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.

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