North Raleigh Today

The City of Raleigh has appointed Niki Jones, AICP, as its new Assistant City Manager. Mr. Jones is currently the Interim Manager for the Athens-Clarke County, Georgia Unified Government.

Jones is returning to Raleigh, where he was the Assistant Director of the Housing and Neighborhoods Department from 2016 to 2020. Before his role in Athens-Clarke County in 2021, he served as Planning Director for the Town of Wendell and was named Deputy Manager in June 2024.

“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,” said Marchell Adams-David, Raleigh City Manager.

Throughout his career, Jones has worked on various projects including neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, business recruitment, and parks planning. He has supported programs for small businesses and entrepreneurs, focusing on minority and women-owned businesses. His experience also includes capital projects such as streets, water and sewer systems, broadband infrastructure, 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,” Mr. Jones said. “I look forward to working with and supporting our team on meaningful projects and initiatives as soon as possible.”

In his early career stages with the City of Greenville, Jones progressed from code enforcement officer roles through land use planner positions to economic development project manager responsibilities before becoming Housing Administrator prior to moving to Raleigh in 2015.

Mr. Jones’ portfolio will include departments such as Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources; Planning & Development; Emergency Communications; Communications; and Equity and Inclusion when he begins his service with Raleigh on January 21, 2025.

Jones holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban & Regional Planning and a Master of Public Administration degree from East Carolina University. He completed further studies at UNC School of Government's Public Executive Leadership Academy (PELA) along with Certified Public Manager curriculum at University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute.