UNC Charlotte Alumnus Named Atlanta Planning Chief

Alumnus Tim Keane, who received a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in architecture from UNC Charlotte, has been named Commissioner for the Department of Planning and Community Development for the City of Atlanta by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. Keane has served as Director of Planning, Preservation and Sustainability for the City of Charleston since 2009 and previously served as Director of Planning for the Town of Davidson.

“Tim is a talented and innovative planner with bold and thoughtful approaches to city planning. He is a tireless worker and leader,” Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said in a statement published in the Charleston Regional Business Journal. “He has made extraordinary positive impacts on Charleston and its neighborhoods. We will greatly miss having him here at the city of Charleston and wish him the best as he shares his talent with Atlanta.”

In Atlanta, Keane will oversee the department that handles transportation planning, housing programs and building permits. The Atlanta City Council must confirm Keane before his appointment is final. He is expected to start his position July 1.

“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Tim Keane as the Commissioner of our Department of Planning and Community Development,” Reed said. “Tim brings the right expertise to help the Department the meet the long-term goals of my administration. I am confident that his experience, vision and exceptional commitment to public service will help our city continue to grow in ways that will benefit all our citizens.”

Prior to the announcement, Keane was responsible for urban planning, design review, historic preservation and zoning for the City of Charleston. He also led Charleston’s sustainability initiatives and managed code enforcement and neighborhood beautification. In addition, his office also led the city’s tourism management planning efforts. Under his leadership, the city created a Century Five Comprehensive Plan—a ten-to-fifteen year guide for growth and development.

He was a Knight Fellow in Community Building at the University of Miami School of Architecture in 2001. He also started a private design firm where he worked with private developers on notable projects including Mixson in North Charleston—a community of green and energy efficient homes.

“I am honored to join Mayor Kasim Reed and his Administration as the Commissioner of Planning and Community Development,” Keane said. “I look forward to working with citizens to ensure everything that is planned, designed and built makes the city a better place to live and work.”