The city of Springfield is creating a new director of community planning position to focus on short- and long-term planning and development in its diverse neighborhoods. The position requires a minimum of seven years of experience in senior planning or community development work and a bachelor’s degree in municipal or regional planning. The salary range for the role is $82,700 to $107,700.
The need for this position was highlighted when Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and officials met with neighborhood associations to discuss allocating $123.8 million of federal American Rescue Plan Act funds. Each association received $100,000 for improvements. The director will work with stakeholders in each neighborhood to develop master plans that identify short-, medium-, and long-term goals for the regions. Neighborhood leaders have welcomed this approach as a way to address specific needs in different areas.
Improving lighting and incorporating Complete Streets design to make neighborhoods more pedestrian and bicycle-friendly were identified as short- and long-term goals during discussions with neighborhood groups. The master plans will also explore the potential use of vacant or underused properties for housing development across the city.
The position will be funded through various sources, including unused budget allocations for other positions. The deadline to apply for the role is September 5. It is seen as a way to focus on neglected neighborhoods and provide a strategic vision for the future development of Springfield.
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