REDMOND BLOG EDITORIAL: Carol Helland, Redmond's Urban Planner Extraordinaire

 

Carol Helland, Director of Planning & Community Development 

The complexity and demands of  Director Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past. Should the Mayor hire a Deputy of Planning Services?

From observations, I believe Carol Helland, the city's Director of Planning & Community Development is the most influential government executive in Redmond. She oversees land use permitting, is Administrator of the Technical Committee, of Public Notice, Code Administrator, oversees the Design Review Board, and director of Human Services among other high level responsibilities. 

Mayor Birney and Council rely heavily on Helland for her understanding of Washington's Growth Management recommendations and requirements. Her flexible use of building codes shape the form, function and character of downtown Redmond, Overlake Urban Center and our gentrifying neighborhoods. Carol negotiates Development agreements with the Mayor and co-approves project permits with Public Works. (A 22-acre Development agreement for NELSON Legacy's downtown Village was inked; RTC is on deck with others to come.)  

Director Helland recently hired Seraphie Allen as Deputy Director of Planning & Community Development.  Already, Deputy Allen's job responsibilities are to communicate with OneRedmond, work with Director Helland's Redmond 2050 Long Range Planning Team, and guide the Mayor's Planning Commission volunteers.  These roles have the ring of a new title, perhaps "deputy director of community development."

The complexity and demands of Ms. Helland's job don't compare to Directors of the past.  Though outside the HR box, the Mayor might possibly assign a second Deputy Director, one for "Planning services" the other for "Community development?"  Ms. Helland is Redmond's Urban Planner extraordinaire and needs all the help she can get. Once Mayor Birney actively teams up with Helland, fewer mistakes will be made and we'll have a more livable Redmond. 

For answers on how you can make Redmond a better community, email Heather at: info@redmond.gov. She's the city's Customer Experience Coordinator and an excellent resource.  Her phone is 425-556-2900.   

Let's make Redmond better together.

-- Bob Yoder

   Editor, Reporter and Scribbler, Redmond Neighborhood Blog    

   1/21/2023

For the Director Helland's job description....

Summary

Plans, organizes, and directs the development and implementation of City policies, plans, codes, procedures, and practices relating to land use, and community planning, land use administration, annexations, and community service programs.  Provides leadership and oversight to the department, ensuring all activities are in compliance with city, state and federal laws and regulations.  Oversees comprehensive programs and services based on the City’s needs.  Establishes strategic direction for the department, set goals, monitors and measures attainment of goals, and ensures the department operates within budget.   Develops and administers policies and provides guidance and interpretation.  Supervises and evaluates the performance of assigned staff.  Serves as a member of the City’s senior leadership team. Ensures the City’s mission, vision and values are incorporated into operational activities and services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

·         Assures community development and improvement through organizing and directing short and long-range planning programs and projects; oversees the gathering, interpreting, and preparing of data for studies, reports, and recommendations regarding annexations, land-use management, land economics, capital improvements, community service programs and any other related plans and/or policies.  Coordinates inter-departmental participation in development and administration of community plans, policies, and regulations.

·         Assures proper application and enforcement of City zoning ordinances and other code approvals by overseeing the processing of permits and interpreting appropriate codes and ordinances.  Develops new codes as needed.

·         Assures compliance with statutory requirements relative to environmental issues.  Reviews environmental impact statements and technical reports, oversees preparation of environmental studies for the City, and recommends final action on environmental issues.

·         Assures a staff capable of supporting office operation for the Planning and Community Development Department by providing leadership and supervision to subordinates.  Plans, organizes, and directs the work of the staff.  Recommends selection of staff, provides training, and evaluates performance.  Offers technical assistance to staff and assists the public with resolution of more complex problems.  Oversees departmental personnel practices, reviews, and approves disciplinary decisions of subordinate managers.  Provides staff development in areas of functional specialization.

·         Assures the financial well-being of the department by performing cost control activities and monitoring all fiscal operations of the department.  Prepares biennial budget and justifies budget requests and amendments.  Assures the efficient and economical use of departmental funds, staffing, materials, facilities, and time.

·         Provides for effective communication and efficient department operations by compiling reports on projects and programs and making presentations to the City Council and appropriate boards and commissions; supervises the maintenance of all records relative to licenses, permits, maps, blueprints, overlays, contracts, and sketches pertinent to city planning, development programs and projects and community service programs.  Communicates with citizens and civic groups on planning, development, and community service program issues and activities.   Coordinates City planning policies with other governmental agencies, the state legislature, and inter-governmental planning processes.

·         Contributes to effective City operations by performing other related duties as assigned.  Examples include: provides advice and counsel to Mayor, and implements Mayor's directives; makes presentations to City Council, Commissions, and citizen groups; as directed, serves as staff to Council Committees; works with other departments on matters of mutual concern and to accomplish City-wide and department objectives; communicates City programs and policies to department staff.

·         Commits to LEAN Culture and continuous performance improvement.

·         Member of the City senior leadership team who is responsible for setting priorities and directing all city activities.

·         Remains current with new technologies and trends and recommends implementation of programs and equipment to help the department achieve its objectives efficiently.

·         Attends City Council meetings and public hearings as needed; makes presentations at meetings and respond to questions and comments.

·         Establishes departmental goals and objectives and general policies and procedures.  Assures the most efficient and economical use of departmental funds, staffing, materials, facilities, and time.  

·         Develops, implements, and monitors performance standards and goals and objectives for department managers and line employees.

·         Develops and maintains productive relationships with elected officials, community leaders, advisory boards, the news media, and/or general public, as appropriate for the job.

·         Understands the City’s political environment and sensitivities and functions effectively within that environment.

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