City Planner III - Development Finance & Incentives

About the Role

This is advanced professional and supervisory work in the Economic Development Division of the City Planning Department. Incumbents oversee and participate in urban design, long-range planning, current planning, community development, housing, neighborhood planning, development finance and incentives, business vitality and innovation, or other sections of the Planning Department. The role involves exercising considerable independence under the general direction of a Deputy Director and/or the Planning Director, with supervision over subordinate professional and clerical staff.

Responsibilities

• Oversees the management of an assigned section of the planning department, including professional and clerical staff.
• Represents the City in presentations to the City Council, committees, organizations, and interested individuals.
• Administers boards, commissions, and committees.
• Participates in committees, working groups, and partnerships internally and externally.
• Implements the City’s Comprehensive Plan.
• Oversees programmatic funds, including federally funded projects, to ensure proper utilization.
• Identifies, oversees, and manages funding opportunity applications and administration of local, state, federal, and private grants.
• Monitors and evaluates proposed state legislation, providing policy testimony, feedback, and recommendations.
• Participates in hiring and training new staff, including work assignment, professional development, scheduling, and evaluation of subordinate staff.
• Maintains regular job attendance and performs other related duties as assigned.

Development Finance & Incentives Specific Duties

• Oversees the administration and management of the City of Omaha’s incentive programs: Tax Increment Financing (TIF), Enhanced Employment Area (EEA), and Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, as well as the designation of Community Redevelopment Areas (CRAs).
• Serves as a liaison between the city, community organizations, and partners to align economic and workforce goals.
• Provides input on policies and programs supporting a strong business and innovation environment.
• Oversees database management and application processes for incentive programs, site inspection case reviews, and impact reports.
• Consults potential clients regarding incentive programs, processes and approves applications, prepares annual reports, and compiles data to quantify program impact.
• Monitors tax payment delinquencies and valuation protests of TIF projects, issuing letters to project owners.
• Coordinates with TIF project owners, City Finance, and the Douglas County Assessor’s Office to prepare Notices to Divide property taxes and set up TIF district records.
• Works with the business community, neighborhood groups, public/private partnerships, and elected officials to accomplish real estate development goals through incentive programs, including acting as a liaison for Business Improvement Districts.
• Analyzes plans and financial data from businesses seeking assistance, conducts market feasibility analyses, and refers business owners to funding or technical resources.
• Oversees the maintenance of the Development Finance and Incentives Section of the Economic Development Division’s website for public transparency.

Requirements

Applicants must meet the following combination of education and/or experience:

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Three (3) years of experience in planning, management, grant management, finance, economic, and/or community development.
• One (1) year of supervisory experience is preferred.

Special Qualifications

• Must be able to transport oneself or coordinate transportation to sites throughout the city during the workday.

Skills & Knowledge

• Knowledge of computers and technology using standard or customized software applications.
• Knowledge of city planning and research methods, neighborhood planning, architectural and landscape architecture principles.
• Knowledge of real estate and construction principles, federal/state/local laws related to community and economic development.
• Knowledge of banking and finance fundamentals related to real estate development and business.
• Skill in project management, planning, and overseeing design projects, research, and analysis of planning data.
• Skill in coordinating planning phases with employees, architects, consultants, and interested groups.
• Skill in preparing technical reports and making presentations.
• Ability to learn and adapt to advances in technology, plan and evaluate subordinate work, and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to adhere to safety policies and perform physical tasks such as sitting, standing, walking, typing, climbing, bending, and lifting up to ten (10) pounds occasionally.

Pay

$94,494.40 with step increases to $132,704.00 annually.

Benefits

• Forty-hour work week.
• Paid leave per year: twelve days vacation, five days management leave, fifteen days sick leave, and fifteen holidays.
• Group health insurance (major medical, vision, dental) for individual or family.
• Defined benefit pension plan plus Social Security.

Conditions of Employment

• Candidates must provide proof of U.S. citizenship, permanent residence, or authorization to work without sponsorship.
• The City reserves the right to conduct pre-employment inquiries, including verification of employment history, education, driving/credit/criminal records, and medical/functional capacity tests.
• Failure to provide truthful, timely, and complete information may result in disqualification or termination.

Reasonable accommodations for disabilities are available upon request to the Human Resources Department.