Community Development Planner

As a Community Development Planner with the City of Fort Worth, your main responsibilities include conducting community outreach to engage with local neighborhoods, assisting in the preparation of the HUD Annual Action Plan, and working closely with various agencies to address community needs. You will prepare reports, gather and analyze program performance data, and conduct trainings on city and HUD policies, ensuring strong collaboration with neighborhood associations.

To qualify for the Community Development Planner position at the City of Fort Worth, you will need a Bachelor’s degree in fields like Urban Planning, Architecture, or a related discipline alongside at least two years of relevant experience. Preferred candidates may hold a Master’s degree and should possess strong research and writing skills, along with a working knowledge of municipal regulations.

The work schedule for the Community Development Planner at the City of Fort Worth typically runs from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. However, some evening or weekend work may be required for community meetings or events aimed at enhancing community engagement across Fort Worth.

Employees in the Community Development Planner position at the City of Fort Worth enjoy a comprehensive benefits package including 11 paid holidays, medical, dental, and vision insurance, generous paid time off, a pension plan, and numerous professional development opportunities to help you grow in your career.

The City of Fort Worth proudly promotes a diverse workforce, committed to equal employment opportunities without discrimination based on race, gender, or other factors. This commitment is reflected in their hiring practices and workplace policies, ensuring an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees including the Community Development Planner.

When answering this question, highlight specific instances where you led community outreach initiatives. Discuss the strategies you applied to engage different demographics, the results of those efforts, and how they positively impacted the community. Be sure to showcase your communication skills and your ability to work collaboratively.

A strong answer will detail your experience with HUD-related documents such as the Annual Action Plan or CAPER reports. Discuss your understanding of HUD regulations and how you’ve utilized this knowledge in previous roles to ensure compliance or improve community services.

Provide a clear example of how you manage competing deadlines, such as using tools like project management software or setting specific milestones. Discuss your methods for keeping all stakeholders informed and how you tackle challenges when unexpected issues emerge.

Reflect on the specific challenges facing these communities in Fort Worth, such as access to affordable housing or quality services. Use research or personal experience to support your answer, and highlight any previous efforts you’ve made to address these challenges.

Focus on a particular project where you successfully brought together various stakeholders, discussing the steps you took to ensure everyone's voice was heard, how you managed differing opinions, and the outcome of that collaboration.

Talk about essential skills such as strong communication, analytical thinking, and familiarity with urban design principles. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and adaptability in a planning environment that often requires flexibility.

Discuss a conflict resolution method you've used, perhaps focusing on active listening, empathy, and open dialogue. Share a relevant example where you facilitated a productive discussion leading to positive resolutions.

Detail a specific project you've handled from start to finish, highlighting your role in planning, execution, and outreach. Discuss the impact it had on the community and any measurable outcomes, such as improved engagement or satisfaction levels.

Provide insights into the research and resources you utilize to stay updated on compliance matters, along with any software or tools you've used to assist in maintaining rigorous adherence to regulations throughout your projects.

Share your passion for connecting with communities and improving quality of life. Discuss personal experiences that led you to this field and how they continue to inspire your work as a Community Development Planner.