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Community Development Planning Jobs in California

City of Lodi

Community Development Director

Lodi, CA · On-site

Under administrative direction, manages, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the planning ... Community Development department. Assignments allow for a high degree of administrative ...

City of Lodi

Community Development Director

Lodi, CA

$201K/yr

Under administrative direction, manages, plans, organizes, coordinates, and directs the planning ... Community Development department. Assignments allow for a high degree of administrative ...

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Community Development Planning information

See California salary details

$38K

$72.1K

$99.7K

How much do community development planning jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development planning in California is $72,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $66,600.00 and $76,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Community Development Planning vs Urban Planning?

AspectCommunity Development PlanningUrban Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Community Development, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, non-profits, community organizationsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community needs, social programs, and local development projectsFocuses on city-wide land use, zoning, and infrastructure planning

Community Development Planning and Urban Planning share overlapping skills and work environments, but differ in scope. Community Development Planning emphasizes local community needs and social programs, while Urban Planning focuses on city-wide land use and infrastructure. Both roles are vital in shaping sustainable, livable communities but serve distinct functions within the planning industry.

What is community development planning?

Community development planning is a process that involves assessing the needs of a community and creating strategic plans to improve its social, economic, and physical well-being. Professionals in this field work with local stakeholders, government agencies, and organizations to develop initiatives and projects that address issues such as housing, infrastructure, economic growth, and public services. The goal is to foster sustainable development that benefits all members of the community while encouraging participation and inclusion. Community development planners often use data analysis, policy research, and public engagement to guide their decisions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Community Development Planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Development Planner, you need expertise in urban planning, community engagement, and policy analysis, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in urban planning or a related field. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and planning frameworks is often required, along with certifications like AICP. Strong interpersonal communication, problem-solving, and facilitation skills help build consensus and foster collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders. These skills ensure effective project implementation, sustainable community growth, and positive stakeholder outcomes.

What are the most common challenges faced by professionals in Community Development Planning, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Community Development Planning often encounter challenges such as balancing the diverse needs of stakeholders, securing adequate funding, and navigating regulatory requirements. Addressing these challenges requires strong communication skills to facilitate community engagement, creative problem-solving to develop feasible project proposals, and staying informed about relevant policies and grant opportunities. Collaborating closely with local government officials, non-profit organizations, and residents helps ensure that development plans are both practical and broadly supported.
What are popular job titles related to Community Development Planning jobs in California? For Community Development Planning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Development Planning jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Community Development Planning jobs in California are:
Community Development Planning jobs near you
Assistant Planner - Community Development - Planning

Assistant Planner - Community Development - Planning

City of Lancaster

Lancaster, CA • On-site

$90K - $114K/yr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Closing Date: Tuesday, July 14th at 9:00 PM (PST)Position: Assistant PlannerDepartment: Community DevelopmentAnnual Salary: $90,079.32 - $114,966.80 FLSA: Exempt - Not Overtime Eligible


General Summary:

Performs entry-level work in the field of planning and environmental analysis to support the Community Development Director, including assisting customers at the public counter and performing basic to mid-level planning review.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Provides information and service to internal staff and the public regarding general procedures, provisions, and applications subject to Planning.
  • Reviews and interprets the Lancaster Municipal Code, specific plans, the Lancaster Design Guidelines, and other regulating documents for the general public, developers, and applicants.
  • Investigates complaints of ordinance violations and advises Community Preservation on the enforcement of such complaints.
  • Reviews and processes all components of planning applications, such as Director’s Reviews, Site Plan Reviews, Conditional Use Permits, and Tentative Tract Maps, including preparation of environmental review documents in compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act and preparation of approval documents.
  • Reviews sign, building, engineering, and landscape plans for compliance with zoning standards and conditions of approval.
  • Attends meetings of, makes presentations to, and works with professional and public groups, including the Planning Commission.
  • Compiles and evaluates data for advanced planning studies related to land use, including office and field research on population trends, community design, and other factors.

The duties listed above are not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may also perform other related duties as assigned by their immediate supervisor. This position is considered exempt.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university in Planning, Urban Studies, Architecture, Geography, Public Administration, or related field.
  • One (1) year of experience in urban and regional planning or related field.
  • Master’s degree in either Planning or Public Administration and certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) are highly desirable.
  • Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge and skills necessary for success in the position may be considered.
Core Competencies:
  • Problem Solving – Analytically and logically evaluating information.
  • Learning Agility – Seeking learning opportunities and applying the lessons to work.
  • Handling Stress – Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity.
  • Professional Integrity & Ethics – Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability.
  • Safety Focus – Showing Vigilance and care in identifying and addressing health risks and safety hazards.
  • Customer Focus – Attending to the Needs and expectations of customers.
  • Informing – Proactively obtaining and sharing information.
  • Teamwork – Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals.
  • Valuing Diversity – Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace.
  • Allocating Resources – Prioritizing the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.
Guiding Principles:
  1. Put people first.
  2. Be visionary.
  3. Be an ambassador for Lancaster.
  4. Be Fiscally Responsible.
  5. Be Creative.
  6. Always Improving.
  7. Be Adaptable and Resilient.

Essential Physical Requirements:

  • Ascend/Descend stairs/ladders/balance (moderate)
  • Position self to bend or twist (frequent)
  • To move, transport, position items up to 15 lbs. (frequent)
  • Exposed to outdoor weather conditions (infrequent)
  • Operate Equipment (none)
  • Stationary or squatting position (frequent)

Environmental Factors:

  • Work under time pressure (moderate to frequent)
  • Interruptions (frequent)

Essential Cognitive Functions:

  • Analyze (continuous)
  • Computations (frequent)
  • Generate Written Work Product (frequent)
  • Independent Problem Solving (continuous)
  • Interruptions (frequent)
  • Maintain Positive Public Relations (moderate)
  • Organize (frequent)


Disaster Service Worker:


Pursuant to California Government Code Section 3100-3109, all public employees are declared disaster service workers subject to disaster service activities as may be assigned to them in the event of fire, flood, earthquake, or other natural or man-made disaster.


Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job.

Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.


The City of Lancaster will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. After making a conditional offer and running a background check, if the City of Lancaster is concerned about a conviction that is directly related to the job, you will be given the chance to explain the circumstances surrounding the conviction, provide mitigating evidence, or challenge the accuracy of the background report. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting www.dfeh.ca.gov/fair-chance-act/.