Maurice Jones Resigns as Chapel Hill Town Manager After 4 Years

The Town of Chapel Hill announced Tuesday morning that Town Manager Maurice Jones announced his resignation from the local government.

Jones reportedly told the Chapel Hill Town Council his decision, saying it comes after an “assessment of my personal priorities.”

“It’s been an honor to serve the Town of Chapel Hill over the past four and a half years,” he said in a release. “Together, we have come through the pandemic in good shape and taken important steps forward as an organization.”

According to the town, Jones will be leaving his post effective December 31.

Jones arrived in Chapel Hill in 2018 after serving as the city manager for Charlottesville, Virginia and was unanimously approved to replace retiring manager Roger Stancil. Over the course of his four years, the Town of Chapel Hill embarked on several major projects. The local government placed a focus on its urban planning for downtown, launching partnerships with UNC and private developers for the ongoing reimagining of East Rosemary Street. More recently, Chapel Hill also adopted a Complete Community framework earlier this month based on recommendations from urban planning consultants to approve and build projects that are more connected, more environmentally conscious and more dense.

Additionally, under Jones’ leadership the town created and approved its first Climate Action and Response Plan in 2021 and established its Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. In its release, the Town of Chapel Hill also pointed to Jones helping oversee a comprehensive Compensation and Classification Study for town employees and recently launching an expedited review process for local affordable housing projects.

In Tuesday’s release, Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger said Jones is leaving the town “on strong footing.”

“We are grateful to Maurice for his commitment to Chapel Hill,” said Hemminger. “He has provided a steady hand through the pandemic and other critical moments while, also, helping to promote equity and inclusion throughout our organization and the community.”

“Mr. Jones has been a steady hand over the past four and a half years, and we greatly appreciate his commitment and service to the Town,” added the Chapel Hill Town Council in a separate release. “He leaves the Town on solid footing and, with the help of our dedicated staff, we are confident that Chapel Hill will continue to provide excellent community services and meet our strategic goals.”

The town council said it aims to maintain stability and will continue advancing the initiatives established during Jones’ tenure during this time of transition. An interim town manager will be formally chosen by the council members during a special meeting scheduled for Wednesday at 5 p.m. The Town of Chapel Hill said the search for a permanent manager will begin in January and expects the process to last from six to eight months.

Photo via the Town of Chapel Hill.

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Maurice Jones Resigns as Chapel Hill Town Manager After 4 Years

The Town of Chapel Hill announced Tuesday morning that Town Manager Maurice Jones announced his resignation from the local government. Jones reportedly told the Chapel Hill Town Council his decision, saying it comes after an “assessment of my personal priorities.” “It’s been an honor to serve the Town of Chapel Hill over the past four […]

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