Alexandria, Va. – Today, City Manager James Parajon announced the retirement of the City’s Director of Planning & Zoning, Karl W. Moritz, after 16 years with the City of Alexandria and 11 years in his role as Director. Mr. Moritz’s retirement follows 40 years of distinguished leadership and service in the planning field, locally and regionally. Mr. Moritz started his career with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission in 1984, after which he joined the Montgomery County, Maryland Planning Department’s Research and Technology Center, serving as its Chief.
For four decades, Mr. Moritz has consistently exemplified an unwavering commitment to public service, holding critical positions that are vital to the area’s quality of life, sustainability, and the fulfillment of neighborhood goals set through master planning processes. His work also promoted housing choice and affordability while advancing the expansion of infrastructure, amenities, and economic vitality for a diverse and growing urban and regional population.
"As the City's Director of Planning & Zoning, Mr. Moritz has been a transformative leader, leading impactful projects throughout Alexandria, from the revitalization of our Waterfront to the ongoing redevelopment of Landmark Mall in the West End," said City Manager James Parajon. “His contributions to the future of Alexandria are invaluable, and he will be missed.”
Other major initiatives include redevelopment projects in the Potomac Yard and Oakville Triangle areas, and the redevelopment plan for the Potomac Generating Station.
He has also played a vital role in Citywide planning efforts, including the Housing Master Plan, Alexandria Mobility Plan, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Plan, Environmental Action Plan 2040, the 2019 Green Building Policy, and various zoning and regulatory changes.
During his tenure, Mr. Moritz advocated for an expansion of planning staff to ensure support of community and Citywide planning, bringing the department to its current level of 65.5 staff. He brings respect and honor to the position and has encouraged a departmental culture of teamwork, continuing professional development, and equity. His most recent effort was to implement a one-stop process designed to further enhance development review procedures within the City to advance the vision of community plans.
Mr. Moritz’s last day with the City of Alexandria is Monday, June 30.