Ben Requet

RFP for a Planning Consultant - Stewart Rutledge

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS 

1. Introduction 

Stewart Rutledge, a real estate developer based in Oxford, MS, is acting as an agent for a land owner seeking to hire a professional planner to analyze a 150+ acre parcel of property in Lafayette County in order to be able to present a report on this property which outlines its best and highest uses as well as the challenges in achieving those uses. 

2. The Property 

Due to confidentiality concerns, the precise property will be identified to applicants as needed. 

However, the property is 150+ acres, and it is located within the city limits of Oxford, MS. It has very poor roadway access, and it has faced political and likely racially discriminatory challenges on more than one side of the property. 

Prior governmental decisions and likely political machinations have resulted in the property being largely landlocked in spite of its prime location and suitability for new development. 

The owner of the property is a longtime affordable housing supporter, and he seeks to find a path to overcome these challenges to use this property for a variety of uses, including affordable and workforce housing. Put differently, this matter has a strong social justice component. 

3. The Request 

Rutledge desires to find applicants who could analyze the property themselves but who could also manage outside professionals in creating a comprehensive analysis. This could include land use attorneys, civil rights attorneys, engineers, and even other planners. Rutledge seeks to find someone to lay out a clear plan of action and then to “quarterback” the completion of that plan. 

Items that would likely need to be addressed: 

▪ The history of the property and how it came to be landlocked (likely involving interviews with local parties) 

▪ Ingress and egress options as the land is currently situated pursuant to the applicable land development code 

▪ Applicable law and regulations governing the property, and particularly governing those actions being taken to block the development of the property 

▪ Comparable land use cases in Mississippi and elsewhere to put this situation in context 

▪ A description of the highest and best use as well as a clear path of what is needed to accomplish this use 

4. How to Apply 

If you are interested in submitting a proposal to do this work, please email Rutledge at stewart.rutledge@rosedalecorporation.com with a brief letter describing your interest along with a resume. 

Interested applicants may be asked to sign a Non Disclosure Agreement. 

Planner II - City of Hattiesburg

POSITION:                 PLANNER II

DEPARTMENT:         URBAN DEVELOPMENT                

RATE OF PAY:          $55,000 +

Characteristics of Work:

This Planner II position will assist the Planning Division Manager with issues related to current planning including site plan reviews, short and long range planning issues, and floodplain management. This position requires initiative, independent judgment and discretion in various duties; incumbent may deal on a continuing basis with sensitive issues and confidential information and materials; involves considerable contact with the public and staff from all City departments and deals with City codes.

Essential Job Functions:

Provide interpretation and administration of Land Development Code and Code of Ordinances.

Manage current planning functions including Site and Design Review Committee (SDRC) processes such as site design review, subdivision and plat reviews, and pre-applications. Will work through the development process with applicants from start to permitting on all commercial and multifamily development with the aid of the SRDC.

Assist the Planning Manager with long range planning. Will compile, analyze, prepare and maintain necessary records, correspondence and/or reports on zoning, land use, environmental issues and community planning. Assist and/or lead research, analysis and development of amendment proposals for the Comprehensive Plan, Land Development Code, and Code of Ordinances.

Assist in floodplain management including the Community Rating System program (CRS).

Represents the division, relative to planning matters, at meetings for local and regional boards, committees, and commissions other advisory groups as directed by the Planning Manager.

Assist with all phases of public involvement, including advising the public on materials and documents necessary for application to the site plan review committee, planning commission, and city council as needed.

Interpret maps, such as tax parcel, zoning, land use, topographic, flood, drainage and aerial photography.

Performs related work and other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities Required:

Must possess extensive knowledge of modern land use theories, principles, and techniques of urban planning, zoning, land development, and legal due process; knowledge of laws and standards applicable to planning, land resource management, zoning, and the environment.  Experience in reviewing site plans, subdivisions, plats, and zoning actions is necessary. Experience in floodplain management is a plus. Requires the ability to understand and utilize City ordinances and state laws; ability to compose and prepare effective correspondence; and ability to accurately proof facts and grammatical information are all a must for this position. Good communication skills for extensive public contact; ability to speak publicly and convey an array of information related to planning to the public; organizational skills, attention to detail and ability to multi-task are a must, as well as a positive attitude and eagerness to serve the public.   

Experience/Educational Requirements:

A master’s degree in urban planning, urban design, geography, or a related field preferred.  This position must have and maintain AICP designation or apply for the AICP designation within on year of hire. Must have considerable experience in county or municipal planning or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Should have knowledge of office procedures; should have experience with common computer programs such as Microsoft office, Publisher, Access, and GIS software. Must possess a valid driver's license.

POSTING DATE:  October 3, 2022

URBAN DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - HATTIESBURG, MISSISSIPPI

Position Posting: 

Director of Urban Development Department

This is professional and administrative work directing all aspects of the Urban Development Department.  With total control over all activities, this person will manage, direct, supervise, and coordinate the overall operation of the Urban Development Department.  Responsible for providing effective professional leadership for city planning, code enforcement, zoning, community development, municipal transit, MPO, GIS, grant development, and land usage.  Responsible for planning and implementing departmental budget and recommending capital improvements.   

This position is accountable for all monetary, fiscal, budgetary, safety, and legal issues related to the Urban Development Department.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

·      Knowledge of complex principles, practices, and methods related to effective planning and development

·      Knowledge of municipal, state, and federal laws and ordinances/codes applicable to department operations 

·      Develops programs for overall planning operations including updates of land use, zoning, subdivision, transportation and housing studies, special needs populations, and enforcement codes

·      Ability to communicate effectively, either orally or in writing, to make major decisions and presentations to other groups or assemblies.

·      Knowledge of general function of municipal government and accounting

·      Ability to instruct subordinates in the proper office and field work methods and to review their work.

·      Possesses education and experience related to the areas of Urban Development

·      Performs other related duties as they may arise in the scope of the Urban Development Department area.

Applicant Submissions

Applicants must complete a City of Hattiesburg Job Application; and provide resume, any applicable certifications, degrees, and other related documentation.

For more information, please visit: https://www.hattiesburgms.com/job/director-of-urban-development/

Posting Date:  January 4, 2022

Position will be posted at a minimum until January 4, 2022 at 4:30 pm.