Community Development

Raphael J. Kasen, AICP *** Abbey Road

East Lansing, MI 48823 718-***-****

ad5o3u@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Experience

Congregation Shaarey Zedek East Lansing, Michigan Religious School Instructor January 2021 – Present

Designed and currently a course on the history of medieval Spain, which I teach in 20-minute increments over the course of a semester.

Teach the Madrichim-in-Training program, which provides training and mentoring for 8th grade students to prepare them for classroom aide positions in Shaarey Zedek Religious School.

Clinton County St. Johns, Michigan

Community Development Director September 2023 – April 2024

●Managed and oversaw daily operations of the Community Development Department, including Planning, Zoning, and Building Services, for 10 client general government townships throughout the County.

●Worked directly with planning and zoning applicants on site plan, special land use, and Board of Appeals

applications. Completed permit application reviews for presentation to the Planning Commission.

●Oversaw zoning ordinance text amendments.

McKenna Associates Grand Rapids, Michigan

Senior Planner December 2021 – September 2023

●Provided continuing planning and zoning services to municipalities throughout Michigan.

●Served as project manager for several long-term municipal client projects, including:

City of Williamston, Ingham County, Planning and Zoning Services

City of Rochester Zoning Ordinance Update

Bedford Charter Township Master Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Code Enforcement Update

City of East Lansing Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

Stockbridge Township Comprehensive Master Plan Update and Solar and Wind ordinances

City of Holland Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing

●Composed memoranda and zoning ordinances on specialized zoning topics including:

Signage

Wind Energy

Solar Energy

Accessory Dwelling Units

Tiny Homes

City of East Lansing East Lansing, Michigan

Community Development Analyst/Historic Preservation Officer June 2021 – November 2021

●Fielded resident inquiries and provided expert guidance on City land use, zoning, and historic district regulations.

●Reviewed incoming building, sign, and historic district certificates of appropriateness permit applications and

guided applicants through the permitting process.

●Wrote and presented staff reports for all certificates of appropriateness applications requiring Historic District

Commission review.

●Provided staff support to the East Lansing Historic District Commission.

●Worked in close collaboration with the Building and Housing Divisions to enforce historic district regulations.

City of Williamston Williamston, Michigan Zoning Administrator January 2021 – June 2021

●Wrote and presented staff report on the 119 West Grand River redevelopment proposal to demolish an existing building for conversion to outdoor patio dining. Recommended approval of the application, which was approved in a unanimous vote by the Planning Commission.

●Resolved a longstanding code enforcement issue at an occupied residential property located along the West

Grand River Avenue corridor.

●Processed all incoming zoning, sign, and fence permit applications.

●Worked with City Manager and City Engineer on development proposals.

●Responded to all code enforcement complaints.

New Jersey Community Capital New Brunswick, New Jersey

Homeownership Administrator, Address Yourself January 2018 – June 2021

●Provided program evaluation and strategic planning services for Essex Community Land Trust

●Spearheaded marketing, outreach, and business development efforts for the Address Yourself and Neighborhood LIFT first-time homebuyer initiatives, generating over $20 million in mortgages and $5 million in down payment and closing cost assistance grants, respectively.

●Led a sales team of multiple loan officers and two housing counselors.

●Generated leads and guided clients through the mortgage process.

Temple Sholom Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Better Together Grant Liaison October 2016 – January 2018

Managed organization’s participation in the Better Together program

Complete monthly surveys, mid-year and final reports, and responded to information requests from Grantor.

Assisted with design, planning, and administration of program curriculum.

Temple Sholom Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Better Together Grant Liaison October 2016 – January 2018

●Worked with grant administrator to document participation in the Better Together program.

●Completed monthly surveys, mid-year and final reports, and responded to information requests.

●Assisted with design and planning of program curriculum.

Temple Sholom Scotch Plains, New Jersey

Religious School Instructor and Youth Group Advisor January 2016 – December 2020

Design curriculum and teaching two courses (Inclusion, Comparative Religion) as part of Temple Sholom Religious School Program

Advise and motivate Youth Group and Junior Youth Group leadership.

Assist leadership in organizing social justice and religious events for Temple and community youth.

Housing and Community Development Network of New Jersey Trenton, New Jersey Community Building Specialist July 2014 – October 2017

●Consulted with municipalities and member organizations on problem property and affordable housing issues.

●Managed statewide network of regional housing and community development advocacy teams.

●Organized and ran press events, conferences, and trainings.

●Composed and contributed to policy briefs and review proposed legislation.

●Presented at local, regional, statewide, and national conferences and events.

Education

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP), May 2013

Vassar College

Bachelor of the Arts (BA) in Art History, May 2003

Contact this candidate