ATLANTA -- Mayor Shirley Franklin today announced that Charles Graves, III is the nominee for the position of Commissioner of Planning and Neighborhood Development. Graves has served in a similar capacity as the Director of Planning for the City of Baltimore since 1993.
Mayor Franklin says, “As we work to reinvigorate city government we must take a new approach in planning the future of our city. Our approach must be best in class, and while addressing regional issues, it must allow us to create a planned community that is both livable and affordable. Charles Graves has had a distinguished career and brings the necessary experience to help us achieve that goal.”
In his capacity as the director of planning in Baltimore, Graves was responsible for coordination of the city’s capital improvement, state bond requests; oversight of the development of neighborhood plans, downtown development plans and updates of the City’s Master Plan. Economic development was also under Graves’ purview and the responsibility for promoting, attracting and retaining commercial and industrial businesses to locate into the City’s business park and downtown.
Prior to joining the City of Baltimore, Graves served as the Director of Planning and Development and Executive Director of the Redevelopment Authority for the City of Appleton, Wisconsin. Graves is a member of the International Manager’s Association, American Planning Association, Council for Urban Economic Development and the National Association for Housing and Redevelopment Officials.
Graves received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Urban Planning from Hampton University and a Master of Science, Community Economic Development from New Hampshire College. He also attended the John F. Kennedy School of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University.
In accepting the appointment, Graves said, “I am excited about the opportunity to work with Mayor Franklin and the administration in this important position. Graves, who brings over 25 years of diverse experience to the job added, “Utilizing my previous experience in planning and community development, we will build a team and utilize best practices to move Atlanta forward as a well planned City.”
Mayor Franklin extended thanks to the Atlanta office of Egon Zehnder International for conducting the pro bono services for the search, particularly to senior consultants Laura Lee Gentry and Scott Walker. John Stroup, Managing Partner of Egon Zehnder International’s Atlanta Office said, “Egon Zehnder has been working with Atlanta’s business and civic leadership for over twenty years to build the most talented teams possible for their organizations. We were delighted to demonstrate our support of this city and Mayor Franklin by performing this search pro-bono.”
A Citizens Panel comprised of representatives from the business community, the Atlanta Planning and Advisory Board (APAB), and neighborhood activists, interviewed the finalists to ensure comprehensive abilities on a wide range of issues. The review panel voted unanimously to recommend Graves for consideration because he has the experience and expertise to help guide the long-range planning for the City’s overall livability. His career accomplishments include extensive experience in the public sector both in his current position and his participation in professional planning organizations.
The recommendation of Graves was presented to the City Council on Monday September 16, 2002 and was referred to the Committee on Council for consideration.