I am pleased to announce the selection of our Deputy Director, Burney Johnson.

Burney’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree from Fisk University in Sociology and Urban Planning, and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from Wayne State University.

Burney is currently the Director of Planning Activities for the City of Detroit Planning and Development Department. In this position, Burney oversees and provides direction to Planning, Neighborhood Support Services, and Financial and Resource Management. Burney appears before the City Council, participates in several cross-jurisdictional teams, including transportation, economic development, and land bank creation. Burney advises the Mayor and Chief Development Officer on planning issues and major development projects.

Burney has 25 years of experience in planning and policy development divided between northern California and southeast Michigan. She has held senior-level management positions since 1990. Her planning portfolio includes experience in design review, permit approvals, environmental impacts, ordinance enforcement and interpretation, research and analysis and oversight of Consolidated Housing Plans, homeless planning, land use issues, zoning and subdivision ordinance drafting and interpretation, data analysis, long range planning, community planning, and regulatory compliance.

Burney is currently the Co-Chair of the Detroit Partnership and a leader in the development of the City of Detroit’s Ten-Year Plan to End Homelessness.

Her volunteer work includes the Historic Boston-Edison Association, the Detroit Radio Information Service, and Chairperson of the African American Advisory Committee for Hospice of Michigan.

Based out of our Detroit office, Burney will join our team effective January 3, 2006.