Athens Reporter

Athens-Clarke County Unified Government (ACCGov) Acting Manager Niki Jones has appointed Bruce Lonnee as the new Planning Director. Lonnee, who had been serving as Interim Planning Director since June 2024 following the retirement of Brad Griffin, will assume the role immediately.

Jones expressed confidence in Lonnee's capabilities, stating, “Bruce not only has a wealth of experience in the planning field, but he knows a great deal specifically about the Athens-Clarke County community as well. He has worked with this community through comprehensive plan, historic designation, and rezoning processes for more than two decades. I have no doubt he’ll continue to do the same excellent work moving forward in this new role.”

Lonnee began his career with ACCGov's Planning Department in 1998 after gaining experience with regional and municipal planning agencies in Wisconsin and Georgia. He also held roles such as Community Planner and Economic Development Director for a major non-profit organization in Milwaukee. Throughout his tenure at ACCGov, he has served as Assistant Comprehensive Planner, Senior Planner, and Assistant Director.

Commenting on his appointment, Lonnee stated, “There’s challenging and impactful work to be done to guide Athens-Clarke County’s growth. I’m excited to lead the Planning Department in facilitating these efforts while working directly with our residents, business partners, and community stakeholders.”

His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario; a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; and a Master of Historic Preservation degree from the University of Georgia.

In addition to being a certified planner and member of relevant professional organizations like the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association, Lonnee has contributed academically as a guest lecturer at several colleges within UGA since 1999. He also instructed courses on Planning Ethics and Professional Practice at UGA’s College of Environment and Design.

The mission of ACCGov's Planning Department is focused on managing community change related to land use, transportation, historic preservation, urban design, and overall development to foster an environment that benefits all Athens-Clarke County residents.

For further details about ACCGov's planning initiatives or resources such as high-resolution images of Bruce Lonnee can be accessed online at www.accgov.com/planning.