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
‹
Sheriff's Office Charges Florida Man After Burglary, Card Theft in Briar Chapel
The Chatham County Sheriff's Office announced several felony charges against a Florida man on Friday following an investigation into a larceny and fraudulent use of credit cards last week.
H&H Bagels Sets Opening Date in Chapel Hill's University Place
H&H Bagels, a chain of restaurants based out of New York, will open its new Chapel Hill location at University Place next week.
On Air Today: Mama Dip's New Year's Meal Tradition Returns at Tonya's
Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe is bringing back a Mama Dip's tradition with a New Years Day Feast, which will be available January 1, New Year's Day, at the Cafe on S. Elliot Road in Chapel Hill and also available for takeout and pre-order. Tonya spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell about bringing this tradition back to Chapel Hill.  
Chapel Hill Planet Fitness Closes at University Place Ahead of Move to S. Elliott Road
Planet Fitness at University Place at 201 South Estes Drive closed to customers on Monday, Dec. 29 as the gym prepares to relocate to a new space at 257 South Elliott Road in Chapel Hill.
Top Stories of 2025: In Orange County, An Anticlimactic Election
The municipal election was always going to be one of the top stories of 2025 in Chapel Hill - though this year's race was unusually quiet.
On Air Today: Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe
Tonya Council of Tonya's Cookies and Cafe spoke with 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell on Monday, December 22. They discussed Tonya's Holiday Meal's available for pickup, which can be pre-ordered this week, and they discussed Tonya bringing back a Mama Dip's tradition with a New Years Day Feast, which will be available January 1, New Year's Day, at the Cafe on S. Elliot Road in Chapel Hill.
Chapel Hill Police: Runaway Teenager Safely Located Overnight
UPDATE: The Chapel Hill Police Department shared a message at 1:20 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 saying Forbes was safely located.
Orange County Communities to Interrupt Services for December Holidays (2025)
Communities around Orange County will interrupt their normal service schedules during the upcoming winter holidays. Here’s what customers can expect: Town of Chapel Hill Town of Chapel Hill government offices will be closed from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Friday, Dec. 26. Residential trash collection will not be affected. Yard trimmings will not be collected on […]
Top Stories of 2025: Flash Flooding From Tropical Storm Chantal Damages Region, Changes Lives
Perhaps no singular event influenced the Orange County community's experience in 2025 more than Tropical Storm Chantal's floods in July.
Chapel Hill: Metro Mayors Recap, Look Back at 2025, Skate Park Opens
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, December 18, discussing town news and events. She recapped the recent meeting of Metro Mayors, which was hosted by Chapel Hill. She also took a look back at some of the major stories for the community, including Tropical Storm Chantal, and more. She also reported that the Homestead Skate Park has reopened after being closed for upgrades.
›