The City of Raleigh is bringing back Niki Jones as the new Assistant City Manager. Currently serving as the Interim Manager for Athens-Clarke County, Georgia, Jones previously worked with Raleigh as the Assistant Director of the Housing and Neighborhoods Department from 2016 to 2020, after serving as the Planning Director for Wendell.
According to the City of Raleigh announcement, Niki Jones, recently promoted to Deputy Manager in Athens-Clarke County in June 2024, is returning to Raleigh. City Manager Marchell Adams-David expressed excitement about his appointment, saying, "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."
Jones has a strong background in neighborhood revitalization, economic development, and supporting minority and women-owned businesses. He has also managed capital projects in areas like infrastructure, water and sewer systems, 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," Jones said in the same announcement, eager to rejoin and collaborate with Raleigh's teams. He will oversee the City’s Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources, Planning & Development, Emergency Communications, Communications, and Equity and Inclusion departments. His appointment will take effect on January 21, 2025.
Before joining Raleigh, Jones gained experience with the City of Greenville, holding roles such as code enforcement officer, land use planner, economic development project manager, and eventually Housing Administrator. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban & Regional Planning and a Master of Public Administration from East Carolina University, along with leadership programs from the UNC School of Government and the University of Georgia's Carl Vinson Institute.
