This week, the Town of Chapel Hill announced that Colleen R. Willger will serve as the town’s next Planning Director.

According to the town, Willger was selected from a national pool of applicants and will begin her work on November 16.

Chapel Hill Town Manager Maurice Jones said Willger will bring a wide variety of experiences to the position.

“She is committed to promoting and protecting vibrant neighborhoods while enhancing economic vitality in commercial and mixed-use districts,” Jones Said. “I’m confident Colleen, and the strong team in our Planning Department, will advance the goals of our Town Council and our residents by creating a thriving community for all who reside here.”

Colleen R. Willger, AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners)

Prior to this position, Willger served as the Acting Deputy Director for Community Planning and Design for the District of Columbia’s Office of Planning. There she played a key role in advising District Government leadership through response, recovery, and reopening planning in the long-term visioning plan called ReOpen DC. She also serves as the Associate Director for Neighborhood Planning in D.C.

Most recently, Willger’s focus has been on developing small area, corridor and neighborhood plans that reflect the policies and actions outlined by the District’s Comprehensive Plan – all with the goal of advancing equity, economic vitality, and community vibrancy in diverse neighborhoods.

“I am honored to lead a talented team and ready to work with the community and Town leadership toward achieving Chapel Hill’s collective vision,” said Willger.

Willger began her career in urban planning in 2006 with the City of Alexandria, VA, after receiving her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Community and Regional Planning from Iowa State University’s College of Design.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees. You can support local journalism and our mission to serve the community. Contribute today – every single dollar matters.

Related Stories
‹
Chapel Hill: Football Game Day, UPROAR Conclusion, Pedestrian Safety
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, August 28, discussing town news and events. She talked about game day in Chapel Hill, as football season is set to begin on Monday for UNC. She discussed the conclusion of the UPROAR Arts Festival in Orange County, provided an update on some pedestrian safety features recently added on some of the busier streets around town, and more.
Labor Day to Affect Local Government Services Around Orange County Community (2025)
Monday marks the observance of Labor Day, which is meant to celebrate the contribution of workers and employees across the United States. With that, the local governments in Orange County will be giving many of their employees the day off, which will affect certain local government services. Ahead of the holiday on Monday, September 1, […]
The 5:00 News: Hypothetical Elementary School Closure, Chapel Hill Football Game Day
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City Schools explores what closing an elementary school would hypothetically look like. We hear from Hillsborough Mayor Mark Bell on a Unified Development Ordinance meeting tonight. In sports, UNC Football General Manager Michael Lombardi talks about the importance of the game day experience in Chapel Hill,  and more.
Honduran, Latin American Food Truck Prepares to Open W. Franklin Street Restaurant in September
Chapel Hill is about to feature a new addition to its restaurant lineup: The Latin Effect, which is expanding from its food truck operations.
On Air Today: Social Media Manager Henry Taylor on Reels, Hollow Knight, and More
The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, August 26. They discussed the latest on 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com social media platforms, including a recent Instagram Reel about our ongoing GoFundMe campaign. He also discussed a recent collaboration with Kolapasi Indian Canteen, his and the rest of the Internet's eager anticipation of the video game Hollow Knight's sequel, and more.
On the Porch: Ellen Brown - Myths about Money
This Week: Ellen Brown is an attorney and author of thirteen books and hundreds of articles (all on her blog at http://EllenBrown.com). Her titles include the bestselling "Web of Debt" and "Nature's Pharmacy," co-authored with Dr. Lynne Walker, along with "The Public Bank Solution" and her latest book "Banking on the People."  She graduated from UC Berkeley in 1967 and from UCLA Law School in 1977; practiced law for ten years in Los Angeles; then spent 11 years abroad, in Kenya, Honduras, Guatemala and Nicaragua, with her husband and two children. She co-founded and chaired of the Public Banking Institute from which she retired in Spring of 2025 
Chapel Hill Police: Body of Deceased Male Discovered Inside Siena Hotel; Franklin Street Reopened
A block of E. Franklin Street is shut down as authorities communicate with an individual who's barricaded themselves inside the Siena Hotel.
The Morning News: Flood Victim's Deadline, Hillsborough Buys UPROAR Art
The Hill’s Andrew Stuckey fills in for Aaron Keck with the morning news. Included in this edition of the news, residents displaced by Chantal floodwaters face a looming deadline; Gov. Stein visits Mebane for a ribbon cutting; Hillsborough purchases UPROAR Art, and more. In sports, Bill Belichick talks about the joys of the college game, both UNC soccer teams are set for action, Courtney Banghart continues to add to the roster, and more.
Facing End of Temporary Shelter, Displaced Camelot Village Residents Lament Landlord Inaction and Limited Options
Some flood victims from Camelot Village have not received July rent or security deposits back even as they face financial and housing strains.
Chapel Hill Police: 28-Year-Old Reported Missing Now Safely Located
UPDATE: Chapel Hill Police shared a message at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday saying Yueh-Ning Cheng has been safely located.
›