Charlotte Names New Planning Director

Monica Holmes to lead city's Planning, Design & Development Department

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The City of Charlotte has announced that Monica Holmes will become the next Director of the Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department. Holmes has served as the interim Planning Director since February 2025, where she managed the final draft and release of 14 Community Area Plans. She joined the city in 2015 and has held various roles in the department, including Urban Design Center Program Manager and Design & Preservation Manager.

Why it matters

As Charlotte continues to experience rapid growth, the Planning Director role is critical in shaping the city's future development. Holmes' experience and leadership will be crucial in guiding the city's strategic initiatives and collaborating with various stakeholders to address the community's needs.

The details

During her time with the city, Holmes demonstrated a deep understanding of planning and development with a steadfast commitment to the residents of Charlotte. Her ability to build cross-functional teams in the city's organization will serve as a valuable catalyst for the community's ongoing growth. The position is subject to an interlocal agreement between the City of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County, requiring the participation of the County, the Mecklenburg Planning Commission, the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and the development industry in the hiring process.

  • Holmes has served as the interim Planning Director since February 2025.
  • Holmes joined the City of Charlotte in 2015.

The players

Monica Holmes

The new Director of the Charlotte Planning, Design & Development Department. She has served as the interim Planning Director since February 2025 and has held various roles in the department since joining the city in 2015.

Marcus Jones

The City Manager of Charlotte, who praised Holmes' dedication, experience, and leadership in the role.

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What they’re saying

“I'm grateful to accept this position in this critical moment in our city's story. As a Charlotte native, this role is very personal to me, and I'm honored to work besides my colleagues in shaping our community's future as my hometown continues to show extraordinary growth.”

— Monica Holmes, Director of Charlotte Planning, Design & Development (mecktimes.com)

“Monica's dedication, experience, and continued success have all led her to this point. She has demonstrated exceptional leadership, inspiring ongoing collaboration and progress and I'm thrilled to see her continue to proudly represent our city.”

— Marcus Jones, City Manager (mecktimes.com)

The takeaway

Holmes' appointment as the new Planning Director comes at a critical time for Charlotte, as the city continues to experience rapid growth. Her deep understanding of planning and development, as well as her ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, will be crucial in shaping the city's future and addressing the community's needs.