CHICAGO — Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the appointment of experienced real estate and economic development executive Ciere Boatright as the City of Chicago’s commissioner of the Department of Planning and Development, effective November 20, 2023.    

Boatright is currently the Vice President of Real Estate & Community Development at CRG, Clayco’s real estate and investment arm, where she oversees complex, high-impact developments. Boatright, a Chicago native, will work in partnership to implement Mayor Johnson’s economic development agenda, promoting inclusive, equitable growth through Chicago’s 77 neighborhoods.  

“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,” Mayor Johnson said. “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.”   

At CRG, Boatright leads the planning and development of high-impact projects, and also developed and managed a national philanthropic program, CRG Cares, working with nonprofit organizations to support community-identified and community-led initiatives to complement CRG’s housing, industrial and commercial development’s impact in communities.   

Additionally, Boatright was responsible for the launch of PILLAR, CRG’s diverse developer initiative, to provide support, mentoring and technical assistance to emerging commercial developers of color.   

“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,” Boatright said. “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.    

“I look forward to utilizing my expertise and lived experience to align the Department closely with Mayor Johnson’s vision for the City.” 

Prior to joining CRG, Boatright was Vice President of Real Estate & Inclusion at Chicago Neighborhood Initiatives, Inc., where she led the planning and development of the company’s high-impact real estate projects. In this role, Boatright drove multi-million-dollar projects throughout the city, creating more than 1,600 jobs and serving as CNI’s affordable housing policy point person, participating in working groups to increase the supply of for-sale affordable housing in Chicago’s neighborhoods.   

Recently, as part of her commitment to collaborative leadership, Boatright and a planning committee hosted the inaugural Diverse Developers Conference, convening executives from across the Midwest to discuss and examine how to strengthen communities through innovation, creative financing opportunities and public-private sector partnerships. Throughout her career, she has been adept at bringing the private sector, government and community stakeholders together to catalyze investment in Chicago.    

DPD Zoning Administrator Patrick Murphey has been promoted to first deputy for the Department, bringing more than 20 years of planning experience to this role.    

“I am grateful to step into the first deputy position and contribute to the development of stronger neighborhoods for all.”    

The mayor’s selection is now subject to City Council approval.    

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