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Community Development Planning Jobs in California

Stantec

Community Development - Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

... planning, designing, permitting, construction administration, and close-out phases. As a motivated ... and Community Development leadership. * Review and approve all invoices and change orders ...

Stantec

Community Development - Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$126K - $189K/yr

... planning, designing, permitting, construction administration, and close-out phases. As a motivated ... and Community Development leadership. * Review and approve all invoices and change orders ...

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Community Development Planning information

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$38K

$72.1K

$99.7K

How much do community development planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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 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 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.

How do you become a community development planner?

To become a community development planner, typically a bachelor's degree in urban planning, public administration, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions and obtaining professional certification, such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), can enhance career prospects. Strong skills in project management, communication, and knowledge of local regulations are also important.

What jobs can you do with community development planning?

Community development planning prepares individuals for roles such as urban planner, community development specialist, housing coordinator, or policy analyst. These jobs involve designing and implementing programs to improve neighborhoods, managing public projects, and collaborating with government agencies, often requiring skills in GIS, project management, and community engagement.

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
Infographic showing various Community Development Planning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,057 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Community Planner

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Chinatown Community Development Center
Non-Profits • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Chinatown Community Development Centerexternal

$38.36 - $40/hr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Job Summary: The Community Planner is part of the Community Planning Team, a team responsible for working with community members to elevate the voice of community and supporting a variety of short- and long-range planning projects to improve the quality of life in Chinatown. Issue areas include transportation, economic development, affordable housing and open space. The Planner must see participatory planning, outreach, organizing and education as a core component of the work. The Planner will assist with project management and community planning initiatives.
Status: Full-time, Nonexempt, Regular
Location: Chinatown neighborhood, San Francisco
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00a.m. - 5:30p.m., plus some weekend and night hours
Salary: $38.36 - $40.00 per hour; Comprehensive Benefits
The Organization: A private non-profit founded in 1977, Chinatown Community Development Center believes in a comprehensive vision of community. We own and/or manage approximately 36 affordable housing buildings serving over 4,500 low-income seniors, single adults, formerly homeless adults, and families of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds in San Francisco's Chinatown, Tenderloin, Western Addition, and Polk Gulch neighborhoods. We also build housing, develop grassroots leadership, and engage low-income residents and youth. Our employees are passionate about the mission; thrive in a family organizational culture; and embody values of empowerment, teamwork, and compassion. Chinatown CDC serves a diverse population and is committed to hiring practices that provide culturally competent services. We encourage people of color to apply.
Essential Functions
  • Develop deep and meaningful relationships with Chinatown community members and stakeholders
  • Collaborate with teammates. Stakeholders and members of the Community Organizing team members in meetings and informally most days
  • Attend meetings with City of San Francisco staff to learn about a support community stakeholder to provide input on city plans and programs

What You Will Do
Community Planning:
  • Identify and assess community priorities within San Francisco's Chinatown
    • Focus on housing, transportation, economic development, and open space issues
    • Coordinate, organize, and document, community input/data from Chinatown residents, merchants and visitors
  • Analyze and draft responses to plans, proposals, or recommendations from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, San Francisco Planning Department and other city or state agencies incorporating stakeholder feedback and uplifting community voices
  • Assess impact of proposed citywide projects on neighborhood merchants, residents and physical environment and help them provide meaningful feedback to City Agencies
  • Gather, analyze and provide information/statistics on Chinatown neighborhood, such as demographics and trends
  • Collaborate with Planning Team, Community Building and Engagement staff and community stakeholders in defining the organization's position on planning-related issues and in strategizing plan of action
  • Outreach/Educate grassroots leaders on issues that affect Chinatown through providing workshops and meetings at community meetings.
  • Give public testimony to City agencies, civic committees, and neighborhood groups as needed
  • Assist in advocacy efforts on issues significantly affecting Chinatown community especially on Land Use, Transportation, and Open Space issues.
Other
  • Represent organization with community residents, governmental agencies and committees, neighborhood groups, and city-wide organizations
  • Embody organization values (respect & compassion, empowerment, teamwork)
  • Contribute to a safe and pleasant work environment
  • Follow policies, procedures, and safe work practices
  • Other duties as assigned

What You Bring
  • Excellent communication and outreach skills
  • Excellent public speaking skills and ability to facilitate meetings
  • Familiarity with Chinatown neighborhood and issues relevant to the community
  • Familiarity with local government processes, ordinances, and legislation
  • Familiarity with neighborhood planning concepts
  • Ability to work independently as well as in a team structure
  • Ability to be flexible and perform a variety of work activities
  • Excellent written and verbal skills in English
  • Capacity to attend evening meetings

Education and Experience (Minimum Qualifications)
  • Bachelor's Degree in urban planning, urban studies, geography, policy, economics, or related fields, with experience in neighborhood planning, transportation issues, economic development, or advocacy/community work.
  • Proficiency with PC computer systems, including Word, Excel, Outlook

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in urban planning, urban studies, geography, policy, economics, or related fields, or one (1) year experience in neighborhood planning/organizing, transportation issues, demographic statistics, economic development, advocacy/community work.
  • Meaningful and established relationship in Chinatown community and the broader AAPI community
  • Ability to speak fluently in Cantonese.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Chinatown Community Development Center (CCDC) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race (includes hairstyle and hair texture), color, religion (includes dress and grooming practices), age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition and reproductive health decision making), national origin (includes language restrictions), ancestry, citizenship, disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristic), genetic information or characteristic, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or participation in an EEO protected activity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
SAN FRANCISCO FAIR CHANCE ORDINANCE
All final candidates will undergo a background check. For certain positions this will include a fingerprint check. Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in accordance with the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

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