Brookline Names Next Director of Planning, Community Development

BROOKLINE, MA — Town Administrator Mel Kleckner announced Wednesday that Kara Brewton has been named the Town of Brookline's next Director of Planning and Community Development.

Brewton, who has served as the town's Economic Development Director since 2008, will begin her new role on Friday, October 8 upon the retirement of Allison Steinfeld.

"Kara has served the town well as its Economic Development Director for well over a decade, ensuring Brookline has remained a nimble and welcoming community for a diverse group of businesses," said Kleckner in a statement. "She is abundantly qualified for this role and I have no doubt she'll continue to advocate for responsible growth that aligns with the priorities of Brookline's residents."

As Brookline's Economic Development Director, Brewton oversaw a variety of key projects and initiatives, including new commercial development, streetscape improvements, and solar power purchase agreements for six town buildings.

Brewton has also led numerous strategic planning efforts centered around town-owned properties and other efforts to earn Town Meeting approval for zoning and regulatory changes to accommodate car share operators, cannabis dispensaries, ground-mounted solar panels, year-round outdoor dining, and a home rule petition for additional liquor licenses.

“The Planning Department’s next chapter must include experimentation and innovation, in addition to celebrating our day-to-day work," said Brewton in a statement. “We are responsible for positively affecting not only the people that live and work here today, but also those who will be part of the Brookline community in the future. Brookline’s capacity and drive to take action locally and lead on key issues like the region’s housing crisis, our nation’s systemic racial inequities, and our global climate emergency are what make this community such a rewarding place to work.”

Prior to working for Brookline, Brewton worked in the private sector in civil engineering, planning, and real estate development. She holds a master's degree in urban planning from Harvard Graduate School of Design and a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.