Claude Williamson has been named Arlington County’s acting director for Community Housing, Planning and Development (CPHD). Williamson joined CPHD in 1997 and has served as the comprehensive planning supervisor for more than 11 years.
In his new role, Williamson will lead all the department’s efforts, including the development review process; comprehensive planning; neighborhood services; zoning administration; inspections and code enforcement and data analysis. The department is responsible for planning both in Arlington’s neighborhoods and in the densely developed, transit oriented Metro corridors. CPHD is the lead department in implementing the county’s Smart Growth planning vision.
Prior to joining Arlington County in 1997, Williamson worked for the New Orleans City Planning Commission on a variety of planning projects and initiatives. He holds a Master of Community Planning from the University of Maryland School of Architecture. He also holds a Master of Public Administration and Bachelor of Science from Suffolk University in Boston. Williamson is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He lives in the Palisades neighborhood of Washington D.C. with his husband Michael and 11-year old son Evan.