FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2024
Kellie Brown Joins the City Today as Director of Neighborhood Development Services
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Kellie Brown joined the City of Charlottesville today, September 9th, as Director of Neighborhood Development Services (NDS). Kellie comes to the City from Arlington County, VA where she most recently served as Section Supervisor in the Comprehensive Planning Group in Arlington County’s Planning Division. She was responsible for managing a team of planners focused on long-range planning studies, small area plans, and zoning reform initiatives. She has over 15 years of experience as a community planner in both the public and private sectors.
“I’m really excited to support the exciting work that the City of Charlottesville is doing to implement its comprehensive plan and new zoning ordinance. My goal is to build on the community’s work over the last several years to chart a path for a sustainable and equitable future,” Brown said.
One of Kellie’s strengths is her commitment to transparency. She has extensive experience collaborating with residents, businesses, other stakeholders, and internal agencies and departments to develop consensus-based plans.
“Kellie has an in-depth understanding of modern zoning standards which is critical for the City of Charlottesville. She also has a broad understanding of a wide range of planning issues including equitable development, natural resources, bike, pedestrian, and other mobility needs, historic and cultural resources, and parks and open spaces to name a few,” said Deputy Director of Operations and interim Director of Neighborhood Services, James Freas.
Her notable accomplishments include Arlington County’s Missing Middle Housing Study, resulting in new zoning regulations for expanded housing options in areas that previously permitted only single detached homes. Kellie also co-authored the Langston Boulevard Area Plan, the result of a grassroots neighborhood planning effort which she fostered, to transform a five-mile commercial corridor into a walkable, green neighborhood main street with new housing and activity nodes.
On a personal note, Kellie enjoys spending time with her husband and three children. She enjoys hiking and is looking forward to getting to know the local trails and exploring the City and surrounding areas.
“I’m equally as excited to hit the ground running in my role as NDS Director as I am to get to know the residents of Charlottesville. I’ve worked and lived in a number of different places throughout Virginia and I’m truly looking forward to serving a city as special as Charlottesville,” Brown said.
Kellie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Spanish from Georgetown University and a Master of Community Planning degree from the University of Maryland.
Media Contact:
Afton Schneider
Director of Communications & Public Engagement
City of Charlottesville
434-996-0331
media@charlottesville.gov