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 decisions on policy, City land disposition, zoning re-mappings, and budgeting priorities. Create and disseminate email newsletters with updates related to Equitable Development, Zoning and Planning, and work to actively grow the list of subscribers. Lead meetings and nurture professional working relationships with City agencies, local nonprofits, Registered Community Organizations, civic associations, property owners, and other interested groups around development and public infrastructure in the 3rd District. Work with Constituent Services team to draft clear and visually compelling instructional materials to assist West and Southwest Philadelphians on topics such as zoning advocacy, code enforcement, and land acquisition.  Collaborate on projects related to small business and commercial corridor support and engagement, depending on priority and need.  Support council committees chaired by the Councilmember as needed, with likely tasks including legislative planning, hearing logistics, and recruiting panel participants based on subject matter expertise.  Assist Director of Equitable Development with general administrative tasks. Assist the 3rd Councilmanic team with shared tasks, which includes answering the phone, participating and staffing legislative hearings. Participate in a weeknight and weekend staffing rotation as needed to ensure broad representation at key neighborhood meetings & events. Average time commitment to expect is approximately 1-2 evening meetings per week and one weekend meeting every 6-8 weeks. Other duties as assigned.  Skills and Abilities: Considerable knowledge of community and economic development; knowledge of business development a strong plus. Knowledge of municipal zoning and infrastructure, and planning programs and processes. Demonstrated commitment, through work or volunteer experience, to social justice. Cultural competency and proven ability to work in a culturally diverse environment. Significant experience working with diverse constituencies, from public officials and executives, to grassroots organizations and community members. Ability to communicate effectively to groups and individuals, engineers, architects, contractors, developers, businesses, supervisors, employees, and the general public. Ability to establish working relationships with other organizations and community development practitioners. Ability to regularly attend night and weekend events. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Excellent judgement and analytical skills. Knowledge of Philadelphia and communities of the 3rd Council District.
