The Town of Carrboro announced it has selected a new planning director, John Fussa, who will take up the role in December.

Town Manager Patrice Toney made the announcement via a release Friday afternoon.

“We are thrilled to welcome John Fussa as Carrboro’s next planning director,” Toney said. “We need equity-driven, climate-smart leadership to guide thoughtful, inclusive growth. John’s track record aligns with Carrboro’s values and our commitment to measurable progress for residents and businesses.”

According to the release, Fussa is a “nationally recognized city planner whose experience spans multiple decades in Colorado and New Jersey.” He arrives to Carrboro after previously serving as the community development director for the town of Parker, Colorado from 2013 until last month. Prior to that he was the City Planner/Director of Community Development in Bayonne, New Jersey.

“The Town of Carrboro is a special place, and I am excited by the opportunity to work with the community, staff and stakeholders to help Carrboro realize its vision for the future,” Fussa said.

The release went on to list some of Fussa’s accomplishments in Parker, including a downtown revitalization project, a unified land development code, an open space and trail plan, and more. Before accepting the position in Carrboro, Fussa was one of four candidates being considered for the position of Town Manager in Winter Park, Colorado.

On Tuesday night, Carrboro passed its new Downtown Area Plan, giving the local government a new framework for both the town and developers to follow while considering development. To implement the vision laid out in the plan, the town is also working on rewriting its unified development ordinance and reviewing other land-use policies after passing its “Carrboro Connects” comprehensive plan in 2022.

The town announced in Dec. 2024 that Trish McGuire, the previous planning director, would be retiring after nearly 30 years of serving in Carrboro’s zoning and planning administration. She has served in the specific role of planning director since 2011.

The full release of Fussa’s hiring can be read on the Town of Carrboro’s website.

Featured image via The Town of Carrboro

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