Albemarle names planning and development director – The Stanly News & Press

Report on the Appointment of Albemarle’s Director of Planning and Development

Introduction and Appointment Details

The City of Albemarle has appointed Alysia Davis Steadman as the new Director of Planning and Development, with a commencement date of November 10. In this capacity, Ms. Steadman will oversee the city’s Planning and Development Services Department. Her primary responsibilities will encompass the strategic management of land use, zoning, development review, and growth-management initiatives, which are critical for the city’s sustainable future.

Strategic Vision and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Ms. Steadman’s appointment is strategically aligned with the city’s long-term comprehensive land use plan, “Envision Albemarle 2045.” This plan serves as a foundational framework for achieving key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Ms. Steadman’s leadership will be instrumental in guiding thoughtful and inclusive development. Her role directly supports Target 11.3 by enhancing inclusive and sustainable urbanization and the capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning and management.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth: The focus on “inclusive growth” and strategic development is aimed at promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth for the community.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Her proven expertise in fostering partnerships among municipal departments and jurisdictions will be vital for strengthening the means of implementation and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development at a local level.

Professional Background and Qualifications

Ms. Steadman brings over two decades of experience in urban planning, community development, and strategic leadership. Her qualifications provide a strong foundation for advancing Albemarle’s sustainable development objectives.

1. Professional Certifications: She holds a certification from the American Institute of Certified Planners and is a member of the American Planning Association.
2. Advanced Program Completions:
   • Nonprofit Management, Duke University
   • Commercial Real Estate, Cornell University
   • Municipal and County Government Administration, UNC-Chapel Hill
   • Innovative Leadership in Public Administration, Georgetown University

Key Career Accomplishments and Contributions to Sustainable Development

Throughout her career, Ms. Steadman has led initiatives that directly contribute to the principles of sustainable development.

• Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan: As Assistant Planning Director for Charlotte, she played a key role in creating a long-term plan aimed at sustainable urban development, a direct application of SDG 11. Her work involved developing a unified development ordinance to ensure regulations aligned with long-term sustainability goals, contributing to SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
• Business Corridor Revitalization: In a previous role as a planning coordinator, she led strategic projects for business corridor revitalization. These initiatives support SDG 8 by fostering local economic growth and creating vibrant commercial centers.
• Inclusive Urban Development: As Market Director for NEOO Partners, Inc., she directed strategic initiatives centered on urban development and inclusive growth, ensuring that development benefits all segments of the community, a core tenet of SDG 11.
• Economic Vitality and Branding: As Vice President of Charlotte Center City Partners, she launched the business corridor’s first comprehensive marketing campaign, promoting economic vitality in alignment with SDG 8.

SDGs Addressed in the Article

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • The article focuses on the appointment of a new planning and development director for the city of Albemarle. Her role is to manage “land use, zoning, development review and growth-management efforts,” which are central to creating sustainable urban environments. The mention of the “Envision Albemarle 2045” comprehensive land use plan directly aligns with the goal of making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

   • The article highlights the new director’s past experience in “business corridor revitalization initiatives” and launching a “comprehensive marketing and branding campaign.” These activities are aimed at promoting local economic development and strengthening the city’s economic future, which connects to promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth.

3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • The new director’s experience includes “fostering partnerships among city departments and jurisdictions to advance the plan’s implementation.” This skill is crucial for the successful execution of a comprehensive urban plan like “Envision Albemarle 2045” and reflects the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 11.3: Inclusive and Sustainable Urbanization

   • This target aims to enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated, and sustainable human settlement planning. The article directly addresses this through the new director’s mandate to guide “thoughtful, inclusive development” and her expertise in “community engagement.” The development and execution of the “Envision Albemarle 2045” plan is a clear example of integrated and sustainable settlement planning.

2. Target 11.a: Strengthen National and Regional Development Planning

   • This target focuses on supporting positive links between urban and rural areas by strengthening development planning. The role of a planning director and the creation of a “comprehensive land use plan” are fundamental to this process. The article states the director’s leadership will be “instrumental as we navigate the city’s growth,” which is the essence of strengthening regional development planning.

3. Target 8.2: Achieve Higher Levels of Economic Productivity

   • This target promotes economic productivity through diversification and revitalization. The director’s past success with “business corridor revitalization initiatives” is a direct example of an action that contributes to this target by improving the economic health and productivity of specific urban areas.

Indicators Mentioned or Implied

1. Development and Implementation of a Comprehensive Land Use Plan

   • The article repeatedly mentions the “Envision Albemarle 2045” plan and the director’s previous work on the “Charlotte Future 2040 Comprehensive Plan.” The existence and implementation of such a plan serve as a key indicator of progress towards sustainable urban planning (Target 11.3 and 11.a).

2. Proportion of City Budget Allocated to Strategic Planning and Development

   • While a specific figure for Albemarle is not given, the article notes that the new director previously “oversaw a combined $2.5 million budget where she directed strategic operations.” This implies that financial allocation to planning departments is a measurable indicator of a city’s commitment to sustainable development.

3. Establishment of Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships

   • The article highlights the director’s experience in “fostering partnerships among city departments and jurisdictions.” The formation and effectiveness of such partnerships can be used as an indicator to measure progress towards integrated planning and achieving SDG 17.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: thesnaponline.com