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
‹
On Air Today: 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor
The Hill and Chapelboro.com Social Media Manager Henry Taylor spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Monday, November 10. He discussed some recent content on Instagram celebrating 97.9 The Hill's 9th consecutive win as North Carolina Association of Broadcasters Non-Metro Station of the Year. He also discussed some recent trends on social media, including a new video game featuring a "Proximity Chat" feature, and more.
Sheriff: Durham Man Arrested in Chapel Hill After Cutting Victim 'Multiple Times' in Fight
An alert from the Durham County Sheriff's Office said deputies were called to the 5100 block of Barbee Chapel Road at 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
Orange County to Host Emergency Food Distributions This Weekend for Local SNAP Recipients
For residents who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, Orange county will host food distributions this weekend.
Chapel Hill: Election Night, Food Access, Trails Reopen
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, November 6, discussing town news and events. She talked about election night, which saw two town councilmembers earn reelection and the election of two first time councilmembers. She also talked about upcoming food distribution events and ongoing effects to community members. She discussed the town's trails reopening several months early after storm damage. She also previewed several upcoming town events and more.
Grand Openings Announced for 2 National Businesses Adding Chapel Hill Locations
A pair of national businesses are set to open their doors to Chapel Hill customers in just a few weeks' time: sweetgreen and J. Crew Factory.
Berry, Miller-Foushee Reelected to Chapel Hill Town Council; Newcomers Rivers, McMahon Earn Most Votes
With the early vote totals and nearly all of Chapel Hill's precincts reported on Tuesday night, the Chapel Hill Town Council election appears unofficially decided.
The 5:00 News - Election Day, Hurricane Melissa, UNC Basketball Season Begins
The Hill's Andrew Stuckey presents the afternoon news. Included in this edition of the news, we hear from Public Policy Polling's Tom Jensen ahead of election day. We hear from a UNC student with family recovering from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. In sports, UNC Men's Basketball opens the season with an emphatic victory and Hubert Davis responds to Luka Bogavac's sudden eligibility. We also check in on the rest Tar Heels sports, and more.
2025 Candidate Introductions: Chapel Hill Municipal Races
Five candidates for Chapel Hill Town Council are vying for four seats — two of which are open — while the mayor's election is unopposed.
News Around Town: Halloween on Franklin Street in 2025
Read a conversation between Chapel Hill mayor Jess Anderson and 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey about Halloween on Franklin Street.
Chapel Hill: Halloween Night Downtown, Housing Summit, Food Resources
Chapel Hill Mayor Jess Anderson spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Thursday, October 30 discussing town news and events. She talked about Halloween in our community, with the Chapel Hill Downtown Halloween expected to continue its trend of being a low key event. She also talked about a housing summit from last week as the town continues to understand the needs of its housings stock. She also discussed food resource opportunities as the threat of federal food benefits ending looms on Saturday. She recognize Dale May as this year's Cal Horton Award Winner, and more.
›