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Charlottesville welcomes new Director of Neighborhood Development Services

Crystal Graham
Kellie Brown
Kellie Brown

The City of Charlottesville hired its Director of Neighborhood Development Services who began work this week.

Kellie Brown comes to Charlottesville from Arlington County where she served as a 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.

“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,” said Brown, who started her new job on Monday. “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.”

The city believes Brown’s background makes her the perfect choice for the position. She has more than 15 years of experience as a community planner in both the public and private sectors.

“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 James Freas, deputy director of operations and interim Director of Neighborhood Services.

Notable accomplishments include Arlington County’s Missing Middle housing study that resulted in new zoning regulations for expanded housing options in areas that previously permitted only single detached homes.

She also co-authored the Langston Boulevard area plan, a grassroots neighborhood effort to transform a five-mile commercial corridor into a walkable, green neighborhood with new housing and activity nodes.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.