Mayor Brandon Johnson selected real estate executive Ciere Boatright as Chicago’s next Planning and Development Commissioner.
Boatright, who currently serves as the vice president of real estate & community development at CRG, construction firm Clayco’s real estate and investment arm, will assume her new role effective Nov. 20. Boatright, a Chicago native, has overseen complex developments at CRG.
Johnson praised Boatright’s experience in private developments across the city in a statement. He also emphasized his commitment to bringing more economic development through real estate investment to all 77 Chicago neighborhoods and Boatright’s ability to carry out the mission from her new role.
In a related move, DPD Zoning Administrator Patrick Murphey, who had been the department’s acting commissioner, has been promoted to the position of first deputy, bringing over 20 years of planning experience to the position.
Boatright succeeds Maurice Cox, who was appointed by former Mayor Lori Lightfoot as Chicago’s Planning and Development Commissioner in 2019 before leaving the role earlier this year. Cox came to the city from a similar role in Detroit, and his recruitment was touted by the Lightfoot administration.
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At CRG, Boatright helped lead planning and development of real estate projects and launched CRG Cares, a national philanthropic program that collaborates with nonprofit organizations to support community-identified initiatives. She also helped establish PILLAR, CRG’s initiative aimed at supporting emerging commercial developers of color.
Prior to her role at CRG, Boatright served as Vice President of Real Estate & Inclusion at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc., where she played a role in development projects across the city. She also initiated the Diverse Developers Conference, bringing executives from across the Midwest together to discuss innovative approaches to community strengthening.
Boatright’s appointment as Commissioner is now subject to City Council approval.