The City of Asheville, NC is pleased to announce the Planning and Urban Design Department’s new Assistant Director.
Chris Collins was hired by the City’s Development Services Department in 2013. Over the past ten years, he led process improvements in stormwater, floodplain, erosion control, grading, planning, zoning and sign plan review, permitting, inspections and enforcement processes. As part of his role as the Division Manager for Site Planning and Land Development, he professionalized the City’s Technical Review Committee, supervised a dynamic group of professionals and served as the City’s Chief Zoning Official.
“Chris’s rock-solid expertise and dedication as a planning professional, coupled with his passion for continuous improvement, are the keys to my knowing he will excel in this role,” says Planning and Urban Design Director Steph Monson Dahl.
As Assistant Director, Collins will help lead business strategy and professional development for the newly renovated department, which recently saw a major realignment of functions and services, a doubling of the number of employees, and the hiring of a new Director. He is ready to step into the job, which includes playing a key role in City-wide projects and initiatives, promoting equitable community engagement, and stepping in as acting director when needed.
“I am excited for this opportunity to serve in a new, more challenging position and the direct role it will play in helping to shape a better future for the City of Asheville,” says Collins. “It is great to move into this role surrounded by a team that I am thrilled to work with every day and a community I love.”
Collins starts in his new role on Monday, November 13, 2023.