Johnston Planning and Economic Development Office

The mission of the Planning and Economic Development office is to preserve and enhance the Town of Johnston as a great place to live and do business. Staff, including the town planner, assistant planner, and clerk, works to assure that the development review process is fair and expeditious while protecting the quality of existing neighborhoods and commerce in accordance with the Town Comprehensive Community Plan.

The office is charged with the following:

• Advocacy for economic development by providing assistance to the Mayor in marketing the Town for commercial development ranging from small business to corporate headquarters.
• Timely and thorough response to citizen inquiries regarding the application process.
• Staff review and processing of land development and subdivision applications to the Planning Board, and administrative applications to the Administrative Officer.
• Liaison with state agencies and organizations involved in land use management.
• Implementation of the Town Comprehensive Community Plan (approved by the state 11/17/09), including the Town Affordable Housing Plan (approved by the state 6/5/05).
• Management of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Home Repair program for low- and moderate-income homeowners. 
• Administration of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.
• Grantsmanship and special assignments.

Planning and Economic Development works closely with Building and Zoning, Engineering, and other municipal departments to ensure that proposed development is in accordance with Town regulations.