Economic Development Planner

The Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is the regional planning and intergovernmental coordination agency that focuses on issues critical to the region’s success, including growth and development, transportation, water resources, services for older adults and workforce solutions. ARC is dedicated to unifying the region’s collective resources to prepare the metropolitan area for a prosperous future. This is done through professional planning initiatives, the provision of objective information and the involvement of the community in collaborative partnerships.

The Community Development Department works closely with local governments across the 11-county region to help address a range of land use, development, and transportation challenges. The Department is seeking a highly motivated and collaborative self-starter to join its team. The ideal candidate will have a mission-oriented mindset, excellent written and verbal communication skills, a data and research focus, graphic design and GIS skills, and knowledge of the principles and techniques of local planning, including an understanding of the application of regulations.

The position performs entry level professional planning duties including gathering, compiling and analyzing data; coordinating project logistics; and report layout and writing. As assigned, work may include reviewing documentation and processing member applications for assigned programs and initiatives; providing technical assistance to member organizations; organizing and facilitating meetings; assisting with program administration and project management; and preparing documents and other forms of information and communication tools.

This position will also assist with the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).

• Data management, visualizations and research on economic development and housing initiatives.
• Uses data analysis to drive informed recommendations and develop content that enhances program or project outcomes.
• Assists with programs including researching new initiatives, compiling information, updating data, assisting local planning agencies, and/or receiving and processing program invoices.
• Facilitates stakeholder processes and task force meetings including organizing meetings, establishing agendas, preparing backup materials, coordinating speakers, and collecting input.
• Prepares original documents and written materials including reports, newsletters, local comprehensive plans, and/or press releases.
• Assists senior level planners, supervisors and managers with meeting content, presentations, meeting coordination, project management and/or stakeholder relations.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with local project sponsors and partner organizations and communicate effectively.
• Work as part of multidisciplinary teams and contribute to complex projects.
• Completes other technical, analytical, GIS-related, and administrative projects as needed.
• Performs other duties of a similar nature and level as assigned.
• Bachelor’s degree in urban or regional planning, economics, architecture, landscape architecture or related field. A master’s degree may be preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above, unless otherwise subject to any other requirements set forth in law or regulation.

• 0-1 year of work experience in planning, public policy, economic development, and/or research.
• GIS and InDesign proficiency.
• Principle and practices of urban and regional planning and planning analysis.
• Principles and applications of critical thinking and analysis.
• Principles and methods of qualitative and quantitative research.
• Principles of data gathering and analysis.
• Specific data gathering skills utilizing the following resources:
  • Census
  • Costar
  • Zillow
  • Social Explorer
  • ATTOM
  • Parcel Labs
  • Market Nsight
  • On the Map
  • ESRI Business Analyst
• Applicable federal, state and local laws, codes, regulations (based on assignments).
• Mapping:
  • Esri ArcGIS Online
  • Esri ArcGIS Pro
• Customer service principles.
• Specialized equipment relevant to area of assignment.
• Modern office technology.