Paid Vacation
Phone/Internet Stipend
Wellness Program
Mental Health Support
Professional Development Budget
Conference Attendance Budget
Stock Options
Company Equity
Company News
It's electric has signed an agreement with Philadelphia to deploy up to 1,000 Level 2 curbside electric vehicle chargers across the city, making Philadelphia the first US city to pursue city-wide curbside charging at this scale. City Council is set to vote on enabling legislation in June. The network will prioritise neighbourhoods based on rideshare driver density, lack of existing charging infrastructure and environmental justice considerations. More than 60% of Philadelphia households lack off-street parking, making curbside charging essential for EV adoption. It's electric's hardware draws power from existing buildings and utility poles, avoiding interconnection delays and grid upgrades. The first chargers are scheduled to go live in early 2027, with deployment spanning all 18 city planning districts.