Commerce Specialist - Management Services

Overview

Commerce Specialist 3
At the Department of Commerce, we’re reimagining what’s possible in government. We’re builders, thinkers, and change-makers, working at the intersection of innovation, community, and impact. From unlocking critical funding to fueling inclusive economic growth, we’re turning big ideas into real-world solutions that uplift people and places. Our agency’s strength lies in the diversity of our workforce and the breadth of the lived experiences and perspectives employees bring to the work.

We believe equity is not just a value but a practice, which is reflected in how we design programs, engage communities, and deliver outcomes. We foster a workplace culture where curiosity is encouraged, bold thinking is welcomed, and collaboration drives our impact.

This job is a commitment to reshape systems so they work better for everyone. If you’re ready to challenge the status quo and build meaningful connections, we want to meet you. Let’s build what’s next, together.

The Growth Management Services program (GMS) leads the implementation of the Growth Management Act (GMA). The program provides technical and financial assistance to local governments to assist in the implementation of the GMA. The program also serves as the central coordinator of state agency implementation of the GMA.

This position provides technical assistance to jurisdictions within Washington state to implement housing laws and grants. This position will work with other members of the GMS housing team to provide comments on comprehensive plan and regulatory changes related to housing for the periodic update, manage housing contracts, train growth management staff to address housing topics, and work with consultants to develop support materials for local government as they conduct housing work.

This position will also analyze legislation related to zoning, fee structures and planning for housing.

Statewide technical assistance related to housing

Tasks include:

• Track, review and develop written comments on local government development regulations related to accessory dwelling units, middle housing, unit lot subdivisions, transit-oriented development, impact fees, and other topics.
• Develop and provide statewide guidance, reports, presentation, and communications materials on housing related topics to support local governments, planning commissions, elected officials, and the public.
• Convene and facilitate meetings of subject matter experts, grantees and key stakeholders on various topics related to accessory dwelling units, middle housing, unit lot subdivisions, transit-oriented development, and other topics, such as impact fees, racial equity analysis, affordability, etc.
• Represent the program, developing and providing presentations at regional planner’s forums, statewide conferences or other events to share best practices, progress and lessons learned on specific topics such as station area planning, residential infill and associated infrastructure, and affordable housing incentives.
• Train other GMS staff on housing topics such as middle housing regulations, accessory dwelling units, co-living, parking and incentive programs, etc. to enhance consistency in GMS review of local government draft ordinances.
• Analyze proposed legislation related to housing to understand the impact to Commerce and local governments and identify concerns and provide recommendations to management.
• Develop tools to assist local government to review comprehensive plan housing elements and development codes for alignment with the Growth Management Act, countywide planning policies, and provide implementing policy and code recommendations.
• Provide leadership to local governments to help think about where different types of housing is appropriate within their communities.

Tasks include:

• Contract development:
  Manage the process for requests for proposals (RFPs) and resulting contracting process to lead hired consultants to develop statewide technical assistance including example policies, model ordinances, design guidelines, and recommendations.
• In coordination with GMS staff, develop grant programs including developing instructions,…