MEMPHIS, Tenn. May 30, 2025 — Mayor Paul Young has appointed John Zeanah, AICP, to serve as the City of Memphis’ new Chief of Development and Infrastructure, a senior-level position that brings strategic alignment and oversight to four key departments: Planning and Development (DPD), Engineering, Housing and Community Development (HCD), and Public Works, and includes oversight of the key community and economic development agencies associated with the city of Memphis.
Zeanah brings more than a decade of leadership in planning and development, most recently serving as Director of the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. He led transformative initiatives such as Memphis 3.0, the city’s first comprehensive plan in 40 years, which earned national acclaim, including the Daniel Burnham Award of Excellence from the American Planning Association.
“This new role is about execution – and that requires alignment,” said Mayor Paul Young. “John’s leadership will ensure our planning, housing, and infrastructure teams are not just working hard, but working together. His partnership with our Chief Operating Officer will help bridge strategy and service delivery, ensuring that what we plan gets built and what we build serves our people. This structure allows us to move faster, build smarter, and stay focused on outcomes – because every second counts.”
As Chief of Development and Infrastructure, Zeanah will focus on improving coordination between departments, accelerating housing and infrastructure projects, streamlining permitting, and ensuring long-term investments align with Memphis’ priorities for growth. His work will complement the operational leadership of the Chief Operating Officer, creating a stronger link between vision and implementation.
“When it comes to building a stronger city, every detail matters. From permitting to paving to economic development designed to strengthen Memphis,” said Zeanah. “This role is about strategic alignment: making sure our departments, agencies, plans, and investments are coordinated and driving toward shared goals. I look forward to partnering closely with our COO and other city leaders to ensure Memphis is positioned for smart, community-affirming growth.”
Zeanah’s previous accomplishments include leading the development of the city and county’s housing policy plan, climate action and resilience strategies, and the $200 million Accelerate Memphis initiative. As Administrator of Sustainability and Resilience, he helped secure over $60 million in federal funding for flood resilience in communities like Millington, North Memphis, and Southwest Memphis.
A respected voice in the field, Zeanah recently served on the steering committee for the Housing Supply Accelerator, a national initiative of the National League of Cities and the American Planning Association. He holds a BA in Political Science from Rhodes College and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the University of Memphis.
This appointment reflects Mayor Young’s continued efforts to modernize city government, align departments around shared priorities, and deliver results that improve the quality of life for all Memphians.
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