Kansas City, Missouri – Jeffrey Williams, who has held the role of Director of City Planning and Development for Kansas City since 2015, will step down from his position on August 1, 2024, after serving for nine years.
During his tenure, Williams played a pivotal role in the city’s development efforts, leading a team of over 100 professionals in planning and building code enforcement. His work has been instrumental in driving significant growth and modernization across Kansas City. His efforts in urban planning, community, economic development, and historic preservation have markedly enhanced the city’s landscape.
Among his notable achievements, Williams oversaw the development of a new $1.5 billion airport terminal and the expansion of the Power and Light entertainment district and other downtown areas. He effectively worked across community lines, achieving noteworthy progress in areas divided by historic racial boundaries, like Troost Avenue. Under his leadership, the city saw the addition of thousands of new homes, ranging from single-family units to high-rise apartments.
Williams first joined the City Planning and Development Department in 2013 as the Principal Assistant to the Director, ascending to the directorial position two years later. His career before Kansas City included significant roles such as Commissioner of Planning and Development for Yonkers and Mount Vernon in New York and as the Principal Historic Preservation Planner for Westchester County, New York.
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“I have had the honor of working with great city staff, planning professionals, community leaders, developers, and elected officials in helping Kansas City grow in a municipally sound and sustainably over the past eleven years. The result has been a vibrant city that retains its historically unique qualities, meets the challenges of today, and has set a vision for pursuing future development opportunities,” said Williams.
“I had the pleasure of working with Director Williams before and during my time on the Council. His commitment to ensuring the integrity of the Planning and Development Code was unwavering, and his delivery of the KC Spirit Playbook will provide a legacy for years to come. I thank him for his years of service to the City,” said 6th District at Large Councilwoman Andrea Bough.
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The City of Kansas City will conduct a nationwide search for the next Director of Planning & Development.
