The California Housing Defense Fund (“CalHDF”) is looking for a pro-housing, detail-oriented planner to join our team. This is a position in the Planning and Investigations program of the organization, which monitors cities throughout California; analyzes development proposals, ordinances, and plans for compliance with state law; and writes and submits public comment to cities and counties in order to support the development of housing throughout the state.
About the organization:
CalHDF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to make lasting impacts to improve the affordability and accessibility of housing to current and future Californians, especially low- and moderate-income people and communities of color. We rely on advocacy and litigation to expand the housing supply across California. In particular, we are a “housing organization” as defined under California’s Housing Accountability Act.
CalHDF is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from a wide variety of backgrounds.
About the position:
This is an entry-level planning position. While planning or governmental experience is appreciated, it is not required.
The planner would use our AI-powered monitoring software, Listen Public, to find housing development projects that would benefit from our advocacy, then draft and submit letters in support of such projects. Similarly, you would identify and analyze ordinances that might violate state housing law, and then write and submit public comments on those ordinances.
By submitting public comment on these projects and ordinances, the organization accomplishes two key steps: we directly advocate in favor of housing; and we establish legal standing should litigation be necessary. This position is therefore a crucial role in the organization. By example, during the course of 2025, 52 cities amended their accessory dwelling unit regulations in response to our comment letters, without the need for litigation.
You would report to the Director of Planning and Investigations, who oversees the organization’s planning, research, and policy work.
We have a bright and sunny office in a beautiful, Art Deco building in downtown Oakland, easily accessible by public transportation. We typically work a hybrid schedule, with at least two days in the office a week. The office building includes a gym, bike room, and other amenities.
Typical job duties:
- Use of our AI tool, Listen Public, to monitor city councils and planning commissions across California.
- Write public comment letters on housing development projects, housing plans, and local ordinances.
- Meet with developers, property owners, lawyers, city staff, state officials,and other stakeholders.
- Participate in coalition calls to coordinate advocacy and legal action in favor of housing development projects.
- Work with our staff attorneys to ensure that our comment letters set up the organization for success should litigation be necessary.
Skills/Knowledge we are looking for:
- Familiarity with California planning laws and practices, including Housing Elements and the California Environmental Quality Act.
- An appreciation for planning theories and concepts, including Smart Growth, Transit-Oriented Development, Missing Middle Housing, etc.
- Attention to detail – legal claims can hinge on whether or not issues were raised in public comment, and attention to detail is crucial.
- Ability to work independently and take initiative. CalHDF has a hybrid work environment, and employees must be able to work independently in order to succeed.
- Independent judgement regarding which projects the organization should support. CalHDF prioritizes affordable projects, supportive projects, mixed-income buildings, multifamily development, and denser infill development, preferably near transit.
- Excellent communication, both oral and written. This position requires extensive writing.
- The ability to read and comprehend lengthy planning documents and development proposals.
- An interest in the applicability of state law to housing development.
- A general appreciation for new, tall, residential buildings.
Bonus skills we would appreciate:
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite.
Minimum qualifications:
- Master’s degree in planning or a related field.
Location
- Must be living in or willing to relocate to California. Strong preference for ability to do a few days a week in person in our Oakland office.
Salary range:
- Planner – $80,000 plus benefits.
- Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) with employer match, all California court holidays, family leave, and annual and sick leave.
How to apply:
Send your resume and cover letter to:
Include “application for planner position at CalHDF- [your name]” in email subject.