WILLIAMSBURG — The City of Williamsburg Planning Director, Carolyn Murphy, was recognized by The Virginia Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA Virginia) for her service to the community by receiving the 2021 Outstanding Service Award.
Murphy was presented with the award at the APA Annual Conference that was held at Roanoke, Va from Oct. 20 to Oct. 22.
“Every year the American Planning Association’s Virginia Chapter honors and showcases the best in planning throughout the Commonwealth with its Awards Program, coinciding with our Annual Conference,” the 2021 APA Virginia Awards Program website reads. “The Awards Program Recognizes the tireless work of individuals who bring great planning and places throughout Virginia. As a professional association, recognizing members and their high-quality work is a core function of the Chapter.”
Murphy has played a role in the City’s Planning Department since 1991. In 2016, she took on her current position in the department, working as the City’s Planning Director.
“Her real strength is the ability to work with citizens, applicants, and staff to resolve problems,” said Williamsburg Planning Director, Reed Nester, “She is very skilled in the ability to give people a straight and understandable answer.”
Murphy has served past public service roles as a codes compliance officer where she became one of the founding members of the Virginia Association of Zoning Officials. She’s previously held positions as the City’s zoning administrator, and as the deputy planning director.
During the conference, the City of Williamsburg, York County, & James City County took home a shared award for the Historic Triangle’s Edge District. The three localities received the Holzheimer Economic Development award. The Edge District has been a joint effort between the three localities to further the development of the area along Second Street and Merrimac Trail.
A full list of the conference’s award winners can be found on APA Virginia’s website.
