Arlington Welcomes Development Block Grant Administrator

From the Town of Arlington:

The Arlington Department of Planning and Community Development is pleased to announce that Julie Wayman has joined the staff to manage the federal Community Development Block Grant program. The Town receives roughly $1 million annually to support local community development activities such as affordable housing, infrastructure development, and providing opportunities for low and moderate income households. Julie will have the primary responsibility for managing the program and working with the many groups that receive funds. Julie began work on November 7.

Julie is an Arlington resident and comes to the Town from Project Bread, where she managed programs in Child Nutrition. She has a Master’s degree in Public Health from Boston University. Julie is passionate about working with underserved communities, to help them participate in and access resources within our community.

Julie stated, “I am excited to start a new phase in my career, and to support the great work being done in our community.” Jennifer Raitt, Director of Planning and Community Development said “Julie’s experience working with the non-profit sector and cities and towns across the state make her an asset to our department and the town.”

About Planning and Community Development:

The Arlington Department of Planning and Community Development is committed to improving the quality of life for Arlington's residents by improving housing opportunities, transportation access, economic development to enhance the vitality of our business districts and generate commercial tax revenue, providing opportunities for low and moderate income households, and preserving and promoting the Town's natural, historic, and cultural resources. The Department is focused on planning, redevelopment, and creating future development opportunities. The Department oversees various planning and community development activities within the Town of Arlington.

Staff are involved in many key initiatives including implementation of the Master Plan, Mass Ave Phase II planning, Complete Streets, and efforts in our business districts. The Department has nine full-time and four part-time staff members. The Department provides staff support to the Arlington Redevelopment Board (ARB). The ARB is the Town's Planning Board and is also the redevelopment authority. The ARB manages three Town buildings: Jefferson Cutter House, Central School, and 23 Maple Street. The Town’s economic development services are outlined here.

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