Advance your career in urban planning.
Come join a forward-thinking team and play a central role in shaping a vibrant, equitable, and well-planned Toledo!
A national search is underway to recruit an experienced urban planning professional to serve as the next Director of the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission for the City of Toledo, Ohio. This is a great opportunity to advance your career by leading an exceptional staff through implementing the Forward Toledo comprehensive land use plan. You’ll work alongside dedicated colleagues in a culture grounded in purpose, integrity, and respect where every voice matters, and every action serves.
See Yourself Here
Mission-Driven
Our culture is built on service. We are empowered to find solutions and build meaningful relationships. Our values guide us, and we're constantly improving to ensure the highest level of service to our colleagues and residents.
What Matters To UsMeaningful work matters.
The Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission aligns its work with the City's strategic priorities to increase job creation and retention by supporting and catalyzing private sector investment, improving residential well-being, and enhancing neighborhood quality.
The Director plays a crucial role in supporting the Lucas County Plan Commission, through a contract with the Board of Lucas County Commissioners, and the various township planning boards by providing professional planning expertise, technical assistance, and administrative guidance. This involves managing the staff assigned to monthly Lucas County Plan Commission meetings and cases, as well as offering advice on zoning ordinances, comprehensive plan updates, land use regulations, and development proposals. The Director helps ensure consistency and coordination in planning efforts across the county, facilitating communication and collaboration among different jurisdictional planning entities to promote cohesive and sustainable growth.
The Director of the Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commission reports directly to the City’s Deputy Mayor and provides overall leadership and management of the Department. The Director will manage 19 full-time employees with a budget of approximately $2.3 million.
Land-Use Plan
Forward Toledo
The Forward Toledo plan, adopted in September 2024, guides land use in Toledo for the next 10–20 years. It reflects our community’s vision for who we want to be and how we will grow. Organized into five themes with goals and strategies shaped by local professionals, it provides a foundation for public dialogue about how land is developed and used.
See the full planMove
This theme focuses on the proposed goals and strategies for increasing connectivity, supporting public transit, and encouraging walkability.
Theme detailsPlace
This theme focuses on the proposed goals and strategies for placemaking, expanding opportunity, and building inclusive neighborhoods.
Theme detailsPlay
This theme focuses on the proposed goals and strategies to increase park access, promote the arts, encourage tourism, and support childhood development.
Theme detailsBuild
This theme focuses on the proposed goals and strategies for design, use, and access to affordable housing throughout the city.
Theme detailsSustain
This theme focuses on maintaining our natural environment, accessing healthy food, and promoting efficient energy.
Theme detailsUpdate Zoning and Land-Use Policies
The Director will also be a part of the Toledo team that is implementing a comprehensive update of the Toledo Zoning Code and Development Standards to benefit low to moderate income (LMI) households through reducing barriers to affordable housing construction. A zoning update will address the following key Land Use and Entitlement Strategy Areas identified by Forward Toledo and Toledo Together:
- Expanding by-right zoning for higher-density development;
- Expanding by-right zoning for missing middle housing types;
- Developing by-right zoning for infill development;
- Increasing transparency and predictability for development decision making.
A Message From
Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz
Welcome to the Glass City! Toledo is a place to live, grow, and belong. On Lake Erie and the Maumee River, this Midwest hub offers affordability, opportunity, and charm. Recent private investment has created thousands of jobs, fueling an urban renaissance. More than $2 billion has been invested in the past decade, with another $1 billion on the way—revitalizing Toledo into a dynamic center of growth and innovation.
How Toledo Ranks NationallyWhy choose Toledo?
Live Affordably
Toledo is drawing national attention for its affordable real estate. In spring 2025, it was ranked the top housing market in the U.S., thanks to its median home price. Average home prices hover around $155K–$235K, significantly below the national median, nearly $200,000 less than many major metro areas. Homes sell unusually fast, too—typically within 37 days.
Build a Future for You and Your Family
From its roots in glass and automotive, Toledo has become a hub for healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, and logistics. Major employers include ProMedica, the University of Toledo, Jeep, Owens Corning, Libbey, and Dana. Named one of 2024’s hottest markets, the city is attracting new investment from projects like the Toledo Trade Center and solar innovation hub. Toledo’s legacy continues with First Solar—the largest solar panel maker in North America—anchoring a regional economy driven by glass and solar innovation.
