UNC Charlotte alumnus named Atlanta planning chief

Tim Keane, who earned a bachelor’s degree in geography and a master’s degree in architecture from UNC Charlotte, has been named commissioner of planning and community development for the city of Atlanta.

Keane had 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.

“Tim brings the right expertise to help the Department meet the long-term goals of my administration,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in Creative Loafing. “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.”