July 2017 – Following an extensive national search by The Hawkins Company, William Gilchrist has been selected as the new Director of Planning & Building for the City of Oakland. Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said, “I am excited to have William join our team at such a pivotal moment to help lead our work to protect affordability, increase safety, and build new units for all Oaklanders.” Previously holding the position of Director of Place-Based Planning in the City of New Orleans, William Gilchrist has a decorated career in the planning industry, spearheading many projects to revitalize urban communities in large cities such as New Orleans, Birmingham, and Atlanta. Mr. Gilchrist remarked, “I am excited for this compelling opportunity to serve the Oakland community in framing and implementing visionary planning and development that addresses critical needs facing Oakland today and in the future.” Mr. Gilchrist will be a crucial addition to a team focused on the changing landscape of Oakland. We wish Mr. Gilchrist an abundance of success!
