Providence, RI Mayor Brett Smiley named Joe Mulligan as director of planning for the city. Mulligan brings over 30 years of service in planning, design and construction to the Smiley administration.

Through Mulligan’s career, he has amassed experience in almost every part of the planning and development process, from working through initial designs to managing complex projects that have impacted and shaped entire communities. Mulligan most recently coordinated transit-oriented development initiatives for the Mass. Bay Transit Authority, strategically developing land surrounding transit corridors so that they are engaging public spaces. He has also worked in the city of Boston and the Boston Redevelopment Agency managing massive capital improvement projects that today have helped make Boston one of the most competitive cities in the country.

“I am excited to welcome Joe Mulligan as a critical part of our team that will help drive development, improve the quality and quantity of our local housing stock, and make the city of Providence an alluring place to live, work and visit,” said Smiley. “Mulligan is a dedicated professional that brings the right mix of experience in both public and private sector work and under his leadership I know we can bring our planning department to the next level.”

“Providence is truly a world-class city and I am excited to get to work enhancing it as a destination to live in and enjoy,” said Mulligan. “Mayor Smiley has a bright vision for making Providence one of the best-run cities in America, and that includes making it easier to build in the city while keeping the integrity of our communities intact. I am confident that the team he has pulled together is the right one for this challenging but exciting work.”

Robert Azar, who recently served as acting director, will stay in the department serving as the deputy director.