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Community Development Planning Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

Baycitymi

Community Development Planner

Bay City, MI · On-site

$55 - $85/hr

Under the direction of the Planning and Zoning Manager this position provides professional ... Assists Community Development Department with CDBG activities including assisting with ...

Bay City, MI

Community Development Planner

Bay City, MI · On-site

$62K - $71K/yr

Under the direction of the Planning and Zoning Manager this position provides professional ... Assists Community Development Department with CDBG activities including assisting with ...

City of Flint

Director of Planning & Development

Flint, MI · On-site

$49.54 - $54.92/hr

Five to seven (5-7) years of increasingly responsible experience in managing community development ... Master's Degree in Public Administration, Planning, Economics, Marketing or a field relevant to the ...

Autodesk

$91K - $163K/yr

Inputting into planning and reporting cycles Minimum Qualifications * Experienced architectwith deep network and credibility within the architecture community * Comfortable with ownershipand ...

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Community Development Planning information

See Michigan salary details

$33.6K

$63.6K

$88K

How much do community development planning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for community development planning in Michigan is $63,638.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,800.00 and $67,500.00 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 Michigan?

For Community Development Planning jobs in Michigan, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Community Development Planning jobs in Michigan look for?

The top searched job categories for Community Development Planning jobs in Michigan are:

What cities in Michigan are hiring for Community Development Planning jobs?

Cities in Michigan with the most Community Development Planning job openings:

Community Development Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Development Planning job openings in Michigan as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,638 per year, or $30.6 per hour.

Community Development Planner

The City of Bay City, Michigan

Bay City, MI • On-site

$38.08/hr

Full-time

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

City of Bay City
Full Time - Community Development Planner
Community Development Department - U.W.U.A. Local 541
JOB SUMMARY
The following is intended as a brief description of the duties, responsibilities, and requirements of the position listed above and is not intended to be all encompassing or all-inclusive.
Under the direction of the Planning and Zoning Manager this position provides professional, technical, and administrative assistance to the Planning and Zoning Department in community planning, zoning, community and historic preservation activities, and all other related projects and assignments. Use of professional judgment and latitude is exercised in carrying out assigned tasks and responsibilities.
ILLUSTRATIVE JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all of the duties which an employee may be expected to perform. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily.
  1. Prepares and presents comprehensive oral and written reports and accompanying recommendations for community planning projects and activities through the analysis of physical conditions, demographic, socio-economic, transportation and other applicable information.
  2. Aids in research for revisions to the City's Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance and Historic District Ordinance.
  3. Participates in the Local Update of Census Addresses program and Census Count Committee.
  4. Serves as the City's liaison to the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Historic District Commission. May assists other professional staff with research, analysis and reports as required.
  5. Performs duties related to the City's Certified Local Government Program with the Michigan State Historic Preservation Office.
  6. Attends and participates in meetings of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Historic District Commission, Citizens District Councils, and other meetings. Communicates with board chairperson's related to meeting agendas.
  7. Assists Community Development Department with CDBG activities including assisting with environmental assessments and providing support to Citizens District Councils as assigned.
  8. Responds to daily inquiries from the public and governmental agencies and reviews building permits, sign permits, and fence permits for zoning and code compliance.
  9. Reviews a variety of applications for zoning compliance, including encroachment agreements, liquor licenses, secondhand stores, adult foster care homes and sidewalk cafes.
  10. Performs other duties as required.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
The Community Development Director may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job.
  1. Knowledge of the principles and practices of community and historic preservation and public-sector planning.
  2. Understand and properly interpret the City's zoning, land use, and other ordinances and codes.
  3. Knowledge of research, planning and stewardship activities related to the management and preservation of historic structures.
  4. Skilled at applying the criteria of the National Register of Historic Places in making decisions about management and preservation of historic structures.
  5. Skilled at applying, interpreting, and explaining the Secretary of Interior's Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties to property on.
  6. Ability to participate in field inspections of contractor's work during construction phases.
  7. Ability to use current computer software programs for written and graphic communication.
  8. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with community groups, federal, state, regional, and City officials, and the public.
  9. Excellent communication skills: ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  10. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions, as well as establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, the public officials, governmental agencies, and the public.
  11. Analyze problems, identifies multiple solutions, and implements recommendations in support of goals.
  12. Work effectively under time constraints and changes in work priorities with little or no supervision.
  13. Assemble and organize resulting analysis, and to prepare and present reports from such information.
  14. Initiate, organize and perform varied tasks and projects with minimal supervision, while meeting deadlines.

Special Requirements:
  1. Flexibility of hours may be required to meet the needs of the Department, boards, and the public, which rely on the Planning and Zoning Department for technical support. Evening meetings are expected. The Community Development Director may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
The Community Development Director may accept any combination of experience, education, skills and certifications, or substitutions at their discretion.
Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university in Planning, Public Administration, Landscape Architect, Geography or related field.
One (1) or more years of planning experience in local government; and/or an Associate's degree (A.A) from a two-year college in Historic Preservation and two (2) or more years of experience in working with governmental or private non-profit boards or commissions on historic preservation issues.
Knowledge of Word processing, graphic presentation, BS&A software, Adobe Pro, database and spreadsheet software and general computer operation.
Must possess a valid driver's license.
Please see the Full Job Description for more Information

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