The Chief Counsel of Economic Development and Planning, under the broad policy and guidance of the City Attorney, performs a variety of complex administrative and professional work in representing the economic development and land use planning interests of the City, rendering legal advice to the City Council, Mayor, City Manager and serving as the City’s counsel to the Development Services Department for planning, zoning and economic development matters.

Works with specialized outside economic development counsel to assist the City with the review, consideration, and implementation of incentive packages for selected development projects.

Conducts legal research and advises department staff on routine matters in protecting the interests of the City as they relate to economic development, incentives, the economic development policy, and implementation, such as Tax Increment Financing, Community Improvement Districts, and similar tools for development, planning, land use, infrastructure, and other City operations. As a representative of management, supports the mission, vision, strategic plan, goals, and decisions of the department and the City.

Performs professional legal and administrative work providing legal services to the assigned departments and activities, including advice on planning and zoning, economic activities, developer agreements, preparation of contracts, and other legal documents. Developer payments partially fund this position and will require time tracking.

Completes general municipal law projects for the Civil Division of the Law Department as assigned.

Salary range: $118,299 – $141,874

Requirements:

Juris Doctor degree required
State of Missouri License to practice law required and
Minimum of five years’ experience in legal field required, municipal or other governmental preferred including experience working with elected officials and the public
Minimum of three years’ experience in direct municipal government experience preferred
Minimum of five (5) years of economic development, planning, land use, property/ real estate law, and or multi-faceted and complex contract negotiation directly related to the Essential Duties with significant experience with special taxing districts and municipal bonds.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of sources for researching municipal, state, federal and common law
Knowledge of judicial procedures and rules of evidence
Knowledge of methods of legal research and forms of contracts
Knowledge of municipal law, inter-governmental relationships, real estate, contract law, risk management, and economic incentives available to cities
Skills in analyzing complex legal and factual situations and issues including financial analysis of any incentives offered or being offered by the City or others to current or prospective developers or businesses.
Excellent skills in written and oral communication, legal research, and courtroom presentation.
Ability to work with elected officials, staff members and the public effectively and efficiently
Ability to make decisions, work independently, work under stress and pressure, prioritize and effectively advise on legal issues
If assisting in the Prosecution division, the ability or option to carry a concealed weapon with proper training and as authorized by the Chief of Police in City Policy 409.2 and Missouri statute Section 5771.030.

About Lee's Summit

The City of Lee’s Summit is a thriving, progressive community situated 16 miles southeast of downtown Kansas City. With an estimated population of over 107,000, Lee’s Summit has all the very best attributes of a small town while enjoying the amenities of a large city. Complemented by a growing business community and superior quality of life, Lee’s Summit has become one of the largest cities in Missouri. Lee’s Summit boasts an award-winning school system and holds national accreditations for its Parks and Recreation, Fire, Police and Public Works services. Lee’s Summit has a strong appreciation for arts, culture and entertainment, making it a vibrant place to live and work. The cultural scene includes public art installations, musical performances, theatre productions and Fourth Friday Art Walks. Recently named America’s Great Neighborhood by the American Planning Association, Lee’s Summit’s historic downtown district provides a unique network of restaurants, boutiques and businesses. Special events such as Oktoberfest and Downtown Days draw visitors from all over the Kansas City metro. Lee’s Summit offers countless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With 30 parks, 92 miles of trails and numerous regional lakes, most residents live within close proximity to a recreational activity. Lee’s Summit continues to receive regional and national recognition for its endless amenities for residents of all ages. Among the notable recognitions, the city received gold certification as a Community for all Ages and was designated a Walk Friendly Community and Bicycle Friendly Community.

City of Lee's Summit

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Chief Counsel of Economic Development and Planning