Milton Names New Community Development Director

MILTON, GA — After conducting a national search for a new community development director, the city of Milton has chosen a local candidate to fill this important position. Johns Creek resident Parag Agrawal has been selected to serve as the new director following Kathy Field's departure earlier this year.

Agrawal is a seasoned planning official with more than 15 years of experience in planning and development. Prior to relocating to the North Fulton area to be closer to family, Agrawal held a variety of positions at the state and local level in the northeast and midwestern regions of the United States. He currently serves as DeKalb County's deputy director of the Department of Planning, Development and Sustainability.

"Milton is one of the most livable communities in the country," said Agrawal. "Living nearby in Johns Creek has given me an appreciation for the city's unique built environment and rural heritage, and I look forward to serving our Milton residents."

Agrawal's professional experience includes historic preservation, long-range, master planning, small area plans and overlays, economic development, zoning, transportation, and tree canopy conservation. His work at the state level included authoring a series of 16 comprehensive planning guidance handbooks to assist local municipalities in Rhode Island with crafting comprehensive plans that effectively guide local decision-making.

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"Parag's extensive planning experience at the highest levels, combined with his degrees in architecture and planning, make him an ideal fit for Milton," said City Manager Steve Krokoff. "This was a lengthy, multi-step hiring process--it was important that we found someone with the right skills and experience, but it was also essential that we found someone who understands the importance of citizen engagement and fulfilling a community's vision."

As Milton's community development director, Agrawal will oversee an annual budget of about $1.3 million dollars and a staff of eight employees as well as provide administrative oversight of the city's contract providing outsourced building permit services. Agrawal will officially begin work on Dec. 10.

"I'm definitely eager to get started, but my initial focus will be on listening and learning, getting to know my staff, and better understanding our citizens' vision for their community," Agrawal added.

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