NATCHEZ &045; Next up on the mayor and aldermen’s list of priorities: finding a new city planner.

Current Planner Bob Jackson on Wednesday submitted to Mayor Phillip West a resignation that’s effective Feb. 1.

Jackson, city planner since December 2002, was previously tribal planner and grant writer for the Colorado River Indian Tribes in Parker, Ariz., for eight years.

While he didn’t mention a specific job position, Jackson said he will now return to Arizona &045; specifically, the Phoenix area. &uot;That’s in part to be closer to family we still have there,&uot; Jackson said.

West said Wednesday he must discuss with aldermen a timeline for filling the position. &uot;I just got the (resignation) letter today,&uot; West said.

The next city planner will take head a department West and the aldermen have charged with several tasks, including city beautification and reviewing planning ordinances for possible changes.

Among other things, the city planner oversees planning, zoning and code enforcement and makes recommendations on cases before the city’s Zoning Board and Planning and Historic Preservation commissions.

Prior to the tribal planner position, Jackson worked in planning for the cities of Bisby, Ariz., and El Paso, Texas.

At the time Jackson became city planner the position had been vacant for almost five months, since former City Planner David Preziosi left July 15, 2002, to direct the Mississippi Heritage Trust.

Jackson said he plans to maintain his property in Natchez and may retire here in the years to come.