Alicia Arnold Announced as Director of Housing & Community Development

Published on April 30, 2026

The Town of Chapel Hill is pleased to announce the hiring of Alicia Arnold as its next Director of Housing & Community Development. Her first day in this role will be June 8.

Arnold has more than fifteen years of public sector leadership experience in North Carolina, including the past twelve years with Wake County government. She currently serves as Deputy Director of Housing Affordability and Community Revitalization, guiding major initiatives to expand access to affordable housing, strengthen services to unhoused community members, and support vulnerable residents.

Chapel Hill Town Manager Ted Voorhees says, "Alicia's leadership in Wake County shows her ability to deliver real results for residents and sustain partnerships that make communities stronger. We are thrilled to welcome her to Chapel Hill and look forward to the positive impact she will make on our mission of learning, serving, and working together to build a community where everyone thrives."

Arnold holds a Master of Public Administration and a Graduate Certificate in Security Studies from East Carolina University, where she also earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and Philosophy.

Arnold said, "Strong communities aren't created by chance. They're built when everyone has the opportunity to belong and thrive. I am honored to join the Town of Chapel Hill and excited to work alongside staff, partners, and residents to strengthen housing opportunities and support the well-being of our community. I look forward to building on the Town's commitment to equity, collaboration, and meaningful results for the people we serve."

The Town of Chapel Hill's Housing & Community Development Department manages the Town's various affordable housing initiatives, including over $5 million in federal and local funding, executes the Town's Affordable Housing Plan and Investment Strategy, manages the Town's eleven public housing communities, and administers multiple community development funding programs.