Experience Downtown
Downtown Toledo has emerged as the city's fastest-growing neighborhood, attracting new residents, cultural amenities, and a vibrant nightlife. The area has become a magnet for young professionals and families alike, drawn by the promise of modern living spaces, a thriving arts scene, and a host of entertainment options. New developments have brought an array of restaurants, bars, and music venues, making downtown a bustling center of activity.
Thrive Culturally
Culture thrives in Toledo. The Toledo Museum of Art showcases glass and masterpieces by Van Gogh, Monet, and Picasso, while music and theater shine through the Toledo Symphony, Opera, and Valentine Theatre. The Toledo Zoo & Aquarium draws over a million visitors yearly as a global conservation leader. The award-winning library system enriches the community, and sports fans cheer on the Mud Hens, Walleye, Rockets, and Falcons. Toledo even hosted the 2021 Solheim Cup, the world’s largest women’s golf tournament.
Enjoy Nature
Outdoor lovers, rejoice. With easy access to Lake Erie, the Maumee River, and Metroparks Toledo (boasting over 12,700 acres across 19+ parks and 200 miles of trails), the city offers boating, hiking, picnicking, and seasonal fun all year long. Spots like Oak Openings Preserve and Maumee Bay State Park are renowned for natural beauty and trails, earning them the prestigious National Gold Medal Award from the National Recreation and Park Association.
Benefit from Strong Institutions
The University of Toledo, a major research institution, and its academic medical center fuel innovation and opportunity. ProMedica Toledo Hospital, the region’s largest employer and a Level I trauma center, provides top-tier care and jobs. Toledo and its surrounding area feature strong school districts with high graduation rates and advanced placement programs. With nearly three dozen colleges and universities within 60 miles, the region offers exceptional post-secondary options, including nationally recognized programs in engineering, medicine, pharmacy, education, business, and law.
Be Well Connected
Toledo’s central Midwest location with a major Great Lakes port, interstates, and rail corridors makes it ideal for business and travel. It’s within a few hours drive of Detroit, Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Chicago, Pittsburgh and even Toronto.
Overall, Toledo is a diverse community where generations of residents have cultivated deep, lasting roots, drawn by the city's unique blend of opportunity, culture, affordability, accessibility, and beauty. The cultural and social investments made in the past continue to benefit and attract new generations today. Toledo offers an exceptional quality of life, making it a fantastic place to work, play, and raise a family. With its rich array of amenities and welcoming spirit, Toledo truly has something for everyone. The city's residents warmly embrace newcomers, ensuring that you and your family will feel right at home.
About Toledo
A City on the Rise
Toledo is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, with new companies, investments, and jobs driving growth and re-energizing the riverfront. With just under 300,000 residents, Toledo offers the best of both worlds—an affordable, mid-size city with big-city amenities and opportunities.
We've got great benefits.
Competitive Compensation
- Salary: $97,672–$185,269 (negotiable by qualifications)
Outstanding Health Benefits
- Medical, dental, vision, prescription
- Premiums from $94/month
- $0 co-pay for generics
Generous Paid Time Off
- Up to 35 vacation days/year (based on service)
- 14 holidays + 2 discretionary
- 10 sick hours/month
- Paid parental leave
- Prior Ohio public service? Bring your vacation balance
Invested in Your Growth
- Tuition reimbursement
- License/certification support
- Annual stipends up to $5,200
Retirement You Can Count On
- OPERS: 10% employee / 14% City
- Optional 401(k) & 457(b)
Start Strong
- Health benefits on day 1
- Advance vacation in year 1
- No probation for unclassified roles
- Relocation reimbursement up to $5,000 (moving, storage, house-hunting, rent, utilities, etc.)
- Stability, growth, and meaningful impact
We'd love to meet you.
Applications will be accepted online from September 2, 2025 to October 3, 2025.
Following review of qualifications, some candidates will be invited to participate in the screening process established by the Search Committee. Candidates may be interviewed several times and may be asked to complete a series of written responses for further evaluation and possible presentation as part of the final steps of the selection process. Final selection will be made by, and at the discretion of, the Mayor of the City of Toledo.
Ideally, the selected candidate will join the City of Toledo at a mutually agreed upon date. Interested individuals should be aware that the City will try to ensure confidentiality to the fullest extent possible under the law. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. If you have questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please call Kelly Murphy at (419) 245-1523.
Notice: In accordance with Ohio law, all applications and resumes for public positions are a matter of public record and will be disclosed to the media or public upon proper request.
The City of Toledo is an equal opportunity employer and encourages all qualified individuals to apply for this exceptional career opportunity.