The city of North Adams seeks an experienced, innovative, and team-oriented Community Planner to join its Office of Community Development. North Adams is a small city of approximately 13,000 people located in northern Berkshire County in western Massachusetts. The Berkshires are a renowned destination for arts, culture, and recreation with numerous museums and performance venues in a small-town New England setting with rich natural resources. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to engage in a variety of planning, community development, and project management initiatives aimed at enhancing quality of life, driving economic development, and promoting sustainable growth.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Planning and Project Management
- Contribute to the development of policies, neighborhood plans, studies, and other planning tools in support of VISION 2030, the city’s Comprehensive Master Plan adopted in May 2014.
- Assist in the preparation of grant applications and reports.
CDBG Program Administration
- Manage the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, including procurement processes, contract oversight, and fiscal monitoring.
- Identify funding opportunities and assist in grant writing and administration.
Community Engagement and Outreach
- Partner with neighborhood and community groups to develop and implement initiatives.
- Organize, promote, and facilitate public meetings, and conduct other public outreach efforts associated with planning projects.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Track and report on activities and action items related to the Master Plan.
- Support and plan initiatives, including:
- Neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing
- Economic development
- Zoning improvements
- Energy efficiency and sustainability programs
- Transportation and bike path planning