Melanie Wilson

Executive Director & CEO
Chatham County Savannah MPC & CORE MPO
Vice President, GAMPO

Melanie Wilson leads strategic planning, land use, housing, and transportation initiatives for Savannah, Chatham County, and the Coastal Georgia region. With over 30 years of experience in government, academia, and the private sector, she has directed multi-billion-dollar capital programs, advanced resilience strategies, and championed inclusive growth.

About Melanie

Melanie Wilson is the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Chatham County–Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) and the Coastal Region Metropolitan Planning Organization (CORE MPO). She also serves as Vice President of the Georgia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (GAMPO). With over 30 years of experience in urban and regional planning, her leadership spans government, academia, and the private sector.

Throughout her career, Melanie has directed multi-billion-dollar capital improvement programs, spearheaded resilience and historic preservation initiatives, and led multi-jurisdictional collaborations that advance inclusive, sustainable growth. Her prior roles include leadership positions in Georgia, North Carolina, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., where she managed planning departments, transportation initiatives, housing programs, and intergovernmental policy coordination for jurisdictions as large as 857 square miles and populations exceeding 900,000.

She has been instrumental in leading transformative regional projects, including the Coastal Empire Resilience Network (CERN), a multi-sector initiative addressing climate adaptation and community resilience, and the CORE MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050, a 25-year, $1.8 billion investment strategy to improve mobility and infrastructure across Coastal Georgia.

Melanie holds a Master’s Degree in Planning from the University of Virginia’s School of Architecture and a B.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She has completed executive programs at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government in negotiation, strategic management, public-private partnerships, and climate change & energy policymaking. She is a Certified Sustainability Manager, Certified Public Housing Manager, Certified Community Development Block Grant Administrator, Certified Economic Development professional, and Duke University Certified ESL Instructor.

Known for her coalition-building approach and commitment to equitable development, Melanie continues to advocate for policies and projects that create vibrant, resilient communities across Georgia and beyond.

Current Leadership Roles

Executive Director & CEO – Chatham County–Savannah MPC & CORE MPO

Leads strategic planning, land use, zoning, housing, and transportation initiatives for Savannah, Chatham County, and the surrounding region. Oversees the region’s long-range transportation plan and collaborates with local, state, and federal partners to secure funding and guide sustainable growth. Currently managing the CORE MPO Metropolitan Transportation Plan 2050, a $1.8 billion, 25-year infrastructure investment strategy, and spearheading the Coastal Empire Resilience Network (CERN), which unites regional partners to address climate resilience and sustainable development.
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Vice President – Georgia Association of Metropolitan Planning Organizations (GAMPO)

Serves on the executive leadership team of a statewide coalition coordinating transportation initiatives, advocating for infrastructure funding, and shaping policy for sustainable, equitable growth across Georgia’s metropolitan areas.

Past Leadership Roles

Chair – Planning and the Black Community Division (PBCD), American Planning Association

Led national initiatives advancing equitable development and culturally responsive planning practices, fostering dialogue and action on issues affecting Black communities.

Director of Planning & Development – Augusta, GA

Managed planning, zoning, and development for a consolidated government of approximately 200,000 residents, covering 306 square miles. Oversaw historic preservation, building inspections, code enforcement, and economic development functions.

Director of Planning – Wake County, NC

Directed long-range planning, growth management, and intergovernmental coordination for a county of over 900,000 residents, spanning 857 square miles. Oversaw the county’s first unified development ordinance, multi-jurisdictional growth management, and major transportation and hazard mitigation plans.

Deputy Director of Planning – Baltimore, MD

Oversaw the city’s $1.5 billion capital improvement program, regional transportation planning, and community development grants. Secured federal funding for community safety initiatives and partnered on major redevelopment projects, including tax-increment financing efforts.

Director, Office of Long Range Planning – National Capital Planning Commission, Washington, D.C.

Led updates to the federal capital improvement plan, oversaw policy for national monuments, and developed regional security and environmental strategies.

Writings & Insights

A selection of articles, essays, and reflections on planning, infrastructure, sustainability, and community development. These writings explore both local priorities and broader national and global trends in urban and regional planning.

Technology & Infrastructure

5G and Road Design: Paving the Way for Autonomous Vehicles

Jan 6, 2025

Technology & Infrastructure

Explores how 5G connectivity will transform road design and prepare cities for autonomous vehicles. Discusses integration challenges and opportunities for innovation.

https://melaniewilsonmpcsavannah.com/5g-and-road-design-paving-the-way-for-autonomous-vehicles/

Transportation & Mobility

Bridging the Gap: The Impact of Savannah’s Bridges on Regional Connectivity	Jan 6, 2025	Transportation & Mobility	Examines the economic and logistical importance of Savannah’s bridges in linking communities and supporting regional growth.	https://melaniewilsonmpcsavannah.com/bridging-the-gap-the-impact-of-savannahs-bridges-on-regional-connectivity/
From Commutes to Communities: How Transportation Builds Social Connectivity	Jan 6, 2025	Transportation & Mobility	Looks at how transit systems foster social bonds, strengthen neighborhoods, and promote inclusive community development.	https://melaniewilsonmpcsavannah.com/from-commutes-to-communities-how-transportation-builds-social-connectivity/
Night Moves: Enhancing Safety and Accessibility in 24/7 Urban Transit Systems	Nov 19, 2024	Transportation & Mobility	Outlines strategies for improving late-night transit safety and accessibility, balancing operational needs with rider confidence.	https://melaniewilsonsavannahmpc.com/night-moves-enhancing-safety-and-accessibility-in-24-7-urban-transit-systems/
The Role of Public Transportation in Supporting Women in the Workforce	Oct 21, 2024	Transportation & Mobility	Highlights how reliable transit expands career opportunities for women and contributes to gender equity in the workforce.	https://melaniewilsonsavannahmpc.com/the-role-of-public-transportation-in-supporting-women-in-the-workforce/
The Daily Commute: How Public Transportation Improves Accessibility for Low-Income Workers	Oct 21, 2024	Transportation & Mobility	Connects affordable public transportation access to improved economic mobility and job stability for low-income populations.	https://melaniewilsonsavannahmpc.com/the-daily-commute-how-public-transportation-improves-accessibility-for-low-income-workers/

Historic Preservation

Historic Preservation in Urban Planning: Balancing Modernization with Cultural Heritage

Sep 5, 2024

Historic Preservation

Discusses methods for integrating modern infrastructure while protecting historic architecture and cultural identity.

https://melaniewilsonmpcsavannah.com/historic-preservation-in-urban-planning-balancing-modernization-with-cultural-heritage/

Urban Policy & Governance

Navigating Zoning Laws: A Comprehensive Guide for Urban Planners

Aug 8, 2024