Community Development Services Director Appointed

Kimberly I. Smith, AICP, MAUP, MBA was appointed Monday as Director of Community Development Services for the City of Urbana. Smith will take over for Sheila Dodd, Grants Manager, who has been serving as Interim Community Development Services Director since September 2021. 

“I grew up in Champaign-Urbana, and held my first professional position with the Community Development Services Department,” Smith said. “I remained in the profession throughout my career, and am very excited to bring my experience and skills back home with me.”

Mayor Diane Wolfe Marlin said that she was impressed with Smith’s experience in managing a multi-division department similar to Urbana’s. “Her background in long-range planning, economic development, code administration, and neighborhood revitalization will enhance our current efforts.” 

 “Urbana is a wonderful place! I am looking forward to working as a team with our staff, elected officials, and stakeholders to realize both enhancement and growth opportunities for the City,” Smith said.

Smith earned a Master of Business Administration from Bradley University and a Master of Arts in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She served as a Senior Urban Planner for the City of Peoria for 20 years and most recently, Assistant Economic and Community Development Director for the City of Bloomington, Illinois.