The city of Chicago has announced that Mayor Brandon Johnson has appointed Ciere Boatright as the Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development for the City of Chicago. Boatright, who currently serves as the Vice President of Real Estate & Community Development at CRG, brings her extensive experience to the role.

According to a press release by the city of Chicago, Boatright has a history of overseeing significant development projects and leading philanthropic programs focused on community initiatives. She has also been successful in bringing together private sector, government, and community stakeholders to drive investment in Chicago's communities.

“Ciere Boatright is a tremendously talented and respected executive with a proven track record of managing public and private developments across the City and getting deals done,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson, according to a press release by the city of Chicago. “As a native Chicagoan who knows the landscape of our city, her unique understanding of community economic development, commercial real estate, affordable housing, job creation and neighborhood engagement will ensure our city works equitably for all Chicagoans.”

Before joining CRG, Boatright served as the Vice President of Real Estate & Inclusion at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, where she led major real estate projects that generated employment opportunities and actively participated in affordable housing policy efforts within Chicago's neighborhoods.

“I am honored to join Mayor Johnson and the incredible team at DPD to work with developers, business and community leaders, and residents to create a more equitable, vibrant and inclusive future throughout all Chicago neighborhoods,” said Ciere Boatright, according to a press release by the city of Chicago. “Together, we will work with communities to foster inclusive growth through equitable contracting, planning, zoning, development and innovation that will fuel meaningful economic opportunities for generations of Chicagoans.

It is important to note that Boatright's appointment as Commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development is subject to City Council approval.