At the Department of Commerce, we strive to be creative, collaborative, and trusted. We identify opportunities to deliver critical funding and services to strengthen communities and aim to promote equity in all aspects of our work. We believe that a diverse and inclusive workforce is essential to our success, and we work to foster an environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We cultivate an environment in which we continuously learn, and we own our work.
We invite all candidates to join us in our mission to create a diverse and equitable workplace that reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future.
The Local Government Division (LGD) partners with local governments, nonprofits, and others to strengthen the ability of all forms of local governments and community based organizations to fund and develop critical services to their citizens. The division provides leadership in local government finance and statewide infrastructure initiatives that help create and retain jobs. We also provides grants, loans, and planning and technical assistance to local governments for community development needs, infrastructure improvements, and economic development opportunities.
This position provides technical and financial assistance on growth management planning and implementation of housing policy to cities and counties. This position uses expertise in the principles, practices and techniques of land use as detailed in the Growth Management Act (GMA). This position will analyze proposed local comprehensive plans, regulations and incentives related to GMA housing implementation, and manage grants to local governments related to planning for the lowest income segments.
Duties:
- Track and monitor the administration and implementation of Growth Management Services (GMS) housing grants and the progress in meeting the requirements of the Growth Management Act.
- Review and comment on proposed comprehensive plan and development regulation updates as they relate to housing affordability, housing density along high capacity transit corridors, housing for all economic segments, and provisions for supportive housing types such as permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, and emergency housing and shelters.
- Conduct research, technical assistance and stakeholder outreach using available data from a variety of sources including Commerce, the University of Washington Center for Real Estate Research, regional councils, local governments and the Municipal Research Services Center (MRSC).
- Support tracking of comprehensive plan and development regulation update submissions to Commerce and assist with providing feedback to local governments on improvements to be consistent with the GMA and other state laws.
- Assist in development and review of technical assistance materials.
- Assist in developing, negotiating and monitoring grants for local governments, including scope of work and budget for GMS housing grants.
- Review statements of work (SOW) and deliverables for grants to ensure work is commensurate with funds and when deliverables are submitted, that they are adequate.
- Assist in administering expenditure and tracking of GMA housing grants.
- Manage program contracts within the agency’s contract management system (CMS).
- Follow up to monitor progress related to housing grant implementation and provide technical assistance as communities implement grant activities, particularly the new Coordinating Low-income Housing Planning (CLIHP) grant. Activities may include processing contracts, reviewing deliverables and providing comments, processing invoices, tracking progress, posting examples, etc.
- Assist with grantee peer meetings on Zoom to support grant implementation.
- Assist in preparation of legislative information for hearings.
• Review assigned legislative bills.
Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor’s degree and college-level course work in land use planning, affordable housing, or equivalent education/experience.
AND
Two years of professional experience in community or economic development in one or more of the following:
Land use planning
Housing planning
Affordable housing development and management
Housing support services
A graduate or advanced degree may substitute for one year of required experience.
Additionally,
- Able to learn and understand the language and concepts of the Growth Management Act and best land use practices around housing planning.
• Demonstrate a commitment to growth, learning and self-awareness when provided training and opportunities to participate in improving our work environment.
• Participate and behave in a manner that creates trust and builds working relationships, promoting teamwork and collaboration in the work environment. - Provides excellent customer service and support.
- High-level interpersonal communication skills, clear oral and written communication ability, able to work effectively with co-workers and stakeholders.
Desired Qualifications:
- Familiarity with Growth Management Act and state and federal grants and contracts.
To be considered for this position the following are needed:
- A complete and detailed online application
- At least three (3) professional references (enter online)
- A cover letter (enter online)
For questions about this recruitment, please contact Elly Price at Elly.Price@Commerce.wa.gov.
Supplemental Information
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
This recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies over the next 60 days
Technical support is provided by NEOGOV, 855-524-5627 (can’t log in, password or email issues, error messages). DES job seeker support may answer general questions regarding the recruiting system at careershelp@des.wa.gov.
Our Commitment to Equal Opportunity:
The Washington State Department of Commerce is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons of disability, persons over 40 years of age, veterans or people with military status, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities are encouraged to apply. Persons needing accommodation in the application, testing, or interview process or this job announcement in an alternative format may call Human Resources at (360) 725-2650. Applicants who are deaf or hard of hearing may call through the Washington Relay Service by dialing 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6388.
Work from Anywhere In Washington State:
This position may be located anywhere within Washington State though occasional travel to a Commerce office building or in-state travel to attend events or meetings may be required. If selected, you will need to travel to pick up equipment and receive instruction. Many Commerce employees work remote or have a hybrid schedule.
