Legislative Analyst-Land Use

Planning and Community Development Committee Analyst

The Snohomish County Council is seeking an experienced planning and land use professional to join our Legislative Analyst Team as the Planning and Community Development Committee Analyst. This position provides policy analysis, legislative support, and professional advice to five independently elected Council members on land use, development, environmental, and other issues within the committee’s jurisdiction.

Working directly with Council members and the Chief of Staff, the analyst plays a key role in supporting the Council’s policy development and decision‑making. The position requires the ability to objectively analyze policy proposals, develop viable options, and identify both short‑ and long‑term impacts of legislative decisions. While the analyst helps advance the Council’s policy objectives by providing high‑quality analysis and legislative drafting, the role requires maintaining a professional, policy‑agnostic perspective and serving all Council members with impartiality.

The ideal candidate brings strong experience with local planning codes and state and federal planning requirements, including Washington’s Growth Management Act, Critical Areas regulations, and comprehensive planning. Success in this role requires exceptional attention to detail, strong analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to translate complex regulatory and policy issues into clear, actionable information for elected officials and the public.

This role operates in a fast‑paced policy environment and requires the ability to manage multiple priorities and differing policy perspectives with professionalism and discretion. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong political awareness, sound judgment, and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly and effectively.

The Planning and Community Development Committee Analyst staffs the Council’s Planning and Community Development Committee and works closely with several County departments, including Planning and Development Services, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Hearing Examiner’s Office, and the Airport. In addition to land use and development policy, the analyst regularly evaluates legislation, programs, contracts, and budget proposals affecting these departments.

Primary responsibilities include drafting land use ordinances at the request of Council members, evaluating department‑initiated legislation for Council consideration, reviewing and analyzing contracts and budget proposals, and providing objective policy analysis to support Council decision‑making.

Any combination of work experience and education totaling at least nine years which provides the skills, knowledge and abilities to perform the essential functions of the position; emphasis on analytics, planning and development, and verbal and written communication skills. Progression from Legislative Analyst - Land Use to Legislative Analyst - Land Use, Senior (Salary Range: $ - $ Annually) is at the sole discretion of the County Council.

Please submit a detailed cover letter completely describing your experience and accomplishments in the following areas:

This position is open until filled.

Provides policy and fiscal analysis to the County Council, primarily on land use, comprehensive planning, and…