City of Charlotte Announces Director of Planning

Published on February 11, 2026

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (Feb. 11, 2026) – The City of Charlotte announced today Monica Holmes will become the next Director of Charlotte Planning, Design & Development. Holmes has served as the interim Planning Director since February 2025, where she managed the final draft and release of 14 Community Area Plans.

Holmes joined the city in 2015, serving essential roles in the Planning, Design & Development Department including Urban Design Center Program Manager and Design & Preservation Manager. In 2022, she became the Executive Manager for the city’s Corridors of Opportunity program, leading multiple departments to collaborate on one of the city’s most successful strategic initiatives.

"I'm grateful to accept this position in this critical moment in our city's story," Holmes said. "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."

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 rapid, ongoing growth.

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

Holmes earned a master’s degree in city and regional planning from Clemson University and holds bachelor's degrees in environmental design, architecture and history from North Carolina State University. Prior to joining the City of Charlotte, Monica spent nine years sharpening skills and building important relationships in the private sector as an urban designer.

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.