Newberry City Planning Director Thomas Leaves After 10 Years

NEWBERRY ‒ Newberry City Commissioners honored Director of Planning and Economic Development Bryan Thomas during the May 28, 2024, City Commission meeting for his 10 years of service to the Newberry community. Newberry Mayor Jordan Marlowe read a proclamation into the record to thank Thomas for his service and to honor him by declaring June 3, 2024, as Bryan Thomas Day in Newberry.

During his career in Newberry, which began Jan. 1, 2014, Thomas has worn many hats in service to the community. He began by serving in the City of Newberry Planning Department and has since served as the Director of Planning and Economic Development.

“He has been instrumental in helping the City Commission, Development Application Review Team, Planning and Zoning Board, the Historic Architectural Review Board, and many developers in their discussions of planning, land use, historic preservation, economic development, and many other issues that affect the City of Newberry and its residents,” said Marlowe.

A few of his accomplishments include the creation of the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), streamlining of the development process, establishment of the gateway corridor standards, the creation of the Economic Development Steering Committee, and much more.

“Bryan’s service extends well beyond the Planning Department and he is well respected by the community,” said Marlowe. “Bryan has built cooperative relationships with residents, other government organizations, community groups, local non-profits, Newberry businesses, design and development professionals and other members of the community,” Marlowe said.

He commended Thomas as a hard-working and dedicated public servant, at all times committed to helping the Newberry community and administering planning regulations with a sense of fairness; and has provided invaluable leadership and guidance on many significant projects.

“On behalf of the entire City Commission, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Bryan for his loyalty to the City of Newberry and wish him much happiness as he begins this exciting new chapter in his life,” Marlowe said.

Marlowe finished by proclaiming Monday, June 3, 2024, as Bryan Thomas Day in the City of Newberry. He urged all residents and employees to join with the City Commission in congratulating Thomas on an outstanding career with the City of Newberry and wished him many continued years of happiness and good health.

Asked what Thomas has planned after his lengthy career with the City of Newberry, he remarked that he wanted to take some much needed “R & R” for the moment.

#     #     #

Email cwalker@

alachuatoday.com