Kansas Staffing
Planning Manager
The City of Salina is seeking a strong, forward-thinking leader to serve as our next Planning Manager within our high-impact, mission-driven Community Development Department. This is not just a technical role; its a leadership opportunity for someone who can guide a talented team, contribute to department-wide strategy, and help drive transformational projects that are shaping Salinas future. This position is open due to the retirement of a long-serving and highly respected member of our team. As Planning Manager, youll manage and mentor planning staff, oversee zoning applications and code enforcement, serve as liaison to key boards and commissions, and collaborate closely with other divisions and external partners. Youll also serve as a key member of the departments leadership team, helping to align internal operations with our broader mission, vision, and strategic goals. Salina, Kansas is a thriving regional hub at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135, offering all the advantages of a mid-sized city with the energy and opportunity of a growing metro. The city is in the midst of a powerful transformation, driven by a diverse economy, strategic investment, and a bold commitment to enhancing quality of life. From 2020 to 2021, Saline County experienced the highest percentage of economic growth in Kansasa 12.4% increase in GDPthanks to over $3 billion in private investment from companies like Great Plains-Kubota and Schwans Company, adding $341 million to the local economy. And that momentum is continuing. Salinas strong public-private partnerships, proactive planning, and ongoing housing and infrastructure investments position the city for sustained growth and long-term opportunity. One of the most visible signs of Salinas progress is its revitalized downtown, a vibrant destination brought to life through strategic leadership, strong community involvement, and significant private investment. Since 2020, Salina has reimagined its downtown with improved pedestrian walkways, new dining and retail establishments, entertainment venues, residential units, and modern hotel accommodations. Key catalyst projects such as the Salina Fieldhouse, Homewood Suites hotel, The Alley entertainment complex, and The Garage have helped make downtown a true regional destination for culture, commerce, and connection. Whether youre drawn by the career opportunities, the community spirit, or the chance to shape a city on the rise, Salina is a place where you can do meaningful work and enjoy a high quality of life in return. Our mission is simple but powerful: We support opportunities, address community challenges, and enhance quality of life through hands-on engagement and responsive local services. We live by our motto Keep doing the next right thing and ground our work in the values of Candor, Character, and Synergy. Our department fosters a culture where every employee feels valued, safe, and empowered. Through that culture, were able to serve our community as a trusted, collaborative force for progress. Were a 24-person department led by a seasoned Director with over 20 years of experience and who is AICP. Our work spans planning and zoning, building services, property maintenance, housing development and incentives, civil rights enforcement, and administrative support. We manage seven boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission. Were also known for having one of the fastest permitting processes in the state with commercial and residential building permits issued in 10 days. Our Development Review Team (DRT) meets weekly to support developers through free consultations and collaborative project feedback. We also coordinate the Citys special event process, partnering with nine departments to support community-wide events. Were also fun! What Weve Recently Accomplished: Secured $999,999 in Federal Home Loan Bank funding and $300,000 in CDBG funds for housing rehab in 2024-25. Created two RHID districts and received two MIH grants, supporting over 250 new owner-occupied housing units. Helped the City secure $25 million in ARPA funds for 500 new market-rate apartments the second-largest single ARPA allocation in Kansas. Digitized all permitting and licensing workflows with the GovBuilt platform and sca
The City of Salina is seeking a strong, forward-thinking leader to serve as our next Planning Manager within our high-impact, mission-driven Community Development Department. This is not just a technical role; its a leadership opportunity for someone who can guide a talented team, contribute to department-wide strategy, and help drive transformational projects that are shaping Salinas future. This position is open due to the retirement of a long-serving and highly respected member of our team. As Planning Manager, youll manage and mentor planning staff, oversee zoning applications and code enforcement, serve as liaison to key boards and commissions, and collaborate closely with other divisions and external partners. Youll also serve as a key member of the departments leadership team, helping to align internal operations with our broader mission, vision, and strategic goals. Salina, Kansas is a thriving regional hub at the crossroads of I-70 and I-135, offering all the advantages of a mid-sized city with the energy and opportunity of a growing metro. The city is in the midst of a powerful transformation, driven by a diverse economy, strategic investment, and a bold commitment to enhancing quality of life. From 2020 to 2021, Saline County experienced the highest percentage of economic growth in Kansasa 12.4% increase in GDPthanks to over $3 billion in private investment from companies like Great Plains-Kubota and Schwans Company, adding $341 million to the local economy. And that momentum is continuing. Salinas strong public-private partnerships, proactive planning, and ongoing housing and infrastructure investments position the city for sustained growth and long-term opportunity. One of the most visible signs of Salinas progress is its revitalized downtown, a vibrant destination brought to life through strategic leadership, strong community involvement, and significant private investment. Since 2020, Salina has reimagined its downtown with improved pedestrian walkways, new dining and retail establishments, entertainment venues, residential units, and modern hotel accommodations. Key catalyst projects such as the Salina Fieldhouse, Homewood Suites hotel, The Alley entertainment complex, and The Garage have helped make downtown a true regional destination for culture, commerce, and connection. Whether youre drawn by the career opportunities, the community spirit, or the chance to shape a city on the rise, Salina is a place where you can do meaningful work and enjoy a high quality of life in return. Our mission is simple but powerful: We support opportunities, address community challenges, and enhance quality of life through hands-on engagement and responsive local services. We live by our motto Keep doing the next right thing and ground our work in the values of Candor, Character, and Synergy. Our department fosters a culture where every employee feels valued, safe, and empowered. Through that culture, were able to serve our community as a trusted, collaborative force for progress. Were a 24-person department led by a seasoned Director with over 20 years of experience and who is AICP. Our work spans planning and zoning, building services, property maintenance, housing development and incentives, civil rights enforcement, and administrative support. We manage seven boards and commissions, including the Planning Commission. Were also known for having one of the fastest permitting processes in the state with commercial and residential building permits issued in 10 days. Our Development Review Team (DRT) meets weekly to support developers through free consultations and collaborative project feedback. We also coordinate the Citys special event process, partnering with nine departments to support community-wide events. Were also fun! What Weve Recently Accomplished: Secured $999,999 in Federal Home Loan Bank funding and $300,000 in CDBG funds for housing rehab in 2024-25. Created two RHID districts and received two MIH grants, supporting over 250 new owner-occupied housing units. Helped the City secure $25 million in ARPA funds for 500 new market-rate apartments the second-largest single ARPA allocation in Kansas. Digitized all permitting and licensing workflows with the GovBuilt platform and sca