The City of Raleigh has named Niki Jones, AICP, as its newest Assistant City Manager. Mr. Jones is currently serving as the Interim Manager for the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Unified Government.
Mr. Jones is returning to the City of Raleigh, where he served as the Assistant Director of the Housing and Neighborhoods Department from 2016-2020. He served as the Planning Director for the Town of Wendell, prior to becoming Assistant Manager in Athens-Clarke County in 2021. He was named Deputy Manager in June 2024.
“I am glad to welcome Niki back to the City of Raleigh, and we look forward to him joining the team. His extensive background in housing, land use, and community engagement will be critical to advancing key strategic initiatives in these areas,” said Marchell Adams-David, Raleigh City Manager.
Mr. Jones has worked on a broad range of projects through his career, from neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing to business recruitment and parks and recreation planning. He’s supported programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs, specifically minority and women-owned businesses. He also has experience with capital projects including streets, water and sewer, broadband, and airport development.
“It’s a unique opportunity for me to return to the City of Raleigh in a leadership role at such a critical time in its growth,” Mr. Jones said. “I look forward to working with and supporting our team on meaningful projects and initiatives as soon as possible.”
In his early career, Mr. Jones served the City of Greenville in progressively more responsible roles, starting as a code enforcement officer, then a land use planner, and as an economic development project manager. He was the Housing Administrator before his move to Raleigh in 2015.
The City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, Planning & Development, Emergency Communications, Communications, and Equity and Inclusion departments will be part of Mr. Jones’ portfolio. He will begin his service with the City of Raleigh on January 21, 2025.
Mr. Jones has a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a Master of Public Administration degree from East Carolina University. Additionally, Niki has completed the Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) with the UNC School of Government and the Certified Public Manager curriculum with the University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute.