During yesterday’s meeting the Prince William Board of County Supervisors announced the hiring of Parag Agrawal as the new Planning Director for Prince William County. The announcement comes following a nationwide search with a public survey and competitive hiring process. His expected start date is Dec. 7, 2020.

“We are happy to welcome Mr. Agrawal to Prince William County and the level of expertise he brings to the position,” said Prince William County Executive Chris Martino.

Mr. Agrawal is currently Community Development Director in the metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia area. It is one of the fastest-growing communities in the metropolitan area, with an estimated annual growth rate between 3-4 percent.

Before joining the Atlanta area three years ago, he was the Associate Director of the Division of Statewide Planning and the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the state of Rhode Island, which has a population of 1.06 million people, for the three years prior. Preceding Rhode Island, he was the Planning and Economic Development Director for the City of Bridgeport, CT. In total, Mr. Agrawal has more than 18 years of experience in the field of planning and development.

“Mr. Agrawal brings a wealth of experience to this position, and we look forward to innovative programs to benefit Prince William County,” said Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair-At-Large Ann Wheeler.

Mr. Agrawal administered Georgia’s largest Transfer of Development Rights program and the recently adopted Greenspace Bond program, both intended to help conserve and preserve land. He also recently completed metropolitan Atlanta’s tree preservation ordinance, and worked with the various private stakeholders to facilitate the development of the city’s new downtown that would enhance the culture and heritage of the community. 

Mr. Agrawal has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Aligarh University in India and a Master of City and Regional Planning from Ohio State University. He is a certified planner with the American Planning Association.

“I am excited to join the team to help move the County forward in its goals. I appreciate the opportunity to serve the citizens of Prince William County. I look forward to working with various community stakeholders to make Prince William County as the most livable community in the country,” said Mr. Agrawal.

Mr. Agrawal was selected as the top-ranked candidate after a national recruitment process. The County received 34 applications from 15 states. Candidates went through an extensive vetting process as part of a contract with a recruiter, The Novak Consulting Group. Mr. Agrawal distinguished himself throughout the recruitment process. He believes strongly in community engagement, building positive relationships and collaboration. He is looking forward to bringing his experience in revitalization, redevelopment and land conservation to Prince William County. 

What will be interesting to note is how development will take place in heavily minority-populated areas under his leadership.

For more information on the Planning Office, visit www.pwcgov.org.