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Community Planning Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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Community Planning information

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$44.4K

$99.6K

$135.7K

How much do community planning jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for community planning in California is $99,589.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,100.00 and $135,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in community planning, and how can they be addressed?

Community planners often navigate the challenge of balancing diverse stakeholder interests, such as residents, businesses, and local government agencies. Another frequent challenge is managing limited resources while trying to implement sustainable and equitable development projects. Effective communication, conflict resolution skills, and adaptability are key to addressing these issues. Building strong relationships and encouraging community participation can help planners create solutions that are widely supported and feasible within budgetary constraints.

What is community planning?

Community planning is the process of designing and organizing the physical, economic, and social aspects of a community to improve the quality of life for its residents. It involves engaging with local stakeholders to develop plans for land use, transportation, housing, public spaces, and other community needs. Community planners work to balance growth, environmental protection, and community values, often through public meetings and collaborative decision-making. The goal is to create sustainable, inclusive, and livable communities that meet current and future needs.

What does a community planning do?

A community planner develops plans and policies to guide the growth and development of communities, focusing on land use, zoning, transportation, and public spaces. They analyze data, collaborate with stakeholders, and use planning tools like GIS to create sustainable and functional community environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a community planner, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Community Planner, you typically need a background in urban planning, geography, or related fields, often supported by a relevant degree or certification such as AICP. Familiarity with GIS software, zoning regulations, and land use planning tools is essential. Strong communication, negotiation, and project management skills help build consensus among stakeholders and facilitate effective community engagement. These skills are crucial for developing sustainable, inclusive, and well-organized communities that meet diverse needs.

What can you do with a community planning degree?

A community planning degree prepares individuals for roles such as urban planner, zoning analyst, or development coordinator. Graduates can work for government agencies, consulting firms, or non-profit organizations, often using GIS tools and planning regulations to develop and implement community projects.

How to get into community planning?

Community planning professionals typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, with some roles requiring a master's degree. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in GIS and public engagement, and obtaining certification such as the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can improve job prospects. Strong communication, analytical skills, and knowledge of local regulations are also important for success in the field.

What qualifications do I need to be a community planner?

Community planners typically need a bachelor's degree in urban planning, geography, or a related field, with many roles preferring a master's degree such as a Master of Urban Planning. Relevant skills include knowledge of zoning laws, GIS software, and strong communication abilities. Certification from professional organizations like the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Community Planning vs Urban Planning?

AspectCommunity PlanningUrban Planning
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Urban or Regional Planning, Community DevelopmentBachelor's or Master's in Urban Planning, Geography, or related fields
Work EnvironmentLocal government agencies, community organizations, non-profitsMunicipal governments, private consulting firms, government agencies
Industry UsageFocuses on community needs, social programs, local developmentFocuses on city-wide or regional development, infrastructure, zoning

Community Planning and Urban Planning are related fields but differ in scope. Community Planning emphasizes local community needs and social programs, often working directly with residents. Urban Planning has a broader focus on city-wide development, infrastructure, and zoning policies. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within government or consulting firms, but their primary focus and project scale differ.

What are popular job titles related to Community Planning jobs in California? For Community Planning jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Community Planning jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Community Planning jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Community Planning jobs? Cities in California with the most Community Planning job openings:
Community Planning jobs near you
Infographic showing various Community Planning job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $99,589 per year, or $47.9 per hour.

Senior Project Manager - Community Planning

Alta Planning + Design

Oakland, CA • Hybrid

$120K - $140K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Description
Alta is seeking a Senior Project Manager to join our Community Planning team in Oakland. In this role, you will lead multiple concurrent general plans, specific plans, housing elements, and related planning projects as part of our expanding planning and urban design practice
About Alta
Alta Planning + Design is a climate-friendly community planning and design firm that prioritizes people, advances equity, and creates a safer, more resilient future. Alta acquired Raimi+Associates in 2026. As an Alta company, the R+A team offers expanded services to plan futures, shape places, and design movement. We are dedicated to creating active, healthy communities through planning, landscape architecture, engineering, and education/encouragement programs. 

Since its founding in 2006, R+A has served dozens of communities in California and across the nation as trusted advisors, skilled practitioners, imaginative problem solvers, and effective communicators. The R+A team now comprises Alta’s Community Planning business line, specializing in helping communities achieve their long-term visions by listening to and learning from ordinary people, partnering closely with our clients, and relying on our keen eye for place. 

Alta’s core values and work bring about positive change by creating places geared toward moving people rather than cars, connecting community, and empowering every person to live an active healthy life. As a national leader in creating healthy communities for 30 years, we are dedicated to connecting people to places by working across disciplines and scale to address social justice, safety, sustainability, and environmental resilience. 

Day to Day
  • Managing large community planning efforts, such as general plans, specific plans, housing elements, and other related planning documents updates.
  • Developing project scopes of work, schedules, and budgets, and managing these effectively over the course of multi-year planning processes.
  • Nurturing client relationships, overseeing client communication and management. 
  • Managing teams of subconsultants and technical experts.
  • Leading inclusive public engagement efforts.
  • Preparing proposals and supporting advanced marketing.

Qualifications
Required

This position requires a combination of skills, experience and education including, but not limited to
  • 10+ years of experience in urban planning in the public or private sector including demonstrated experience managing general plan, specific plan, housing element, and/or other planning documents.
  • Experience preparing community engagement plans and leading successful public outreach and participation programs, especially in diverse communities.
  • Commitment to incorporating sustainability, health, and equity into planning and design. 
  • Experience with business development including proposal writing and advanced marketing for new projects. Ability to cultivate lasting relationships with clients.
  • Ability to thrive in a fast-paced and flexible environment, while remaining organized and focused within the demands of consulting.

What We Offer
Flexible Schedule
Alta offers a flexible, hybrid work schedule where most employees work from home three days per week. In-office days support our collaborative culture, one of our core values.
Compensation
The pay range for this job in Oakland is $120,000-$140,000 annually. Placement within the range is based upon experience, skill-sets, and qualifications.
Benefits
Alta offers comprehensive benefits to all full-time employees:
  • Medical: PPO or HSA medical plans, Alta pays 75% of the cost
  • Dental/Vision: PPO, Alta pays 90% of the cost
  • Life Insurance: Alta pays 100% of the premium for life and AD&D, equal to your base compensation
  • 401(k): Alta provides a match up to 3%
  • PTO: 21 days accrued annually to start
  • Holidays: 11 total company paid holidays
  • Paid Parental Leave/Short-Term Disability 
  • Additional Benefits: Wellness reimbursement up to $800 annually, Alta Gets Around benefit of up to $900 annually, 5-year travel award, and professional development opportunities
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